Northside ISD is looking for some very special - and much needed - volunteers to serve as "surrogate parents" to special education students who don't have legal guardians.
About 200 special education students who live in residential facilities are enrolled in Northside ISD and need a volunteer surrogate parent to help make decisions about their education, as required by state law.
"Surrogate parents act as advocates for special education students by learning about the student's needs, backgrounds, and nature of their disability," said Marcy Warren, NISD Assistant Director Special Education.
Surrogate parents attend Admission, Dismissal, and Review (ARD) meetings, which is when a committee of teachers and administrators review a student's assessments and make decisions about what services, programs, or modifications should be provided. Surrogate parents also work closely with the case managers and house parents of the residential facilities to make educational decisions for special education students.
"I saw first hand how many of these children have no one to speak on their behalf and I knew that I could make a difference in their already difficult life," said Lori Skinner, a longtime surrogate parent volunteer. "Since I began participating in this important program, I have seen first hand the difference a few hours of my time each year makes and I gain tremendous satisfaction knowing I have made a real impact on these kids' behalf."
Volunteers must complete a two-hour training program within 90 calendar days after an initial assignment as a surrogate parent. Volunteers are provided with an explanation of the provisions of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations in the area of special education. Surrogate parents can receive training that is conducted in their native language or other appropriate mode of communication.
Unfortunately, state and federal regulations prohibit employees of Northside ISD or the Texas Education Agency from serving as surrogate parents within the District, Warren said.
"We are looking for retired Northside staff, parents who have students enrolled in Northside, individuals who already volunteer in Northside schools, senior citizens, PTA members, and members of civic groups to make a difference in a child's life," Warren said.
For more information, contact the NISD Special Education Department at 397-8732.
