Most parents who have children with an IEP transitioning from Birth to Three remember that first PPT with their school district. I know I do. It’s like a deer in the headlights moment when you suddenly realize that the school does not agree with all of your requests. But parents know their children best, right? That may be true, but the law places restrictions on some of those parental assumptions. For example, the district does not have to provide the “best” education, but rather, an appropriate one to meet your child’s unique educational needs.
In the PPT video scenario, this parent was not prepared. Don’t assume the district will agree with your choice of placement. Generally, the law favors a least restrictive environment where children with disabilities are educated alongside nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate, and the removal from a regular educational environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that supplementary aids and services in the regular classroom cannot be achieved satisfactorily. A continuum of educational placements must be available to meet the needs of children with disabilities.
Considering these general principles, here are some tips to consider with respect to this PPT video scenario:
- Your preparation can make all the difference. Consult with an educational expert who can help you to understand what your legal rights are with respect to your child’s case. For example, in the video, the district should provide an appropriate program for Billy upon his third birthday in March and not when the school year starts in the fall.
- The district must meet your child’s unique educational needs if your child is eligible for special education and related services as set forth under the IEP. As a parent, your most critical role is to educate the district as to your child’s unique educational needs and then advocate for those needs to be met appropriately. Don’t assume others in a PPT will advocate or add recommendations according to your point of view as shown in the video.
- Research and observe those placement options that may be appropriate for your child so you can specifically articulate why a particular placement may or may not meet your child’s educational needs. Do this at least a few months before your child turns three. Contrary to what occurred in the video, the district must schedule a transition meeting at least 90 days before your eligible child turns three and not just a few weeks before the third birthday.
- Generally, the more you understand what your legal rights are and how to navigate the educational system, the better chance your child will be successful in school.