Lakota CARES Statement of Purpose

Lakota CARES is organized for the educational, emotional, intellectual and social support of the parents and families of children with disabilities and learning differences, as well as the children themselves, and to serve as an advocate for its constituents and members. While the organization is intended to serve the interests of this group of children and their families, membership is open to all families within the Lakota Local School District.

The organization’s purpose is to:

1. Provide a forum for communication among the parents/caregivers of Lakota’s students with disabilities and/or learning differences, and the broader community, so they can share ideas, concerns and information, as well as benefit from a support network when dealing with issues and situations that can arise when raising children who require extra support;

2. Equip parents with resources for coaching their children on a day-to-day basis;

3. Serve as an advocacy group for children in the district with disabilities and/or learning differences by actively engaging with teachers, staff, administrators and the school board, and supporting their efforts in ensuring that this population of children has every opportunity to maximize their learning experiences in and outside of the school setting;

4. Partner with the Lakota Local School District to raise awareness of the challenges, needs, strengths and experiences of students with disabilities and/or learning differences, and in so doing, create the most welcoming environment possible where all students feel like they belong;

5. Identify, sponsor and/or provide special academic and social opportunities to Lakota’s students with disabilities and/or learning differences.