The DSL’s Parent Mentor Program connects families with experienced peers who have walked similar paths. Our Mentors are families within specific age ranges who are ready to be a resource for those at different life stages. Whether you’re transitioning into early intervention, school years, adulthood, or beyond, our Ambassadors can provide guidance, encouragement, and firsthand insight.

When a transitional email, phone call, or contact is made, we’ll offer to connect families with a Mentor Family that understands their journey. Our goal is to build a strong, supportive network of dedicated Mentor families, ensuring every DSL family has a trusted resource to turn to.

Ambassador Focus: Expectant & New Parents

Our initial priority is building a strong support system for expectant and new parents. We are seeking families with children between 12 months and 3 years old who can offer insight, encouragement, and lived experience during this critical stage.

By developing a well-rounded team of Ambassadors, we aim to ensure that every new DSL family has a connection who understands their journey.

Ideal Ambassador Families Include

Supporting Families Through Key Transitions

In addition to our Expectant & New Parent Ambassadors, DSL is building a network of Transition Ambassadors—families who can help others navigate key life changes. Whether transitioning out of early intervention, starting school, or moving into adulthood, these families serve as a bridge to the next stage.

Transition Ambassador Families Needed:

• Out of First Steps (Ages 0-4) ideally including a DSL preschool participant.
• Pre-K to Kindergarten (Ages 5-9) focusing on adapting to elementary school
• Teen Transitions (Ages 10-17)  focusing on middle school and high school transitions.
• Adult Transitions (Ages 17+) ideally including Academy participants.

Encouraging Peer Connections:
Teen Ambassadors will be encouraged to connect directly with other teens to foster friendships and peer support. High school transitions may not require separate Ambassadors, as families tend to stay connected during that stage.

Program Implementation

To ensure that our Ambassador Program is effective and sustainable, we have outlined a clear structure for training, expectations, and ongoing support.

Ambassador Family Training
Each potential Family Ambassador will participate in a brief, ~10-minute Zoom training session. This will not only introduce them to the program’s goals but also serve as a screening tool to identify families who are well-suited to mentor others.

Expectations of Ambassador Families

• Maintaining Contact: Regular communication is key to providing consistent support to families.
• Role & Responsibilities: Ambassadors should understand what to do—and what not to do—when supporting other families. A set of guidelines, including basic expectations, is provided during the training session.
• Supporting the Family as a Whole: It’s important to ensure that support extends to the entire family unit, not just one parent.
• Providing Resources: Ambassadors will be equipped to direct families to resources on the DSL website for additional support.

Oversight & Support

• The Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) oversees the program and is available to provide guidance or mediate any issues between families.
• Ambassadors should confirm any advice related to specific services (e.g., waivers) with DSL to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Families should reach out to the FEC with any concerns or questions.

Reporting & Check-Ins

• Ambassador families are required to check in with the FEC monthly to provide updates on their outreach efforts.
• The FEC will use this feedback to assess the overall success of the program and make any necessary adjustments.

Rotating Families
Ambassador families will be assessed annually to ensure their assigned age range remains relevant. Additionally, families in the right age group will be invited to participate in the program on a biannual basis.