What is the SEDOL Parent Advisory Board?

The SEDOL (Special Education District of Lake County) Parent Advisory Board is a collaborative group consisting of parents or guardians whose children receive special education services (either directly by SEDOL or through a member school district served by SEDOL) and SEDOL educational and support staff.

 

Formed in 2008, the Board resulted from a common desire of parents and SEDOL administration to bridge the relationship between home and school while increasing awareness of the individual differences and needs of students receiving special education services.

 

What is SEDOL?

The Special Education District of Lake County, more commonly known as SEDOL, is a special education cooperative organized in 1960 under the provisions of the The School Code of Illinois. The purpose of this joint agreement is to provide cooperative program planning, instructional programs, related services, and professional staff development in order to assure an appropriate education for children with disabilities ages 3 through 21 (until the age of 22) residing within the boundaries of SEDOL's member school districts.

 

SEDOL provides a wide range of educational and support services for students who have been screened, evaluated, or determined eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), provisions of the Illinois School Code, and state regulations.

 

Eligible students can receive services through 1) SEDOL Sector Programs, or 2) at one of SEDOL's 6 center buildings.

 

1) SEDOL Sector Programs are designed to provide instructional, resource, and/or itinerant special education programs and services to students with disabilities in member district educational settings. Sector programs are generally housed in member district schools throughout Lake Coiunty. For more information regarding SEDOL's Sector Programs, please visit the SEDOL website.

 

2) Those students with more significant moderate to profound disabilities may attend and receive services at one of SEDOL's 6 alternate schools.  For more information about the programs and services provided at SEDOL's center buildings, please please visit the SEDOL website.

 

SEDOL has also established the Parent Mentor Project, a program through which trained parent mentors act as a liason between parents and educators. The program also provides training and technical assistance to parents and educators relating to the referral, identification, and placement of children with special needs in special education programs.

 

 

What is the Parent Advisory Board's Mission?

To advance the educational lives of children receiving special education in SEDOL's member districts through communication, partnership, and change between home and school.

 

What Does the Parent Advisory Board Do?

Although the group is self-governed and works independently to achieve it's goals and mission, the Board works closely with SEDOL administration providing valuable input regarding policies, procedures, and programs.

 

Additionally, in June of 2009, SEDOL's Parent Advisory Board surveyed SEDOL member families to assess and gather input regarding home/school communication and parent educational opportunities.

 

Based on the results of this survey, together with ongoing parent input and collaboration with SEDOL administration and staff, the Parent Advisory Board has established a specific action plan to deliver services in the following areas:

 

·                  Create networking opportunities

·                  Connect families to valuable resources

·                  Provide parent information, education, and training

·                  Partner with SEDOL's Parent Mentor Project (www.sedol.us/parents.html)

·                  Communicate current and new information about SEDOL and member district programs and servcies

·                  Acknowledge and honor exceptional staff and best practices in special education

·                  Work collaboratively with SEDOL administration

 

For more information about the current Parent Advisory Board's Action Plan, please visit our website. 

 

What the Parent Advisory Board Does Not Do

While we greatly value parent input and suggestions, the Parent Advisory Board does not resolve individual grievances regarding your child's special education services.  Information about resolving disputes can be obtained by:

·                  contacting your child's special education team

·                  referring to the Illinois State Board of Education's Special Education Parent Guide, or the ISBE's Procedural Safeguards for Parents/Guardians of Student s with Disabilities

 

Is my school district a member district served by SEDOL?

Students served include those who are between the ages of 3 and 22 and reside within any of its member districts.

 

For a complete list of member school districts please visit the SEDOL website.

 

How can I become involved in SEDOL's Parent Advisory Board?

·                  Consider serving on a Board subcommittee or representing your district on our Parent Advisory Committee

·                  Contact us

·  about a fantastic teacher your child has that you feel should be recognized

·     to share an idea or suggestion you think could benefit others

 

Where can I get more information or learn more about upcoming events and educational opportunities?

·                  Visit the Parent Advisory Board's website for current details (http://www.sedolparents.org))

·                  Contact us at:

            847-548-8470 x2713

            parentadvisory@hotmail.com