Parent Mentor Program Training

Hosted By: Parent Information Center of Delaware (PIC)

July 20, 2024

The Delaware Parent Mentor Program Training 

The Delaware Parent Mentor Program is a statewide training program designed to
train a community of parents, caregivers and community members on special
education processes, advocacy, and conflict resolution strategies, and to serve
as mentors, and resources for families of children and youth suspected of, or
currently receiving services under IDEA.

Purpose of the Program:
• Increase family and student capacity to positively navigate the special
education process
• To develop a core group of specially trained mentors who serve in a supportive
capacity to youth and families in the special education process
• Increase family and student stakeholder engagement & contribution to
Delaware’s special education system

The goal is for trained mentors to:

Increase the capacity of families’ ability to advocate for their children, assist families who are navigating the
special education process, and connecting them to resources within the schools and community.
Training to support youth and families in the special education process.
• The program will provide families with individual peer support and information aimed at building the capacity
of families and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs.
• To train families/caregivers with lived experience to become leaders by helping other families secure more
effective services and supports, and to promote systems change for children and families through creating
agreement among families, professionals, and other system stakeholders.

The goal is for trained mentors to:
This cohort of trained mentors will facilitate increased family engagement across all systems, strengthen student family-
school partnerships, and serve as stakeholders and change agents in Delaware’s education system.

Requirements:
• Some foundational knowledge of special education process, either lived or
professionally trained
• Commitment to, and participation in trainings, both weekends.
• Passion and commitment to working with families, schools and stakeholders to
improve outcomes for families of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs
• Participate in ongoing training and technical assistance support (up to 4 per year)

Ideal for:
• Youth, family/caregiver, and community members with special education
knowledge and passion for supporting youth, families and caregivers of youth with
disabilities or special healthcare needs
• Youth, family/caregiver, and community members seeking to improve systems and
outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs
• Youth, family/caregiver and community members
Session Details:
Hybrid – 2-weekends, July 20th & August 3, 2024
Ongoing Specialized Trainings and Technical Support for Parent Mentors
Topics covered:
• Special Education & IEP Process
• Conflict Resolution and Advocacy
• Working with families, record-keeping and effective communication
• Unauthorized Practice of Law

July 20 & August 3rd, 2024  In-person

July 21st & August 4th, 2024 Virtual

Must attend all sessions.
Completion of the attached application is required. Seating limited to 30 participants

 

Register Here