This opportunity is for Massachusetts residents. All others should visit your state education website for local opportunities.
Are you interested in supporting students in your community? You can help by volunteering to become a Special Education Surrogate Parent (SESP) for a student in state care that requires special education supports and whose parents are unknown or unavailable. These children depend on SESPs to protect their legal right to a free and appropriate education (FAPE). SESPs serve as appointed decision-makers that have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend and participate in special education team meetings, approve or reject Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and if necessary, file complaints or appeals. On average, the time commitment is only 30-40 hours a year. RTSC hosts FREE Orientation Training throughout the state where you will learn about the role of a SESP, how traumatic experiences can impact learning, and how to incorporate the appropriate supports into the IEP. Register to attend this training or visit our website at www.fcsn.org/rtsc/ to view our current training schedule for other opportunities.