Parents play an important role in the education of their children. Parents can help their children at home with learning. Parents can also provide valuable input for schools about what is best for their child. The challenges are great when students are struggling or have identified disabilities. Maneuvering through the world of special education can be difficult. Please see the resources below to assist parents, students and families.
Michigan’s federal Parent-Training and Information Center.
MAF provides information, support, and education for families who have children (birth to 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services.
Family Matters fact sheets provide parents and families with information about special education. The fact sheets are easy to read and give links to more in-depth resources.
Fact sheets are accessible in multiple languages, and new ones are frequently added to the Family Matters Webpage
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations include a set of procedural safeguards. These safeguards provide certain rights to students and parents. Schools are required to provide parents with a notice of the procedural safeguards at least once a year in their native language.
Parents must receive the Procedural Safeguards Notice:
At least once a year
Upon parent written request for evaluation
When a parent files his or her first state complaint and first due process complaint in a school year
When a student has a change of placement due to a violation of a student code of conduct
When requested by a parent.
An Eligible Student Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), March 2023
An Eligible Student Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (En Español)
A Parent Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), July 2021
A Parent Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (En Español)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Guidance for School Officials on Student Health Records
Know Your Rights: FERPA Protections for Student Health Records
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) General Guidance
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records. When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends an institution of postsecondary education at any age, the student becomes an “eligible student,” and all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student.
Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them.
Office of Special Education Help Line/Information (MDE)
888-320-8384 or email mde-ose@michigan.gov