Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a Regional Parent Resource (RPR). In order to adequately inform you about the RPR program, we have attempted to anticipate some of your questions.
What do RPRs do?
Currently there are approximately 440 RPRs actively serving their local communities. They provide support and information to other parents and help them to resolve school- or early intervention agency-related problems. This has been done by phone, through face-to-face meetings and, in some cases, by attending meetings with other parents. In addition, many RPRs conduct and/or help to conduct meetings or workshops for other parents on topics relating to understanding parent involvement in the early intervention/special education process.
I don't feel capable of helping other parents by doing all of the things you have described. How could I possibly be an RPR?
Your indication of interest in the RPR program is the first step. To become an RPR you would agree to participate in a three-day workshop conducted by INSOURCE staff. This workshop would provide you with a good deal of information about parent involvement in the early intervention/special education process, laws affecting early intervention/special education, parent/school communication, and functioning as an effective advocate for your child. In addition, you would gain skills in communicating with other parents and effectively sharing information with them. The three-day workshop offers a fine opportunity for both staff and RPRs to learn from and share with one another. As a result, you will feel far better equipped to function as an RPR.
Before you attend an RPR training, we would like for you to attend one of our Understanding Article 7 training sessions. These training sessions are usually 2-3 hours long and will give you an overview of Indiana's special education laws and prepare you for the in-depth RPR training. Please check our website for information on upcoming Article 7 training sessions. If you don't see a training session that will work for you, you can take the training online. Look for the link on our website under training, and create an account by entering your name and email address. If you have attended an Article 7 Training offered by another organization, that will most likely suffice. Just give us a call so we can discuss it.
Does the support of the INSOURCE staff stop at the conclusion of the three-day workshop?
Certainly not! INSOURCE staff maintains ongoing contact by phone, by mail, electronic mail and/or in person with all RPRs who participate in our program and will respond to any and all inquiries. Substantial written resource materials are initially distributed to all RPRs and updated information is mailed on a regular basis. A primary function of the IN*SOURCE staff is to support RPRs in the valuable assistance they provide to parents in their communities.
How much time will I have to invest in the program?
The only definite answer to this question is that the time commitment would be totally dependent upon the demand for your assistance from other parents and, of course, your availability. Some RPRs have put in an average of an hour or two per week during the school year--some more, some less.
What will this cost me?
All assistance from IN*SOURCE is free of charge. In fact, should you agree to participate and be selected as an RPR in your community, you would receive compensation of $50.00 per day for the three-day workshop (amounting to a total of $150.00). This compensation is offered to help defray the cost of attending the workshop (i.e., mileage, babysitting, lunch, etc.) and costs you may incur through your parent assistance activities (postage, copying).
We have tried to supply answers to the most frequently asked questions about the RPR program. However, it is quite possible that you have additional questions--in which case we encourage you to contact us.
If you ARE interested in becoming an RPR, thus joining a vital and growing network of parents in Indiana who are providing such valuable assistance to others in their communities, please fill out the enclosed application form and return it to our office as soon as possible so that you might be considered as one of the individuals from your area to be selected to participate in this important and exciting venture.
Thanks once again for your interest. We are looking forward to your response.
Sincerely,
The Staff at INSOURCE
Application-Apply online
Letter & Application (PDF) 
