Understanding Special Education: A Parent's Guide
Special education is a tailored service provided by public schools to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities and their parents have specific legal rights to individualized learning opportunities. It's crucial to remember that special education is a service, not a place.
How Special Education Services Can Help Your Child
If your child is eligible for special education services, they will have access to specialized services and supports designed to meet their unique needs at no cost to you. These services may include assistance from special education teachers and service providers such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and dyslexia instruction providers.
The Special Education Process
Parents have the right to request a special education evaluation at any time. Schools are required to refer a student for evaluation when a disability is suspected. Understanding the steps of the special education process is essential:
- Referral: A referral is made when a public school suspects a disability requiring special education services or when a parent requests an evaluation in writing.
- Consent to Evaluate: Parents must give permission for the school to evaluate their child, starting the timeline for the evaluation process.
- Evaluation: Conducted by trained professionals, the evaluation is called a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) and includes a written report of educational recommendations.
- Determine Eligibility (ARD): The ARD committee, including parents, evaluates the report to determine if the child is eligible for special education services.
- Develop the IEP: If eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed, detailing the child's disability, strengths, goals, and required services.
Receiving Special Education Services
Once an IEP is developed, the school is responsible for implementing it. Services, accommodations, and supports described in the IEP must be provided, and the child's progress is monitored. Parents will receive progress reports at least once each grading period, and the ARD committee will review the IEP annually. Parents can request an ARD meeting at any time or revoke consent for services.
If Disagreements Occur
Parents are active participants in ARD meetings, discussing their child's needs with school staff. Disagreements may arise, but under IDEA, parents have formal rights to dispute resolutions, including state complaints, mediation, and due process hearings. State facilitators can also help reach consensus on IEPs.
What is in an IEP?
An IEP must address several elements for your child, including:
- PLAAFP: Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance, detailing the child's skills and challenges.
- Goals: Measurable annual goals focusing on the child's specific needs.
- Instruction & Services: Description of specially designed instruction and related services based on the child's needs.
- Assessments: Information on participation in state and district-wide assessments, including necessary accommodations.
- Transition: Plans for post-high school transition services starting at age 14.
- Placement: Educational placement decisions guided by the least restrictive environment requirement.
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