Earlier this week I visited the Manhattan Star Academy (MSA) to speak with parents regarding the special education process. I provided an overview regarding their rights and their school district's obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and answered questions regarding IEP meetings, Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), private school placement, Carter/Connors funding, and pendency. What I emphasized to parents at MSA, and what I would like to emphasize again here, is that now is a crucial time for planning purposes as IEP meetings are being scheduled and decisions about your child's programming for the 2018-2019 school year are being made.
Parents should be aware that, in addition to having rights under the IDEA, they also have responsibilities, including communicating their concerns to their school districts and cooperating throughout all stages of the special education process. The extent to which parents fulfill these responsibilities will affect how likely they are to obtain the supports and services that they are seeking for their children.
Please keep these points in mind as you make decisions about your child's special education needs and feel free to contact our office if we can assist with your planning or address any questions or concerns you may have.