What is a Family Liaison and what can they do to help me?
Expectations of a District Family Engagement Liaison:
● Disseminate information to parents/guardians and staff that includes information from DPI/WSPEI on updates on family engagement and DPI grant-initiative resources
● Upon request, communicate with and assist parents or refer parents to CESA WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator as needed
Attend WSPEI Core and additional selected trainings that will enhance Liaison’s knowledge of special education issues and improve skills to work with parents and educators
● Meet regularly and work with the Special Education Director
● Work with the SPED Director to develop district family engagement plan, such as coordinating Lunch and Learns and other informational sessions
● Assist the school district with activities and strategies regarding parent or guardian involvement
● Explore the development of an advisory council or district family engagement team and once created, attend the meetings
● Provide information related to special education to parents or guardians who telephone or e-mail
● Maintain a list or portfolio of district, regional, and statewide resources for families and students in regards to special education
Possible Additional Roles of a District Family Engagement Liaison The following are other possible district family liaison roles as determined by the Director of Special Education, District Family Liaison and the CESA #1 and CESA #7 Family Liaison Coordinator:
● Make arrangements for training for parents or guardians and/or educators in their school district
● Attend, coordinate, and/or facilitate parent or guardian group meetings
● Set up and/or maintain a special education or parent and guardian resource website, library, etc.
● Provide a resource folder or welcome packet to give to parents or guardians who are new to special education
● Write articles for school/district newsletters or create a district newsletter
● Assist with reviewing, updating, and maintaining information regarding special education on website
● Connect with your Public Library and find out who is the main contact, services, offerings, etc.
● Conduct surveys of parents or guardians (including Indicator 8 Parent Survey) when requested by schools or CESAs
● Represent parents or guardians of children with disabilities as a member on other school or community committees
● Co-train or present on special education issues for pre-service or in-service sessions
● Mentor other families
What that means for you as a parent or guardian of a child in the special education program or with an IEP:
● Support and help navigate the process of special education in the school system and what it means for their child to have an IEP or be part of the special education program
● Help parents or guardians feel confident in advocating for their child in school and everyday life
● Create an environment where both teaching staff and parents or guardians feel like the child is making progress and his or her needs are best being met
● Provide resources to better empower students in the special education program and the support people around them
● Help students and parents or guardians through transition times and prepare for life after school
● Create a strong network so both the student and the support staff feel the child is able to be a self advocate
Expectations of a District Family Engagement Liaison:
● Disseminate information to parents/guardians and staff that includes information from DPI/WSPEI on updates on family engagement and DPI grant-initiative resources
● Upon request, communicate with and assist parents or refer parents to CESA WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator as needed
Attend WSPEI Core and additional selected trainings that will enhance Liaison’s knowledge of special education issues and improve skills to work with parents and educators
● Meet regularly and work with the Special Education Director
● Work with the SPED Director to develop district family engagement plan, such as coordinating Lunch and Learns and other informational sessions
● Assist the school district with activities and strategies regarding parent or guardian involvement
● Explore the development of an advisory council or district family engagement team and once created, attend the meetings
● Provide information related to special education to parents or guardians who telephone or e-mail
● Maintain a list or portfolio of district, regional, and statewide resources for families and students in regards to special education
Possible Additional Roles of a District Family Engagement Liaison The following are other possible district family liaison roles as determined by the Director of Special Education, District Family Liaison and the CESA #1 and CESA #7 Family Liaison Coordinator:
● Make arrangements for training for parents or guardians and/or educators in their school district
● Attend, coordinate, and/or facilitate parent or guardian group meetings
● Set up and/or maintain a special education or parent and guardian resource website, library, etc.
● Provide a resource folder or welcome packet to give to parents or guardians who are new to special education
● Write articles for school/district newsletters or create a district newsletter
● Assist with reviewing, updating, and maintaining information regarding special education on website
● Connect with your Public Library and find out who is the main contact, services, offerings, etc.
● Conduct surveys of parents or guardians (including Indicator 8 Parent Survey) when requested by schools or CESAs
● Represent parents or guardians of children with disabilities as a member on other school or community committees
● Co-train or present on special education issues for pre-service or in-service sessions
● Mentor other families
What that means for you as a parent or guardian of a child in the special education program or with an IEP:
● Support and help navigate the process of special education in the school system and what it means for their child to have an IEP or be part of the special education program
● Help parents or guardians feel confident in advocating for their child in school and everyday life
● Create an environment where both teaching staff and parents or guardians feel like the child is making progress and his or her needs are best being met
● Provide resources to better empower students in the special education program and the support people around them
● Help students and parents or guardians through transition times and prepare for life after school
● Create a strong network so both the student and the support staff feel the child is able to be a self advocate