Spring can be a stressful time for parents who have a child on an Individualized Education Plan. The free Parent Mentor Program in Wood County can help relieve that stress by providing resources and support to families.

For most parents it’s there first time they are being thrust into the special education arena. New acronyms are being thrown at them, assessments are being done on their child, and accommodations in the classroom are being created for their child. It’s a whole new world that is overwhelming with all new information, not to mention the emotional side that your child needs these services. But a parent does not have to walk this journey alone.

Parent Mentors can attend IEP/504 meetings, listen to concerns and provide support to parents, organize and conduct workshops, research and provide information, explain special education policies and procedures, and help find and access community resources.

The Parent Mentor Program has been around for about 30 years to help parents navigate the special education process. It is a grant funded program that provides free services to parents and schools. The parent mentor works to support the relationship between the school and the family Gerken started this role in the fall and has built relationships within the community to better understand the needs of what parents and teachers need.

Since her time in the parent mentor role she has created a social media presence to make parents more aware of this free service to them and a monthly newsletter that contains resources for parents and upcoming events that would be helpful/ fun for children and their families.

Gerken has also made the lending library of books more accessible to the community by posting all the books on the Wood County Educational Service Center website. The books focus on an array of different topics related to disabilities. These books are free to borrow and can be found at wcesc.org or at the WCESC, 1867 N. Research Drive. Browse Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Throughout her work, Gerken learned that the community wanted an Autism Support Group for parents. A virtual monthly meeting for parents was created so parents can come together and give advice on what they have learned and to share resources. They are planning on getting together at an inclusive playground with the children in the spring.

Gerken has also partnered with the Ability Center to help bring their lending library of communication devices, adaptive toys, and equipment to the classroom. If a teacher has a need or wants to try out an item before purchasing for the classroom they can fill out a form on the Ability Center website and the program will pick that item up and deliver to the school free of charge.

Gerken is excited for her new role and hopes to make every parent aware of the program.

She said “no question is too small” and she is excited to help parents not only with special education but also with local resources.

For more information reach out to her at [email protected] or call 419-354-9010 ext. 113. Follow the Parent Mentor social media pages on Facebook (Parent Mentor Wood County), Instagram (parentmentorofwoodcounty) and Twitter (@parentmentor920) for latest resources and events. Sign up for a monthly newsletter (bit.ly/3TuG6w9). To learn more, visit https://parentmentor.osu.edu/.