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I-90 WEST SR 57 (EXIT 145) CLOSURE
EXIT 145 WEST TO GET TO OUR OFFICE FROM I-90
WILL BE CLOSED SEPT 28 - OCT 12. 

DETOUR TO EXIT 166 (Middle Ridge), TURN LEFT, I-90 EAST TO SR 57 (EXIT 145) -or-
 USE EXIT 153 AT SR 611, TURN RIGHT, TAKE DETROIT RD TO SR 57, TURN LEFT ON 57, RIGHT ON GRISWOLD RD.

Educational Service Center of Lorain County

Parent Mentors

ABOUT US


The role of the parent mentor is to guide families through the special education process. This process includes clarifying parents’ rights and responsibilities; to provide information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services, and community resources; to attend Individual Education Program meetings and other meetings, at the request of the parents and/or school staff; and to build collaborative partnerships between families, schools and community agencies for the purpose of benefiting students with disabilities.

The decision to be involved in the Parent Mentor Program is left to each individual school district. The districts that are served by Parent Mentors in our region are listed on the right.

If you need Parent Mentor assistance and your district does not belong to the Parent Mentor Program, you should contact the 
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities.
FEATURE
PARENT MENTOR (Ohio)
PARENT ADVOCATE
ROLESupports and mentors families, explains IEP/education processes, and builds collaborationRepresents or negotiates for parents, may intervene in disputes
AUTHORITYDoes not give legal advice or represent familiesMay act as a representative, push for compliance, or provide legal guidance.
EMPLOYMENTFunded by districts/ESCs with state grantsIndependent, non-profit, or private (may charge fees)
COSTAlways free!May be free, sliding scale, or fee-based
SCOPEPrepares families, provides resources, may attend meetings but parents speakOften speaks/acts on behalf of parents in conflict situations
RELATIONSHIP WITH SCHOOLSCollaborative, trust-building roleCan be more adversarial if schools are not meeting obligations

DANIELLE HOLZTRAGER, M.ED.

DANIELLE HOLZTRAGERDirector of Special Education Services
440.324.5777 x1132

CONTACTS BY DISTRICT

KENDIS BENDER

Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Columbia, Lorain City, Midview, N. Ridgeville, Oberlin
KENDIS BENDERKendis Bender
440.324.5777 x1167

ASHLEY KINGSBORO

Bellevue, Elyria, Firelands, Keystone, Monroeville, Norwalk, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
440.324.5777 x1166