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INTRODUCTION

MSJHS PARENT 2014-18; FUSD PARENT 2005-13

TECHNOLOGY DATA PROFESSIONAL

PRIVATE SECTOR

INSWEB, VISA, ADAPTEC 1997-2004

K-12 PUBLIC EDUCATION

OAKLAND UNIFIED, SANTA CLARA COUNTY OF ED 2008-2019

NON-PROFIT BOARD MEMBER

FAMILY RESOURCE NAVIGATORS 2020-PRESENT
HEALTHIER KIDS FOUNDATION 2020-PRESENT

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BEFORE MSJHS…

_{PARENT ADVOCATE SINCE CHILD’S ASD DIAGNOSIS, 2008}

_SERVICES

_{IEP GOALS}

_{Organization skills}
_{ELA comprehension skills}
_{Writing skills}
_{Social skills}

_{ACCOMODATIONS LIKE}

_{Extra time with tests}
_{Separate test taking environment to reduce distractions}

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MSJHS - WHAT WORKED?

UNDERSTANDING CHILD’S STRENGTHS AND NEEDS

Course selection – Honors and AP courses in areas of strength
Afterschool activities – no cut teams like track/cross country
Correct class placement with the right teacher (for the most part)

PARTNERING WITH SYSTEMS AND PEOPLE

Working with teachers, administrators, counselors
Building allies within the system

KNOWING YOUR CHILD, KNOWING THEIR RIGHTS

Preparing for meetings and conversations
Importance of documentation and asking for help when needed

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MSJHS – SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT

BETTER COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELING

Smaller group visits to local colleges and workplaces
Individualized career counseling sessions
Help students become self-advocates

DEVELOP CURRICULUM FOR BASIC LIFE SKILLS TRAINING

Personal finance management
Health, hygiene and nutrition

BECOME INCLUSIVE AND SUPPORTIVE ECOSYSTEMS

Celebrate with us – small and large wins
Larger social events like Homecoming, Proms and Graduation Day

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SUPPORT FOR PARENT ADVOCATES

PARENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Workshops on IEPs, grad requirements, mental health resources,

College/career pathways, other resources for transition planning.

PEER-PEER PARENT NETWORKS

School-hosted parent education groups, mentor-parent programs.
Facilitated listening sessions for common problem-solving.

EMOTIONAL AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

Disability awareness for staff and other students.
Advocacy is stressful – causes overwhelm, burnout and self-doubt.
Provide a culture of partnership with the families.

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CALL TO ACTION

CONNECT

Introduce yourself to a new parent this month. Exchange numbers and let them know that they don’t have to do this alone.

Share a tip, resource or a piece of knowledge you know could help the family.

ADVOCATE

Speak up for a child, even though they are not yours. Perhaps the parents are still finding their voice…

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RESOURCES

WARMLINE 510-547-7322

EMAIL INFO@FAMILYRESOURCENAVIGATORS.ORG