Volunteer Special Education Surrogate Parents
• Meet the eligibility requirements of the SESP program

  • Be least 18 years old
  • Not be employed by an agency involved in the care or education of the student you will be serving. For example, you will not be appointed to a particular student if you or your spouse is employed by the school district that is responsible for the education of that student
  • Have no interest that might conflict with the interests of the student
  • Must have, or be willing to obtain, adequate knowledge in special education and the Individualized Education Program process

• Volunteers are required to participate in the Orientation Training and complete an SESP Application
• Completion of a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Form
• Promote the best interest of the student in special education matters.
• Respect the confidentiality of all records and information related to the student.
• Request additional assistance and guidance from the RTSC (phone calls, webinars, Annual Conference, Consider This…news journal, etc.)

District Responsibilities
• Identify a staff member to serve as the primary SESP Recruitment Coordinator
• Actively engage in recruitment of local community members
• Submit information regarding outreach efforts (events, locations, etc.)
• Direct volunteers to RTSC website for the SESP Application, Orientation Training options, and contact information for RTSC support
• Request assistance and guidance from RTSC as necessary

Recruitment Options 
• Information regarding the SESP program posted on the website for each school within the district
• Dedicated email announcements sent to potential recruits on a regular basis
• Brochures and flyers provided by RTSC available in the front office of each school, school events, and PTA meetings
• Personal outreach to individuals identified as collaborative problem-solvers interested in the educational best interest of students in the district (previous parents, friends, etc.)
• Collaborate recruitment efforts with district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs)

RTSC’s Role
• Meet with the district contact person to provide initial and ongoing guidance and support for their recruitment efforts
• Provide the required Orientation Training, process applications, and notarize CORI Forms for volunteers
• Provide ongoing support for both SESPs and the school district
• Provide brochures and other recruitment materials and suggestions for outreach to the community
• Present Developmental Trauma and Learning workshops

Conflict of Interest
A person identified by the district and willing to serve as a special educational surrogate parent may not be in the employ of the school district or any state or local agencies involved with the care of the student. In addition, a volunteer Special Education Surrogate Parent may not have children currently receiving special education services within the district.

Application and Training
RTSC will be responsible for providing the Orientation Training required to serve in the SESP program. The following training options are available:

  • RTSC conducts regular trainings throughout the state. Interested volunteers can attend at any convenient location. The RTSC Orientation schedule is posted on RTSC’s Calendar
  • RTSC Trainers will present an Orientation Training upon request within the school district for three or more recruited volunteers.
  • CORI Forms must be notarized by an RTSC staff member.

For information on student eligibility determination, completing an initial referral form for students identified as eligible for appointment of an SESP, or SESP appointment and case management, visit the Collaborative for Education Services’ Special Education Surrogate Parent Program.

 

Revised April 20,2017