Parent/Family Partners

The Parent/Family Partner (PFP) program began as a way to provide volunteer peer support to families navigating Special Education and 504 programs and processes. Since then we have expanded in order to engage with all families. Our volunteers are family members from our district who have similar lived experiences as the families they support, or who are invested in supporting kids through a whole family approach. Along with their lived experiences, our PFP receive training on Conflict Resolution/Engaging in Difficult Conversations presented by Greg Abel from Sound Options Group. The Student Services Director, along with the Parent/Family Partner Coordinator provide additional training on IEP, 504, IDEA, and ADA requirements, Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and how to navigate school systems.

• PFP’s do not speak for families, or act as advocates. They are there to help families feel prepared to meet with school staff regarding their students through Peer Support. They simply assist families so they can advocate for their students.

• PFP’s provide a sounding board to assist family members as they unpack their concerns and emotions.

• PFP’s help families with determining what their needs are, and connecting them with appropriate resources or processes to meet those needs.

• PFP’s work together with Families, Admin, Staff, and Community members to break down barriers, and facilitate improved communication, and understanding.

Parent/Family Partners collaborate with the district's Mental Health providers to offer Parent Support Groups, Community Education Classes, Suicide Prevention Training, and Summer Groups for Students. We also partner with community groups to provide fun family events such as Back to School Celebration, Costume Swaps, Witches on the Water, and The Giving Tree.

If you are in need of support from a Parent/Family Partner or you are interested in learning how to support families as a volunteer, please contact Nikki Bauman Parent/Family Partner Coordinator at Nbauman@mlsd.org or 509-565-3109.

Check out our website: https://www.mlsd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=596153&type=d&pREC_ID=2115387

Email: nbauman@mlsd.org
Website: https://www.mlsd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=596153&type=d&pREC_ID=2115387
Location: 317 North Broad Street, Medical Lake, WA, USA
Phone: 509-565-3109
Facebook: facebook.com/MLSDS

Please watch this short video to meet one of our parent partners and learn more about our program.

Hello Medical Lake Families,

My name is Nikki Bauman and I am the Parent/Family Partner here in Medical Lake.

A little about me. I have 5 children, 4 adult daughters, and a 10 year old son. My son was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD and has been on an IEP since preschool. When we started our journey, I had no experience with special education and was completely unprepared. At my first IEP Team meeting I felt overwhelmed and wished I had a peer I could go to for information or support. When our Student Services Director Tawni Barlow, who saw the need for that kind of support, asked if I would be interested in becoming a Parent/Family Partner, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to be there for other families, to help them to feel prepared and supported, whatever the need may be.

I love being a member of the Medical Lake School District where I am able to help you learn what to expect, to feel heard and validated, and to support you as you navigate the school processes, and become the very best advocate for your student.

I am located in the Wellness Center where I am available M-F 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, or I am happy to make an appointment if you are unavailable to meet during those hours. You are also welcome to stop in to The HUB (also located in the Wellness Center) M-TH 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM where you can speak with me, or one of our Social Workers, have a delicious hot cup of Roam Roasters Coffee, access other resources, or just relax and connect.

We currently have 2 family support groups available to families with students with disabilities. They are offered on Tuesdays 10-11am or Thursdays 6-7pm and are facilitated by myself, our Mental Health Staff. If you are interested in attending please let me know which group you would like to attend and I will get you registered. We look forward to offering additional groups soon.

I really enjoy meeting and working alongside our families so please reach out, introduce yourself, and let me know how I can help.

Nikki

Should you find that you or someone in your family would benefit from connecting with a parent partner please reach out.

Nikki Bauman, Parent/Family Partner

Tele: 509-565-3109

Email: nbauman@mlsd.org

Address: 317 N. Broad, Medical Lake, WA

(across from the High School at the new Wellness Center)

Like our pages and connect with us!

Every Student, Every Day!

Email: nbauman@mlsd.org
Website: mlsd.org
Location: 317 North Broad Street, Medical Lake, WA, USA
Phone: (509) 565-3109
Facebook: facebook.com/MLSDStudentServices
Twitter: @MLSDSSvcs

Non Discrimination Notice

Medical Lake School District does not discriminate with respect to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, and provides equal access to the Boy scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: District Data-HR Coordinator, civilrights@mlsd.org, 116 W Third St, Medical Lake Wa 99022 (509)565‐3100, Title IX Coordinator, titleix@mlsd.org, 116 W Third St, Medical Lake Wa 99022 (509)565‐3100, Section 504 Coordinator, section504@mlsd.org, 116 W Third St, Medical Lake Wa 99022 (509)565‐3100