{{CurrentPage.Title}}

No current ESP trainings are scheduled.  If interested in being placed on a waiting list for training to become an ESP, please email surrogate@isbe.net​ or call (217) 782-5589 and ask to speak to Jackie.  ​

​Contact Information

To request an Educational Surrogate Parent for a student, please choose 1 of the following:

• Request Form​​
  

• Learns about the student’s educational needs by getting acquainted with the student, communicating with personnel involved in the student’s education and/or care, and observing the student at school;
• Acts as the student’s advocate for educational matters;
• Provides or withholds consent for assessment and services/placement;
• Attends educational meetings on the student’s behalf;
• Works with school staff to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the student;
• Negotiates for appropriate services on behalf of the student;
• Abides by the laws of confidentiality when sharing information about the student;
• Requests complaint, mediation or due process procedures, if necessary.
• Reports services twice a year (also basis for reimbursement)​​​

1. Complete the entire training (An educational surrogate parent application must be completed during the training.)
   • Should you be interested in receiving training to become an Educational Surrogate Parent, please contact ​surrogate@isbe.net​.
2. Pass the training exam, and
3. Complete and pass a background check
   

An educational surrogate parent (ESP) is eligible to receive a flat fee ($50) stipend for expenses incurred while providing services. To be eligible for the stipend, the ESP must have provided at least one of the following services:

1. Observed the student at school
2. Met with personnel involved in the student's education
3. Met with personnel involved in the student's care
4. Attended meetings in person to develop or review the student's Individualized Educational Program (IEP)

ESPs submit a form twice a year to request the stipend for each service provided to each student the ESP serves. An ESP can also choose to forego the stipend and volunteer their time.​