The Surrogate Parent Training was updated on June 22, 2026. As part of this update, all user account activity was reset. Any training not completed before the update must be restarted. No further action is needed for training completed prior to the update. If you have any questions regarding the Surrogate Parent Training or the updates, please contact exceptionalchildren@education.ohio.gov.

Serving as a Surrogate Parent for a Child with a Disability

The purpose of this course is to offer an online accessible training option for those interested in representing students with disabilities as a surrogate parent.

This professional development program meets the requirements for the Ohio Operating Standards for Education of Children with Disabilities (OAC 3301-51-05 (E)) and the Federal Regulations (C.F.R. 300.519).

Goals for this training…

The goal for this training is to familiarize the surrogate parent with the following:

  • Defining terms, responsibilities and the law
  • Parent rights in Special Education
  • Special Education process
  • Additional specific requirements for a surrogate parent

Modules

The course offers a series of modules with key concepts, resources, activities and more to support the surrogate parent role.

  • Module 1: Surrogate Parent Responsibilities
  • Module 2: Defining Terms and Responsibilities
  • Module 3: Children and Parent Rights
  • Module 4: The Special Education Process – Part One
  • Module 5: The Special Education Process – Part Two
  • Module 6: Additional Specific Requirements – Part One
  • Module 7: Additional Specific Requirements – Part Two

Get Started

1

Create an Account

2

Complete All Module Content

3

Explore Resources

4

Earn a Certificate

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Training Overview

InspirED

Want to learn more before getting started? Check out the Surrogate Parent for a Child with Disability InspirEd webinar. This 30-minute virtual learning session explains the role of the surrogate parent, the requirements for serving as a surrogate parent, the Ohio statewide systems in place to build the capacity for the surrogate parent's role and a preview into this online training.