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> Introduction
This booklet contains suggestions to help you negotiate for appropriate services for your child. This booklet was written for parents of children with disabilities to help them be more successful with the IEP team process. The suggestions can also work well in all situations where teams are responsible for decisions about services for your child.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) is a federal law which requires schools to provide services to children with disabilities. That law requires schools to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to your child in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). A team of individuals with knowledge of your child and special education is required to decide eligibility for services and what services your child needs. You are an important member of that team.
If your child is found eligible for special education services, the team must write a plan called an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP team members must work together to reach agreement on what the IEP will provide. The team process allows individual members to hold different opinions about what is appropriate for your child. It is also the responsibility of the team to reach agreement in spite of those differences.
Using the suggestions in this booklet can help you resolve your problems with your school district quickly and informally. Issues which are complex can require more time and effort for resolution and may require the use of several of the methods described in this book. There is no substitute for being prepared. Being prepared to make the best argument for your position will help you get a better outcome for your child. If you cannot resolve your problem using the suggestions in this booklet, seek assistance.