As the 2011-2012 school year approaches, it is time to start thinking about your child’s educational needs. If you are just starting the special education process and have been contemplating an uation or you are further along in the process, you will soon be meeting with others to discuss your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
At this meeting, there is a group of individuals and professionals who, by law, must be present. This group is called the IEP Team. The IEP Team is responsible for developing, revising and reviewing your child’s IEP. The Team must determine whether the student is eligible for special education services and if so, what services should be provided as part of the student’s IEP.
The IEP Team for each child with a disability must include:
- The parents of the child;
- Not less than one regular education teacher of the child (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment);
- Not less than one special education teacher of the child, or where appropriate, not less than one special education provider of the child;
- A representative of the public agency who—
- Is qualified to provide, or supervise the provision of, specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities;
- Is knowledgeable about the general education curriculum; and
- Is knowledgeable about the availability of resources of the public agency.
- An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of uation results, who may be a member of the team described in paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(6) of this section;
- At the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and
- Whenever appropriate, the child with a disability.
The parent can invite other people, such as an attorney, advocate, doctor, psychologists, or other individuals who are familiar with the child or family, but this is not required.
If you are starting the process or are immersed in it, call me to discuss the process and if you need a Special Education Law attorney to help guide you through the process.