Who Can I Talk To?

The concept of special education is straightforward. If a student with a disability has unique needs that require special education:

• Those needs are identified
• A program to meet those needs is designed and carried out

However, the procedures and processes involved in designing and implementing the special education program are complex and may seem cumbersome.

If you have concerns about any aspect of your child's special education program, it is important to discuss those concerns with your child's teacher, special education teacher, school counselor, or principal. You may also consider contacting the Special Education Director or the individual who oversees special education programs and services at your school. You may also request an IEP meeting.

When parents, teachers, and school officials communicate effectively and remain focused on meeting the student's needs, most concerns and issues can be resolved locally. This produces student-centered solutions and a quality education.

Requesting an IEP Meeting
If you have concerns about your child's special education program and want to discuss possible changes to the IEP, you can request an IEP team meeting at any time. You do not have to wait until your annually scheduled IEP team meeting. The IEP team will listen to your concerns. The team may decide that a reevaluation is needed to gather more information about your child in order to make educational decisions.