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Parent Mentor Newsletter:

Some thoughts for the starting school year

The Parent Mentor Minute, October 2026—a monthly newsletter from the Lorain County ESC Parent Mentor Program.
Parent MentorNewsletter: Some thoughts for the starting school year
A cozy autumn scene featuring a steaming mug of coffee surrounded by decorative pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, a chunky knit blanket, and softly glowing string lights.
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Happy Fall! Fall is filled with crisp mornings, early evenings, and fun activities. We are here to share some resources to make this season even better! Feel free to reach out to us if you need help preparing for a meeting or if you would like us to attend with you!

Guidance for Families at Every Age and Stage Guidance for Families at Every Age and Stage

Five children wearing a variety of boots and sneakers stand side by side on a leaf-covered path, surrounded by the warm colors of autumn.
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Preschool

One of our favorite free resources for little ones is Dolly Parton’s Ohio's Imagination Library. Children can receive one free book every month, delivered right to your mailbox, until age 5.

It's a simple way to build your child’s home library, encourage a love of reading, and have a new book to enjoy together each month.

Elementary

Sometimes a little extra visual support can make a big difference! Visual schedules and social stories can help kids know what to expect and make transitions a little easier. This FREE website can help you create your own visual schedules and social stories! KindCue — Visual Schedules & Social Stories.

High School (Transition Age 14+)

One of the best ways to prepare your student for success after they are done with school services is for them to have a say in their plan. This toolkit helps young people strengthen self-determination by telling their stories, expressing their needs and goals, and using their voices to share their ideas.

Reading Reading

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The Early Childhood - Ohio's Statewide Family Engagement Center is a wealth of resources for things to do at home and even questions to ask at school!

IEP Tip Corner IEP Tip Corner

Did you know that you can request a 504 or IEP meeting more than once a year? If something isn’t working or you have concerns, you can request an IEP or 504 meeting at any time as a member of the team. Be sure to make your request in writing with days/times you are available. Here is an example template for requesting a meeting.

Local Resources and Events Local Resources and Events

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In need of adapted toys?

RePlay for Kids adapted toy request form is now open.


Connecting for Kids Parent Resources: From Conflict to Connection

October 21, 2026
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. & Hybrid



Adult In-Person or Hybrid (Zoom Webinar)

Are you stuck in cycles of yelling, pleading and trying to correct your child’s behavior? Are you looking for better ways to meet your child’s needs and strengthen your relationship? Join us for a discussion led by Abby Schultz, MS, EIS, of Purposeful Growth & Wellness.



Program includes:

  • Learning about your child’s sensory, communication and emotional profile

  • Exploring how your child’s unique style may affect play, behavior, connection and daily functioning

  • Simple, play-based tools you can use at home



Good to know:

  • This program is for caregivers of children with or without a diagnosis

  • Free childcare is available for ages 1-12 years. Registration required


This program is presented for adults only and is presented in partnership with Avon Lake Public Library. Hybrid attendees will receive a Zoom link for the event via email. Due to grant funding, this program is open to residents of Northeast Ohio.

Empower Sports

Fall Adapted Basketball begins October 19th and runs through November 16th.

Register here: Avon Adapted Basketball

Flyer for a Sensory Friendly Trunk and Treat hosted by Abilities First LLC, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at 3301 Wooster Road, Rocky River, Ohio. The event is designed to provide a safe, fun experience for children and adolescents with special needs. Volunteers are needed. To register or volunteer, scan the QR code or call 440-333-1880. The flyer features colorful Halloween illustrations, including pumpkins, candy corn, ghosts, and children trick-or-treating.
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Flyer for Connecting for Kids Inclusive Playgroups, designed for caregivers and children ages 18 months to 6 years. Upcoming sessions include October 22 at 6:30 p.m. and October 23 at 10:30 a.m. in Westlake, and October 24 at 9:30 a.m. in Lakewood. Register online at connectingforkids.org/play or scan the QR code. The flyer features a young child playing with a colorful toy structure.
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Contact Our Parent Mentors Contact Our Parent Mentors

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Kendis Bender

Kendis Bender

440.324.5777 x 1167

bender@esclc.org


Districts Kendis Serves

Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Columbia, Lorain City, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin

Parent Mentor: Ashley Kingsboro
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Ashley Kingsboro

440.324.5777 x 1166

kingsboro@esclc.org


Districts Ashley Serves

Bellevue, Elyria, Firelands, Keystone, Monroeville, Norwalk, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington

Lorain County Parent Mentors
https://www.loraincountyesc.org/parentmentors4787.aspx

The role of the parent mentor is to guide families through the special education process. This process includes clarifying parents’ rights and responsibilities; to provide information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services, and community resources; to attend Individual Education Program meetings and other meetings, at the request of the parents and/or school staff; and to build collaborative partnerships between families, schools and community agencies for the purpose of benefiting students with disabilities.

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