Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are my next steps if I disagree with my child’s evaluation?

A: If you disagree with your child’s evaluation, please contact the school team in writing.  Ohio law  also states that you  have the right to request an Independent Education Evaluation.  For further information, visit Disability Rights Ohio

Q: Why doesn’t my child qualify for transportation as a related service if they have an IEP?

A: Students with disabilities may qualify for transportation as a related service on their IEP if the team determines that the chid’s disability significantly limits their ability to navigate the community safely.  This means that the child’s disability may interfere with their ability to communicate with appropriate safety personnel, have physical limitations which impact their ability to transport themselves to school, have emotional or cognitive limitations which may impact their ability to travel safely or communicate effectively.  If you believe your child requires transportation as a related service, please contact your child’s IEP team.

Q: What accommodations is my child allowed to have on the Ohio State Tests?

A: Each child is provided accommodations according to their unique circumstances.  The IEP team should collaborate to determine which allowable accommodations should be listed on the child’s IEP. 

Q: What do I do if I need help understanding the IEP process or want to learn more about how to advocate for my child?

A: Consider contacting a parent mentor! The role of the parent mentor is to guide families through the special education process: including clarifying parents’ rights and responsibilities, providing information and resources to families on education laws, attending IEP meetings at the request of the parent, and building collaborative relationships between families and schools. This is a free service offered through the Lorain Educational Service Center of Lorain County. 

Q: My child is enrolled in Lorain City Schools, and I believe they may have a disability. What do I do?

A:Refer to Lorain City Schools Evaluation Process. 

Q: My child has an IEP. I have concerns about their services. What do I do?

A:You have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time, if you do not feel that you child is receiving the appropriate support   and services to make progress towards IEP goals. 

     Step 1: Speak with your child’s case manager or intervention specialist. If the concern is not resolved, move on to step 2. 

     Step 2: Ask the case manager to convene the IEP team for a meeting to address the concern.  If the concern is not resolved, move on to step 3. 

     Step 3: Speak with your child’s building principal.  If the concern is not resolved, move on to step 4. 

     Step 4: Speak with the special education supervisor at your child’s building.