At the start of every IEP meeting, parents should be handed a copy of the Procedural Safeguards, also known as Parent's Rights.
The purpose of this document is to notice you of specific educational rights granted parents of children ages 3 to 21 with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
In most cases, parents are asked whether they "have any questions" about the safeguards upon their delivery. In our experience, it is rare that these rights explained.
However, it is incumbent on a school district's program specialist to go over parents' rights before the IEP process even starts. This is important because many parents assume they have to "go along" with recommendations and this is not the case.
Even if you have several copies of the Procedural Safeguards (like we do) and have read them over on your own, we recommend you request an overview the next time a copy is handed to you.
It is just as important for parents to understand their rights as it is to understand what school officials understand those rights to be. And if, as might be the case, there is a discrepancy between the two it is important to seek clarification before the discussion about your child and their special education services even begins.
Remember: You are your child's advocate!
However, it is incumbent on a school district's program specialist to go over parents' rights before the IEP process even starts. This is important because many parents assume they have to "go along" with recommendations and this is not the case.
Even if you have several copies of the Procedural Safeguards (like we do) and have read them over on your own, we recommend you request an overview the next time a copy is handed to you.
It is just as important for parents to understand their rights as it is to understand what school officials understand those rights to be. And if, as might be the case, there is a discrepancy between the two it is important to seek clarification before the discussion about your child and their special education services even begins.
Remember: You are your child's advocate!
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