As provided by law, the members of the local School District's Child Study Team, specialists in the area of disabilities, other school personnel, and parents are collectively responsible for:

• Identifying and evaluating students with disabilities.
• Determining eligibility for special services.
• Developing and reviewing the student's individualized education plan.
• Determining the most appropriate educational placement for the student.

It is important for parents to understand that they are an active and equal partner on the team that will determine whether their child is eligible for special educational services, what special services their child needs, and where their child will go to school.

The process usually begins with informal and formal evaluations to determine if your child is eligible for special education and related services. If your child is determined eligible, then you and the members of the team determine in what areas your child needs special help and in what areas he or she is doing well. Once you and the Team Members have identified your child's strengths and needs, it is now time to write the Individual Educational Plan (IEP).

The IEP is the key document developed by you, the Child Study Team and other specialists (physical, occupational and speech therapists, for example). It lays out how exactly how your child will receive a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Among many other things, The Individual Educational Plan (IEP) identifies your child's current academic performance, ability to be included in the general education curriculum, need for special education and related services, educational placement (i.e., where your child will go to school), annual goals and how they will be measured, and need for additional support services.

As a parent, you can prepare for working with the Child Study Team by organizing your child's past medical and educational records, correspondence, and notes into one file. This will help you organize your thoughts about your child's educational needs and, at the same time, identify any missing document.

It is also very important that you do your research — understand your rights as a parent, the educational options available for your child, and the most successful ways to work with your Child Study Team.

In our Library/Parent Resource Center, we have materials and resources that can help you be an informed and involved partner in determining your child's educational program.

For More Information

Please email us at info@ChambersSchool.org.