The special education process is a collaboration between families and CMS. It is important for parents of children with disabilities to understand their rights throughout this process.
As stated in the Procedural Safeguards: Handbook on Parents' Rights, Public Schools of North Carolina, Exceptional Children Division, "The IDEA requires schools to provide parents of a child with a disability a notice containing full explanation of the procedural safeguards (legal rights) available under the IDEA and the federal regulations." Additional information can be found at the US Department of Education's searchable website at http://idea.ed.gov/.
Procedural Safeguards: Parents' Rights Handbook:
Find information about your rights as a parent of a child with a disability.
Advocates and attorneys
Programs for Exceptional Children believes that collaboration between district staff and parents is the best way to make decisions related to the development of a student's IEP. From time to time, parents may wish to bring a representative to an IEP meeting, such as an advocate or attorney. Please notify the school or in advance if you will be bringing an attorney to the meeting, as a school district attorney would also be required to be present at the meeting.
Please use the following link to access information from the North Carolina Exceptional Children Division regarding dispute resolution options. Please contact Kimberly Morris at 980-343-2770 if you have any questions. Dispute Resolution Options.
NC Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities:
Learn more about the NC Policies related to Special Education Services.