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Special education rights
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law that outlines rights and regulations for students with disabilities in the U.S. who require special education. Many parents are not aware of this helpful information when they begin their journey through special needs and the education system. But, what's even worse is that many teachers are not fully aware of the IDEA either.
IDEA covers everything from young children just entering the educational system to those who are college age. As a parent or guardian of a special need child in the school systems, you and the child have rights to a fair education provided by the public school system, but there are ways to get this which the school systems may not be aware of or readily supply to you.
For teachers who want or need more information on the rights of students as outlined by the IDEA, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website.
For both teachers and parents in the Wichita and Kansas areas who need educational advocates for their special needs students, you can contact Families Together.
For further assistance in determining eligibility for special services both in and outside of the public education system, you can contact your local South Central Mental Health Services.
It is especially important to stand up for yourself as a child advocate and for the child, regardless of their disability. Many parents are overwhelmed when they attend their first IEP (individualized education plan) meeting, but knowing what you, and your child, are entitled to will help you to not only determine what the school can do to help your child learn, but it will help the teachers and educational professionals help the child as well.
As a teacher, you can visit the IDEA website here to learn more about federal guidelines, training and video regarding special education.
Comments
As a pre-school teacher, I was involved in IEP meetings. I attended a few with the parents there and some where the parents didn't show up. I think it is very important for the parents to attend to help the teachers know where and how the children are preforming at home. Great article with great resources!
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