Creating family-friendly materials to ensure that schools and districts have information readily available to share with parents and students who need access to services and supports provided by the Program. Acting as a conduit between families and students, LEAs, the Educational Equity Council, and the Department of State as requested, with an emphasis on working directly with individual students. Assisting families and students in navigating programs, services, policies, and procedures. Acting as an advocate for families and students in school-based meetings, which may include IEP and 504 plan reviews, behavioral concerns, and disciplinary matters, including but not limited to, suspensions, expulsions, and school related arrests. Facilitating the resolution of parent and student concerns regarding discriminatory acts, policies, and practices, ensuring due process. Participating in securing representation for families and students in school-based litigation, when appropriate and when other measures have not secured a positive outcome for the child. Assisting students and families find legal assistance when nonlegal advocacy fails. Helping parents and guardians understand their rights. Providing ongoing support and mentorship to students after the resolution of disputes or complaints to ensure that resolutions adequately address students’ needs. Marketing the Program to parents and families throughout the State of Delaware. Collaborating on and sharing with LEAs, the Educational Equity Council, and the Department of State, the development of research-based best practices to ensure equity, including discipline, academic, social-emotional learning, and extra-time supports. These groups will share best practices that will benefit all students. Supporting schools, school districts, and the Department of Education to develop and revise policies and regulations to improve education equity. Evaluating program satisfaction by parents, guardians, and students who are recipients of the Program’s services. Presenting a quarterly report to the Educational Equity Council at public body meetings that includes, but is not limited to, the following information: quantitative data regarding requests for assistance received, students and families served, cases referred for legal adjudication, students and families served in a language other than English, and qualitative data regarding the Program’s quarterly financial reports and evaluations from students and families served. Providing a written monthly report to the Department of State.
