Special Education Parent Mentor
Welcome to the information and resource page for Special Education Parents and Families. Our Special Education Parent Mentor can provide information about transition planning, agencies that support individuals with disabilities, Medicaid waivers, special education issues, support groups, disability funding resources, community resources, and other information related to disabilities and special education. ECS Parent & Transition Takeaway Sessions
About the Special Education Parent Mentor: Angela Dyer – Rockdale County Public Schools Parent Mentor
You may not be familiar with the Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership… so, I wanted to share a little bit about the Parent Mentor partnership and myself!
The Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership is an initiative by the Georgia Department of Education, created to improve the relationship between parents (and guardians) whose children receive special education services and the school system. I am a resource through the learning support department to provide special education mentorship to parents, guardians, and stakeholders.
It is important for you to know that every parent mentor must have a child who has received special education services. I have had two of my four children receive special education services through Rockdale County Public Schools. I utilized the Babies Can’t Wait program before my child was three. My family continued the learning support educational journey all the way to researching and sending my children to college. My first 17 years working for Rockdale County Schools have been in special education classrooms as a paraprofessional. I am now the Parent Mentor and am looking forward to partnering with you.
It is my passion to serve students and their families!
I am available for parents in a variety of ways. We can meet face-to - face at your child’s school, at my office, or virtually via Teams for convenience, we can also communicate by phone or email.
Sincerely,
Angela Dyer
Cell: 470-840-7046
Office:770-918-6187
Email: adyer@rockdale.k12.ga.us
ECS Monthly Newsletter
October 2025 Exceptional Children Services Newsletter
ECS Parent & Transition Takeaway sessions
Sessions will be held virtually/online on Microsoft Teams at https://tinyurl.com/2t8tpsfb
6:00-7:00 PM on Tuesdays.
For additional information or questions contact: Angela Dyer adyer@rockdale.k12.ga.us or Gina Swords gswords@rockdale.k12.ga.us
Exceptional Children Services 101 (Tuesday – 9/23/25)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades PreK–12.
Session Overview: This session offers families an opportunity to connect with the ECS team and gain valuable insights into the supports available for their child’s educational journey. Participants will also receive an overview of the upcoming 2025–2026 Parent and Transition Takeaway sessions, including key dates and topics.
Safety and Behavior Tips (Tuesday – 10/14/25)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades PreK–12.
Session Description: The RCPS Behavior Support and Intervention Department will share practical strategies to help parents support positive behavior and ensure safety at home and school. Topics may include behavior management techniques, de-escalation strategies, and creating safe, supportive environments for students with disabilities.
Partnering for Success: Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services (Tuesday – 10/28/25)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades 6-12.
Session Description: A representative from Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) will provide an overview of the wide range of services available to support students as they transition from school to adulthood. Learn how GVRA partners with schools to help students prepare for employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.
Attendance, why does it matter? (Tuesday – 11/04/25)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades PreK–12.
Session Description: A representative from Parent to Parent of Georgia will discuss the importance of consistent school attendance for students with disabilities. Topics may include how attendance impacts academic progress, access to services, and strategies for overcoming common barriers.
Preparing for Technical School or College After High School (Tuesday – 11/18/25)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades 6-12.
Session Description: This session is designed to support parents of students with disabilities as they navigate the transition to postsecondary education. Guest speakers will share valuable insights and resources to help families understand the options available through technical schools and colleges, including accommodations, support services, and application processes.
Medicaid Basics and Katie Beckett Deeming Wavier (Tuesday – 12/09/25)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades PreK–12.
Session Description: A representative from Parent to Parent of Georgia will explain Medicaid including the Katie Beckett Deeming Wavier and how it can support children with disabilities. Topics may include eligibility, application steps, covered services, denial and appeal information. This session is intended for parents and guardians of all students with disabilities.
ABCs of an IEP (Tuesday – 1/13/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades PreK–12.
Session Description: A representative from Parent to Parent of Georgia will present an overview of the IEP process, helping parents understand its key components and how to effectively participate. Topics may include IEP timelines, team roles, goal setting, and how to advocate for appropriate services and supports.
Inclusive Post Secondary Education Programs in Georgia (Tuesday – 1/27/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades 6-12.
Session Description: This session is designed to inform parents about how these programs support students in pursuing college experiences tailored to their needs, including academic, social, and career development opportunities. Parents will gain insight into eligibility, application processes, and the benefits of IPSE programs in helping students achieve greater independence and success after high school.
Summer Programs and Camps (Tuesday – 2/10/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades PreK–12.
Session Description: This session will provide parents of students with disabilities information about summer programs and camps that offer inclusive and supportive environments. Topics may include program types, registration tips, accessibility features, and how to find the right fit for your child’s needs and interests.
What Families Need to Know About Guardianship, Medicaid Waivers & SSI (Tuesday – 2/24/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades 6-12.
Session Description: This informative session will empower families with essential knowledge about legal and financial support available to their children. Topics will include the basics of guardianship, how Medicaid waivers can provide critical services, and understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility and application processes.
Peace, Love and Harmony in the IEP process (Tuesday – 3/10/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades PreK–12.
Session Description: A representative from Parent to Parent of Georgia will share strategies for fostering collaboration and understanding during the IEP process. Topics may include effective communication, conflict resolution, and building positive partnerships between families and schools. This session is designed for parents and guardians of students with disabilities.
Creative Career Paths and Employment Options (Tuesday – 3/24/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades 6-12.
Session Description: This session explores innovative and inclusive career opportunities for students with disabilities. Parents will learn about nontraditional employment paths, vocational programs, and community-based job supports that align with their child’s strengths and interests. The training will highlight strategies for building meaningful work experiences and accessing resources that promote independence and long-term success.
Community Partners and Resources (Tuesday – 4/14/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades PreK–12.
Session Description: Representatives from Rockdale County Parks and Recreation and other community partners will share information about local programs and services available to support families of students with disabilities. Topics may include recreational opportunities, family support networks, and how to access community-based resources.
Roosevelt Warm Springs and Summer Grow Programs (Tuesday – 4/28/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students in grades 6-12.
Session Description: Parents will learn about the Roosevelt Warm Springs program, a residential vocational rehabilitation center offering training and transition services for young adults. The session will also highlight a variety of Summer Grow programs designed to help students build independence, job skills, and social connections during the summer months.
Special Needs Wills and Trusts (Tuesday – 5/12/26)
Target Audience: Parents and guardians of students with disabilities in grades PreK–12.
Session Description: A representative from Parent to Parent of Georgia will provide an overview of Special Needs Wills and Trusts. Planning for the future of your child with special needs can feel overwhelming. Join us to learn how to protect benefits, ensure financial security and create a plan.
Resources
Parent 2 Parent
Understood.org-Helpful Parents Resources
Parent Mentor Website
Transition Activity Checklist
Support Funding
All About Developmental Disabilities- Family Support Funding