Your child just got an IEP. Now it’s time to carry it out. While you have a part to play in supporting and encouraging your child in their education, you should also know who is responsible for ensuring your child receives education services in line with the IEP.
Who is responsible for my child’s IEP?
The school district is directly responsible for ensuring the implementation of the IEP and providing the services needed for your child’s education. They monitor your child’s school and ensure they follow the requirements of the law regarding their special needs.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the North Carolina State Board of Education is ultimately responsible for ensuring school districts follow the IEP. They also ensure schools follow the required procedures and that your child receives all the services and accommodations needed to meet their annual goals.
What should I do if my child’s IEP isn’t followed?
If you believe the school or school district isn’t following your child’s IEP and a violation has occurred, you can file a complaint with the school district.
But before you do so, you should attempt to resolve the issue by meeting with the teacher. If this fails, you can let the school administrator know your concern. If the school refuses to follow the IEP, you should request an IEP meeting. At this point, it’s best to bring an advocate with you to the meeting.
Filing a complaint
If the meeting with the IEP team is unsuccessful, you can go ahead to file a complaint against the school. Each district has a grievance procedure that spells out how to file a grievance against your child’s school.
Because filing a complaint demands time and effort and is usually overwhelming for parents, you should consider talking with a lawyer before starting.
An experienced special education lawyer can give you legal advice, file a complaint on your behalf, represent you, and ensure your child gets all the services they need to reach their full potential.
Protect your child’s rights now! Feel free to speak with an education lawyer.