SCHOOL PROBLEMS / I.E.P.'s
Eligible for a 504?
Failure to Include a Regular Ed Teacher on IEP Team is Fatal
Educating Students with Disabilities in the General Education Classroom
Why does my child need special education services?
Special education services ensure that the school provides your child (aged 3 to 21) with specialized instruction to meet
your child's unique needs. (Includes children who are in private schools or who may be suspended or expelled.) Schools
are required to provide services to any child that is determined to have a disability AND require special
education/related services.  If the child has a disability and does not require special education services, the child may
be eligible for protection under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  

NOTE: Special Education services through Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997 (IDEA) and Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act are NOT the same thing. Please read here on ways to distinguish. Children who receive
services through the Section 504 have fewer rights than if receiving special education services under
IDEA.
What disabilities are covered to receive Special Education Services?
The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997 (IDEA) lists 13 disability categories:
  1. Autism
  2. Deafness
  3. Deaf-blindness
  4. Hearing impairment
  5. Mental retardation
  6. Multiple disabilities
  7. Orthopedic impairment
  8. Other health impairment
  9. Serious emotional disturbance
  10. Specific learning disability
  11. Speech or language impairment
  12. Traumatic brain injury
  13. Visual impairment, including blindness
What do I do to get special education services for my child?
There are several steps which you should take to initiate services for your child:
  1. Write a letter to the school that specifically states your concern and cause for requesting special education
    services. Either send the letter via certified mail OR e-mail the letter to the principal of the school.  Never just talk
    to the principal/teacher about your concerns and expect services. You MUST create a paper trail.
  2. Create a binder with all of your child's tests, reports, etc. Order all of the pages in chronological order (by date).
    For the first page, make a master list of all the documents. Write page numbers at the bottom of each page.
  3. Keep a contact log of each time that you write or talk to any school personnel.
  4. The school must develop an IEP for the child within 30 days of determination that the child meets the
    requirements for special education/related services.
  5. The IEP team for each child must include: the parents of the child, at least one regular education teacher of the
    child, at least one special education teacher of the child, a representative of the school (principal), and an
    individual who can interpret the instructional implications of the evaluation. (Psychologist or person experienced
    in the testing that was completed.)
  1. The parent(s) and the school should work TOGETHER to ensure the child's success. Be open-minded and hope
    that the school has your child's best interest at heart. BUT...don't forget that you are the parent...you are the
    voice for your child...and, you will know what is best for your child!
  2. A child does not need to be classified by a disability in order to start receiving special education services.
  3. Re-evaluation must occur every three years. However, it may be completed at any time by request of the parent
    or teacher.
  4. Parents can examine all records. This includes any handwritten notes that may have been written regarding the
    child.
  5. Children are protected under IDEA 1997 prior to an IEP being developed if the parent has requested in writing
    that the child is in need of services or if the child "demonstrates the need for such services".
  6. An IEP must be in effect from the start of the first day of school until the end of the last day of school.
Important things to know: