Surrogate Parent

What is a surrogate parent?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that state and local school systems involve parents in decisions regarding their children's needs. In cases where the child has no parents, none can be located, or the child is a ward of the state, a parent surrogate must be appointed to represent the child and protect the child’s rights in matters relating to identification, evaluation, and placement in a special education program. A surrogate parent must also complete required training regarding Special Education laws, rules, procedures, and due process rights pertaining to a child with a disability and be willing to put in the time to adequately represent the child's best interests.

What should I do if I want to be a surrogate parent, or if I have additional questions?

To serve in this role, an individual must meet several criteria, one of which is to complete the surrogate parent training that has been identified to meet the minimal standards that the Texas Education Agency has determined. To complete the training and begin the process to become a surrogate parent, you may contact Tomball ISD's Director of Student Support, Keri Williams, at 281-357-3140 or via email at keriwilliams@tomballisd.net .

To get more information or complete the surrogate parent training, please read the TISD Parent Operating Guideline and visit the designated site below. If you complete the online module training, please email your certificate to keriwilliams@tomballisd.net

The updated surrogate parent training materials are now available on the SPEDTex website.