WHAT IS GUIDING PARENTS TO SERVICES?
Guiding Parents to Services (often abbreviated as GPS) is a support initiative offered by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County. It's designed to direct parents and families to local resources and to assist families who may become eligible for special education services through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Exceptional Children's Program.
Our goal is to empower families so that their children receive the services they need in a smoother, more informed way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Services Does GPS Provide?
- IEP Support & Guidance
- Parent Workshops
- Autism and Disability Training for Professionals
- Resources to local services and supports
What is CMS?
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is the public school district we partner with to help families. They will be the main contact for everything from consent for evaluation, conducting evaluations, reviewing evaluation data, creating and developing IEPs, and facilitating IEP meetings. GPS's main focus is getting parents connected with CMS staff.
Will GPS attend meetings or create the service plan for my child?
- We are here to support families. Although we will not write the IEP, or service plans, we will definitely help along the process. We are here for advice, guidance, and support for families navigating the initial process of educational evaluation for Exceptional Children services in CMS. If requested, we are available to attend meetings with enough notice.
What is the Parent Group?
- A parent-led group where you can join other parents to learn more about the IEP process. Get mentored by a fellow parent and learn through their experiences, while also being a part of a supportive group of parents that understand the common struggles of raising a child with a disability.