Woof, woof! There is a lot of lingo surrounding special education. It can be daunting when first looking into these services. You are not alone in trying to navigate the steps to the roadmap. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) 1973, youth that have a disability that “adversely affects” their education (i.e. a condition that prevents them from advancing at the same rate as their peers) qualify for special education. There are 13 disability categories in federal law, of which serious emotional disturbance is one.
There’s a few different approaches you can take to initiate the evaluation process; 1) a medical route, 2) or you can partner with the school team (classroom teacher, special education teacher, school psychologist) to take a comprehensive look at your son’s needs to determine eligibility for special education. These evaluations may include academic tests, psychological assessments, and behavior observations. You will be involved in the process, and may have certain forms to fill out regarding information about home social emotional behavior to receive a full picture of your son’s experience.
After the evaluation, you will receive an Evaluation Summary & Eligibility Report (ESER). If your son meets the eligibility requirement, the next step is to create an IEP. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document designed to support your son by providing goals, accommodations, and services to best suit his learning in school. The school team is then responsible for ensuring your son receives the support and services outlined in the plan. IEPs are reviewed at least annually, but you can request a meeting anytime you have concerns or want to discuss changes. Every three years, your child will be re-evaluated to determine if they still qualify for services.
If your son doesn’t meet eligibility requirements, then your son might qualify for related education services under 504 civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. As a parent, your voice is vital. You have the right to consistent contact with the school team, receive prior written notice of any changes, access your child’s records, disagree with decisions and seek mediation. Keep records of meetings, emails, and documents. And don’t be afraid to seek support from parent advocacy groups.
Take one step at a time, you can make a meaningful difference in how education is tailored to your child.