A parent can take to IEP meetings whomever the parent may invite according to special ed (IDEA) regulations.
Some parents take family members, some parents take case managers from other agencies. Taking someone is better than taking nobody.
However, who you take with you makes a difference. In my experience, parents who took case managers from other agencies experienced the status quo from school district personnel. After all, most case managers knowledge and experience with school districts is similar to how parents are treated regardless, and the school may know how to bamboozle them. You and your case manager walk away from the IEP meeting assuming the meeting was productive which may not be reality.
Our advocates are familiar with the tactics school districts use to keep parents at bay which results in the child receiving a minimal “schooling” of our child. Over the years many parents expressed to our advocates the parent was treated with respect and much differently than before.
I don’t know of any federal requirements that requires parents to tell the school who they will bring to an IEP meeting.
The IEP Center advocates are aware of information parents can use to work the system and not be bamboozled. Has your advocate ever successfully participated in a special ed “mediation”? We have! If a parent fails to take steps, then the child gets left behind.
This advocate is a certified teacher, parent, formerly worked in a law firm which represented parents, is a member since 1999 in the national forerunner advocate organization, and was a due process hearing panel member 1996-2013.
Don’t be bamboozled! Parents who are serious about their child’s schooling and tired of being bamboozled use advocates at The IEP Center. Parents who are serious about their child’s education use The IEP Center in Liberty, Park Hill, North Kansas City and Blue Springs school meetings. Visit the website to set up a consult.
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SEPAL Advocates are not attorneys and do not give legal advice. We do not represent parents or children. Consult an attorney. We are advocates who have special knowledge related to the problems of children with disabilities. We are civil rights advocates.
Non-attorney advocate services offered at low-cost.
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