A support network for parents of children in special education and referred students of the Knox County and Mount Vernon School systems. The services provided are parent education, support on an individual basis, attend IEP meetings, resources, and link families to community agencies. Support groups meet in Mount Vernon, Centerburg and Fredericktown.

This group was created to support grandparents caring for their grandchildren with disabilities.. In our meetings we will provide a place to be heard and listen to others as we navigate challenges, and discuss struggles and stress. In addition, we will share and discuss resources about the importance of self-care.

A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with a disability who is employed by the local educational service center to help guide school districts and families by providing training, support and information services. Services include: - Guiding families through the special education process and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities; - Listening and providing support to families and educators on an individual basis; - Providing information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services and community resources; - Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request; - Organizing and conducting information sessions or workshops based on the needs of families and professionals; - Building collaborative partnerships among families, schools and communities to benefit students with disabilities.

Parent Mentors provide free support and resources to families of children with disabilities and school staff members. Parent Mentors typically work within designated school districts or Educational Service Center areas. Parent Mentors can provide information and resources for: - Improving student success, especially in literacy; - Planning transitions from preschool to school and from high school and beyond; - Understanding the rights and responsibilities of families and students. Parent Mentors also can: - Attend individualized education program (IEP) meetings and other meetings at the request of families or staff members; - Host information sessions for families and staff members; - Connect families, schools and communities by providing links to local services and organizations that support students with disabilities; - Provide information about federal, state and local special education laws and policies; - Share updated information about special education, such as timelines and deadlines, eligibility processes, informed consent, prior written notice and other requirements.

Provides technical assistance and information to professionals and parents of children with disabilities. Coordinates the activities of the parent advisory council and provides in service trainings to professionals and parents.

A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with a disability who is employed by a local educational service center to help school districts and families by providing training, support and information services. Services include: - Guiding families through the special education process and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities; - Listening and providing support to families and educators on an individual basis; - Providing information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services and community resources; - Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request; - Organizing and conducting information sessions or workshops based on the needs of families and professionals; - Building collaborative partnerships among families, schools and communities to benefit students with disabilities.

A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with a disability who is employed by a local educational service center to help school districts and families by providing training, support and information services. The MVESC Parent Mentor program services include: - Guiding families through the special education process and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities; - Listening and providing support to families and educators on an individual basis; - Providing information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services and community resources; - Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request; - Organizing and conducting information sessions or workshops based on the needs of families and professionals; - Building collaborative partnerships among families, schools and communities to benefit students with disabilities.