As part of a support network for parents of students with disabilities, Fairfax County Public Schools provides parent mentors, called parent ombudsmen. The eight ombudsmen are themselves parents of students who receive special education services. They are available to assist parents who feel they could benefit from the advice and guidance of a more experienced and specially trained parent.

Parent ombudsmen can provide information about the special education process and services offered in Fairfax County Public Schools. They can help parents new to the process understand terms, forms and meeting procedures, and provide parent-to-parent understanding and support. They may help parents prepare for individual education program (IEP) and other school-based meetings, to increase parent comfort and ability to actively participate in the team discussion of their child’s needs and goals. Parent ombudsmen may also refer parents to additional county resources for assistance in resolving concerns in a positive and collaborative manner.

The ombudsmen are based at designated schools but may assist parents of special education students from any school within their cluster. While they are employed part-time by the school system, their role calls for them to be objective and impartial in working with parents and schools. For more information or to request the services of a special education parent ombudsman, please call the special education office phone number for your cluster which is listed below. You may also directly contact the ombudsman for your cluster.

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2007-2008 Ombudsmen

Special Education Cluster Offices:

Cluster I Cluster II Cluster III Cluster IV Cluster V Cluster VI Cluster VII Cluster VIII		703-204-3827 703-204-3827 703-219-2426 703-329-2530 703-329-2530 703-329-2530 703-219-2426 703-219-2426