The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Division of Systems and Supports, K-12 seeks volunteers to serve as Educational Surrogate Parents (ESPs) for students with disabilities. A volunteer ESP is appointed to act as the special education decision-maker for a child who does not have an adult to fill that role. ESPs participate in individualized education program (IEP) meetings, receive notice of proposed school actions, monitor academic progress, and otherwise advocate to ensure that the child’s special education needs are being met. As an ESP, you may be appointed to work with students living in group homes, foster care placements, or homeless youth.

OSSE trains all ESP volunteers on the special education process and their responsibilities as an ESP. Previous experience with special education is not required and any adult who is willing to learn about the individual needs of a student with a disability is welcome to apply to volunteer. The required time commitment is driven by student needs and varies by appointment, averaging four to six hours per month.

Volunteers are matched with students and appointed on an as-needed basis after completing OSSE training; DC Public Schools (DCPS) volunteer clearance, and the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) Child Protection Register (CPR) check.

To request more information on volunteering, ask questions, or register to attend an OSSE ESP training, please provide your information using the following application. A member of our staff will contact you directly.

Educational Surrogate Parent Application

Contact Us

For questions or additional information, please email [email protected].

The Educational Surrogate Parent Program is administered by OSSE’s Office of Special Education within the Division of Systems and Supports, K-12.

[Date Posted: Dec. 20, 2022]