dissenting opinion known. A follow-up letter to the school district describing their concerns is often recommended. At this meeting or any time during the school year, parents may inquire about the different kinds of services and educational settings that could be offered to their child within the school district or outside of the school district. One of the most helpful tips for parents navigating the special education process is to be knowledgeable and assertive. Seek out and explore all different kinds of programs and settings. This will help to identify what is appropriate for the child and what programs can be ruled mind and take notes. Send a letter to the school district with your impressions: the plans you agree with and the decisions with which you disagree. Keep a record of everything. The next step is action. When a parent disagrees with the school district's decision regarding their child's needs, the services offered or the school setting, they have the right to challenge the school district and file a due process proceeding (in some states known as an impartial hearing). An administrative law judge will preside and both sides (school district and parent) will have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses and cross examine. A decision either a state appellate body or a federal court depending on the jurisdiction. Note, a special needs child is entitled to an education tailored to meet their unique needs, but the child is actually not entitled to the "best" possible placement. It may seem contrary to rational thinking, but according to case law out of the Federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, the IDEA "requires that the [school district] provide the educational equivalent of a serviceable Chevrolet to every handicapped student. [The parent], however, demands that the...school system provide a Cadillac solely for [their child's] use...we hold that the Board is not required to provide a Cadillac..." education is free to the parent, the services offered are appropriate and will advance the student toward meeting set goals, the public school directs the placement and services, and education is in the least-restrictive environment, where the student is accommodated with opportunities to be learning and interacting with general education students. A parent is a child's first advocate. No one knows their lovable son or daughter like a parent. But building a team of knowledgeable and caring professionals is key to understanding a special needs child. Sharing this information with the school district is imperative in designing the most appropriate plan for the child. And where a dispute arises, voicing concerns and exercising due process rights is equally as important to continued educational success, building skills that will follow the child into adulthood. 2 Ibid. 3 The Science of Early Childhood Development. (2007) http://www.developingchild.net. (emphasis added) 5 Doe v. Board of Education, 9 F.3d 455, 459-60 (6th Cir. |