Parent Mentor Service

Parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities must work collaboratively with the education system so that together they can ensure that the needs of their children are met. Through the TVCC Parent Mentor program, parents and caregivers have access to individuals who have “been down this road before”. Our Parent Mentors are parents of TVCC clients who share their experiences navigating the school system with a child with a disability, as well as help families explore options and learn to build strong relationships within the educational system. Through their partnership with local school boards, they ensure that families are given the most accurate and updated information about school.

Parent Mentors work with families to help them:

Transition into school, between grades, into high school and out of the education system into their chosen future
Enhance understanding of the education system, such as the streams of special education, IEP’s, IPRC’s, supports and services
Help families develop and maintain effective relationships with their child/youth’s school;
Develop positive advocacy skills
Help parents use solution focused strategies to assist in problem solving with the school.
By answering, explaining, listening, and supporting with almost any aspect of school!

Access to Service

You can ask any of your TVCC clinicians for a referral to Parent Mentor Services, complete a self-referral from our website or contact the Parent Mentors directly by emailing parent.mentor [at] tvcc.on.ca or calling 519.685.8700 ext 53767. Parent Mentors also provide a variety of workshops throughout the year and a weekly drop-in for anyone wanting to connect with other TVCC caregivers.

What to Expect

Parent Mentor Services can be provided by phone, email, Zoom or in person. Please email or phone to arrange a time to connect. You can expect an individualized approach specific to your situation.

Once you arrange a time, a Parent Mentor will contact you to assist you with the school related issues you want to discuss. Some examples of issues and questions include:

What to expect from a school planning meeting; who does what; how to prepare; what questions to ask
How to approach school personnel with various issues as they arise
How to effectively and collaboratively problem solve with your school team
How to understand the various reports that come home from school
What to consider when starting at a new school or classroom
How to sort and use resources and documents in a meaningful way