Why Family Liaisons? Parents of children receiving special education services have a lot on their minds. They may feel overwhelmed by the additional responsibilities of raising a child with a disability. They may be confused by the numerous rules and regulations. They may be frustrated, fearful, and in need of guidance and support.
A Family Liaison for parents of children in special education is one way to increase the comfort level of parents and establish positive relationships between parents and schools.
What is the role of the Family Liaison?
A Family Liaison’s job may include:
• Point of contact for the school for parents of children
with disabilities;
• Liaison between the school and parents;
• Meeting with parents who are new to the special education system;
• Explaining district policies and procedures;
• Facilitating parent training groups;
• Providing information and linkage to community services;
• Providing follow-up on school-parent agreements;
• Helping families make the transition to adult services.
Learn New Skills, Hone Old Ones
In the two-day workshop, participants become certified as Family Liaisons, with training to:
• Work with parents of children with disabilities;
• Understand the ISBE Parents’ Guide for special education;
• Understand the provisions of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act;
• Form parent support groups;
• Facilitate parent courses
Learn to Facilitate Parent Courses
Family Liaisons are trained to facilitate small-group courses for parents.
The curriculum of two courses is covered:
My Child at Home
Session 1 - Dealing With The Diagnosis
Session 2 - Medical/Health Needs
Session 3 - Parenting Practices
My Child at School
Session 1 - Rules and Regulations
Session 2 - The IEP Conference
Session 3 - My Child's Champion
Graduates of the Family Liaison workshop receive CDs and master copies of materials for parent courses.
* The content of the courses was developed by the Illinois Service Resource Center.
