The Parent-School Partnership program is designed to assist children with autism spectrum disorders to reach their maximum potential in the educational system.   The program will build collaboration between parents and schools, recognizing that both are essential partners in the child‘s education.

Objectives:

• To facilitate partnerships between school personnel and the parents of students with autism.
• To strengthen mutual respect and understanding between parents and school personnel.
• To join parents and schools in guiding each child toward knowledge and independence.

Support for Families:

• Helps families establish positive working relationships with school personnel.
• Provides families with information and training about autism.
• Helps families understand special educational rights and responsibilities.
• Provides support in the referral process with other agencies.
• Encourages parents to be active participants in their child‘s education.
• Parent Mentors attend IEP meetings with families on request.

Support for Schools:

• Encourages collaboration and teamwork between schools and families.
• Acts as a resource for schools on issues relating to autism spectrum disorders.
• Provides information and training to schools.
• Accepts referrals for families who might benefit from program resources.
• Helps schools to involve parents in the education process.

Parent Mentors:

Click on Contacts above to reach the Parent School Partnership Parent Mentor for your county:

• AJ: Abbeville, Anderson (1, 2 & 5), Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Spartanburg, Union
• Chantelle: Greenville, Pickens, Oconee, Anderson (3, 4)
• Chris:  Dillon, Clarendon, Florence*, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Williamsburg, Marlboro*
• Dandrea: Beaufort*, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton*, Jasper*
• Dawn: Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Saluda
• Kim: Kershaw, Lee, Orangeburg, Richland (1,2), Sumter, Darlington (phone support), Lexington 2 (old cases), Rich/Lex 5 (old cases)
• Melissa: Lexington (1, 3, 4), Calhoun, Newberry, Lexington 2 (new cases), Rich/Lex 2 (new cases)
• Yolanda: Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Lancaster, York

For more information, please contact us at 803-750-6988 or 800-438-4790 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .