Parent Involvement Specialists work towards improving the collaborative relationships between families of diverse learners, advocacy agencies, educators, and administrative personnel. They support families across the district by:
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Increasing family involvement initiatives for parents/guardians with diverse learners
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Supporting parent participation in IEP/504 meetings
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Providing training to district personnel about strategies for engaging families of diverse learners
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Establishing relationships with existing parent involvement departments, initiatives, and local community agencies
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Creating and guiding the development and distribution of information and training to parents
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Offering monthly Parent University workshops about special education to help parents and guardians better advocate for their child with disabilities – workshops that are open to the public at no cost
Get Support
Help Line
Call the ODLSS Help Line for assistance for your diverse learner, IEP/504 support or for more information. The help line is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Email the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services to request assistance for your child or get more information about special education services at CPS.
Mailing List
Sign up to receive information on ODLSS Parent University trainings, updates from the Family Advisory Board, and more information about resources for diverse learners.
Specialist Team
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Michelle Burgess
Michelle Burgess is the proud mother of three children, two of which are diverse learners. All three children currently attend or graduated from Chicago Public Schools. Michelle has a passion for advocacy for children and families. Michelle’s knowledge and skills gained while seeking support and services for her children allow her to successfully serve as a parent and community liaison for over 10 years in the district. Mrs. Burgess also has hands-on classroom experience, having worked as a substitute teacher in cluster classrooms. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism/broadcasting and a Master’s in theology.
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Natasha Croff
Natasha Croff is a Parent Involvement Specialist for Chicago Public Schools. She began working at CPS as a Parent Outreach Coordinator. She is a dedicated mother to an active young man living with Autism. Advocating for her son and being involved in community organizations continually equips her with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate supports and resources for those living with disabilities. She is an Executive Committee Board Member for the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, a Board Member of the Chicagoland Autism Connection Parent Support Group, a graduate of the Illinois Partners in Policymaking, and is involved with the Inclusion for Early Childhood Initiative.
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Julie Molina
Julie Molina is a proud mother of one, but an international mother of 27 and counting. Her daughter is currently being educated within CPS and is a diverse learner. Julie understands being an involved parent throughout all stages of her daughter’s educational career is an important role and she hopes to encourage others to do the same. Julie’s knowledge and skill set comes from being in education for over 25 years in different capacities as well as being an involved parent that loves building community in the private and public sector. Julie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in Education and a Minor in Child Development.