BOISE, ID — Parents of special education students in Idaho will soon have access to expanded peer support through the Parent LINK mentorship program, a partnership between the Idaho Department of Education and Idaho Parents Unlimited.

The program connects parents with trained parent mentors who have firsthand experience navigating the special education system and are familiar with local school districts. After a successful pilot in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, the program is set to expand statewide.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said the program helps bring guidance directly to families in their own communities.

Parent LINK mentors assist families with child find and referrals, individualized education programs (IEPs), and identifying district- and state-level contacts for additional support. Mentors’ local knowledge allows them to offer more tailored assistance to parents.

Idaho Parents Unlimited Parent Training and Information Center Director Melissa Vian said families often face a complex and technical system without adequate support.

Ten parent mentors have completed training in the Lake Pend Oreille School District and are currently supporting families. State education officials say the expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen special education services and improve communication with parents across Idaho.