Purpose

The purpose of the Family and Community Support Program is to nurture communication and collaboration among parents and educators, ultimately leading to greater success for students with disabilities.  The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System participates in this parent driven initiative, headed by the Georgia Department of Education.  Through this program, the Department for Exceptional Children employs parents of children receiving special education services to advise, educate and support other families navigating through the special education process.  Liaisons work with and develop collaborative partnerships among parents, educators, agency personnel and community members and provide educators and families’ better insight into one another’s perspective.  Liaisons are professional staff members of the school system who know first-hand the triumphs and disappointments of raising a child with learning, emotional and /or physical challenge.

Role of a Family and Community Liaison

• Provides information to parents on the special education process of referral, evaluation, and placement.
• Provides accurate information through system educators and programs about rights and responsibilities under the IDEA Act.
• Assists parents in preparing for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to enable them to be active members of the team.
• Directs parents to resources available within and outside the school system.
• Provides training for parents, educators, and community members on requested topics. Parent training can be individually or through workshops in the community.
• Provides feedback to the school system regarding areas that are of concern to parents.
• Serves as a liaison between the Department for Exceptional Children and the Parent Advisory Committee.

Services provided through

• Parent training workshops
• One-on-One meetings
• Informational parent publications (i.e. Newsletter, brochures, and resource guide)
• Community forums and events
• Network of supportive parents

Family and Community Liaisons can be your assistance...

• If your child has been diagnosed with a disability or chronic illness.
• If you need information on special education or other services for your child.
• If you need support at an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting.
• If your child is having problems at school.
• If you would like to find available resources within the community for your child.
• If you would like to connect with another parent who has experienced similar challenges.

Contact:

Jael McLemore - 912-395-1331 (jael.mclemore@sccpss.com)

Jane Newman  - 912-395-1329 (jane.newman@sccpss.com)

Family and Community Liaisons
Department for Exceptional Children
Eli Whitney Complex

2 Laura Street - Room 3

Savannah, GA 31404

Telephone: 912.395.5583
Facsimile:  912.201.5581