Parental Rights & Safeguards

Parent Rights & Safeguards

As a parent or guardian of a child receiving special education services, you have important rights that ensure your participation and your child’s protection under the law. These rights are outlined in the Procedural Safeguards and are designed to support collaboration between families and schools.

Summary of Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Participate meaningfully in all Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings

• Receive written notice before any changes to your child’s special education services

• Provide or withhold consent for assessments and services

• Access your child’s educational records

• Request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with a district evaluation

• Disagree with decisions made by the IEP team and pursue resolution options

Full Procedural Safeguards

The full document explaining your rights in detail is available below:

🔗 Download Procedural Safeguards (English)
🔗 Descargar Derechos Procesales (Español)

Other languages available on the SELPA website.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

We encourage families and school teams to resolve concerns early and collaboratively. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers informal ways to address and resolve disagreements. These options are voluntary, free, and can often prevent the need for formal hearings.

ADR support may include:

• Facilitated IEP meetings

• Mediation sessions with a neutral third party

• Consultation with a district ADR coordinator

The SELPA website provides parent resources, including information about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and seeking support from an advocate.