The most frequent request that the OPC receives from parents is for an advocate to attend their IEP meeting. Due to the small size of our staff and the demand from the community, PTI staff is unable to attend all requested meetings.
In order to assist more parents throughout the state who need support with their IEP meetings, the OPC has created the Community IEP Partners Program.
We are actively recruiting IEP Partners in all areas of the state. Please check our calendar to find a Partners Training near you.
What is the Community IEP Partner’s Program?
The Partners Program trains and matches Partners with parents wanting support at their child’s IEP meeting. Our goal is to have Partners in every community throughout the state of Oklahoma.
Who are Community IEP Partners?
Partners are parents and others who have gone through an intensive Partner Training Program. Partners are volunteers for the Oklahoma Parents Center. They receive a $25.00 stipend for each meeting that they attend as assigned by the OPC.
What is the role of the Community IEP Partner?
Partners are not at the meeting to speak for you. Their role is to help you prepare for the meeting, plan an agenda, identify the issues, write out proposals, etc. At the meeting they will take notes and act as a trained listener who is familiar with special education rules and regulations. Partners model parent/professional partnerships and collaboration.
Can I have a Community IEP Partner attend my IEP meeting?
When we have trained Partners available, we will assign them to meetings. Due to the great demand, we are only able to provide each parent with a Partner for two meetings per student per school year. To have a Partner attend your meeting you need to give the OPC as much notice as possible before the meeting (two weeks is preferable). If you call the day before your meeting, we may not be able to make a match, so please plan accordingly.
Partners are not always available and we may not have a Partner in your area. We will continue to hold trainings throughout Oklahoma in hopes of being able to support parents in all parts of the state. As always, technical assistance is available from the OPC staff at our toll-free number 1-877-553-4332.
Before a Partner can contact you, a Release of Information form must be signed and returned to the OPC. This form will be provided for you by mail or email whichever you prefer. We would also appreciate you filling out a Partner Evaluation Form following your meeting. Your feedback is important to us – we use the information you provide to improve this program.
To request a Partner, please call Nancy Garner, Director of Special Projects, at 1-877-553-4332 or by email at ngarner@oklahomaparentscenter.org.
Are You Interested in Becoming A Community IEP Partner?
We are currently recruiting Partners in all areas of the state. We are continuously conducting trainings throughout the state. For more information about becoming a Partner, please call Nancy Garner, Director of Special Projects, at 1-877-553-4332 or by email at ngarner@oklahomaparentscenter.org.
Confidentiality
All information that Partners receive before or during an IEP meeting should be kept confidential. This information is not to be talked about with friends, family or other Partners. All meeting notes stay with the parents. Partners don’t retain any information. If you have a question or concern about a situation, please call the helpline at 1-877-553-4332.
