While it is normal for parents of any child to express concern over the well-being of their youngster, it is increasingly expected for parents of children with special needs to do so at a heightened level. Not only do children with special needs require different types of caregiver involvement, but they must also be encouraged to perform tasks at their own pace. However, many parents are hesitant to trust caregivers, in fear that they will not provide necessary care and encouragement for their children.
Initial Decision-Making
When it is necessary to make important decisions about the education and care of a child with special needs, consultation should carried out through meetings. In the intitial consultation regarding placement in a special needs program, parents will be able to inquire about the decision to evaluate their child for the program, evaluation of entrance necessity, classification of the program needed, explanation and review of the child’s individualized education program (IEP), and reevaluation.
Protecting Student and Parental Rights
In order for any school to make changes withn the agreed upon IEP, schools must give the parent a written notice. This notice will include a description of the proposed action, explanation of the action, description of other possibilities and why they were deemed unsuitable, and an included notice about parental rights for special education regarding their child.
When is Parental Consent Necessary?
Educators must obtain parental consent in a variety of cases and actions, including before the intial evaluation, the beginning of the special education program, reevaluation or the release of records to anyone. Parental consent must also be obtained in order to access public benefits of insurance regarding your child, exclude any educator from an IEP meeting, or in agreeance of a reevaluation waiver. If a parent does not grant the school consent for any of these actions, the school district simply cannot proceed with the recommended actions or procedures. Consent is absolutely voluntary and can be withdrawn or revoked at any time the consentor requests.
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