This school year, Knox County Schools welcomed a brand-new position designed to support families with young learners: the Preschool Parent Liaison.
Jenny Reed, Preschool Special Education Facilitator & Parent Liaison, serves in this critical role to help families navigate special education preschool services and the transition to kindergarten.
Recognizing the need for early intervention and strong family connections, this position was created to provide support for families of preschool-age students.
Working closely with the Child Find team, Jenny helps families transitioning from Tennessee Early Intervention Services (TEIS) for students aged birth to three.
She supports families as their students turn three, explaining the school system’s evaluation process, assisting with eligibility and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and ensuring that families understand their options for continued services.
“One of the most important parts of my job is making sure families feel comfortable and informed,” Jenny shared. “The transition to preschool can feel overwhelming, and I’m here to guide them through every step of the process.”
Jenny’s role extends beyond meetings. She organizes and facilitates trainings for families, offering strategies to support their student’s behavior, communication, and independence at home.
She also sends monthly newsletters to families, packed with resources, upcoming training dates, and tips for navigating early education services. Last fall alone, Jenny facilitated over 100 family meetings and supported over 50 families with eligibility and IEP processes.
“I want families to know they are not alone,” Jenny emphasized. “We’re here to partner with them and ensure their students have the best start possible.”
Upcoming events include:
- Ready, Set, Kindergarten: A Parent’s Guide to a Smooth Transition on January 23, 5-6:30 p.m. at Cedar Bluff Elementary. Open to kindergarten-eligible students, this session covers transition tips, a typical kindergarten day, and strategies to prepare students socially, emotionally, and academically. Sign up here!
- A Spanish-language version of this session will be held on February 13. Sign up here!
- Adapted More Than Words: The Hanen Program for Parents of Autistic Children or Children Who May Benefit from Social Communication Support offered via Telepractice, a program focused on building communication skills for autistic students, will offer five online group sessions and two one-on-one video feedback sessions this spring.
Families can reach out to Jenny Reed with questions at 865-594-1530 or jenny.reed@knoxschools.org.
Together, let’s empower families and set our youngest learners up for success!
Success for Every Student
Knox County Schools is dedicated to Success for Every Student. All students have unique abilities, needs, personalities, and ambitions. KCS is committed to equipping every student with the individualized services, interventions, resources, and supports needed to succeed – no matter their zip code, culture, or financial resources.