Problem Solving Guidelines for Parents of Special Education
Students or Students Who May be Eligible for Special Education
Special Education law creates a partnership between parents and the school so that education can be more effectively designed and delivered to students. With any partnership, communication may break down. It is in the best interests of your child to resolve problems at the earliest indication of communication breakdowns, and to seek resolution at the school site whenever possible.
While the law establishes formal methods for dispute resolution (see Item 7, below), SFUSD has established a system of internal, less formal resolution, which you are encouraged to use whenever you believe a problem is developing."
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1.
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Discuss the problem with your child's classroom teacher and/or other school staff member who knows your child's needs. This can include your child's resource teacher, counselor, hearing or language specialist, or other specialist helping your child. You may also speak with the special education program consultant assigned to your school. | ||||
| 2. | Review your child's IEP and determine if the plan is being implemented. Does it need to change to meet any changing needs of your child? You may request a review of the IEP at any time. A meeting must be held within 30 days of your request. | ||||
| 3. | If there is no resolution, discuss the problem with the school principal. Your principal may ask the assistant principal with responsibility for special education to help you. | ||||
| 4. | If there is no resolution, call the appropriate Associate Superintendent and Special Education: | ||||
| Associate Superintendents | Phone | ||||
| Child Development | LaDawn Law | 750-8599 | |||
| Elementary School | Chris Hiroshima | 241-6310 | |||
| Linda Luevano | 241-6310 | ||||
| Deborah Sims | 241-6310 | ||||
| Middle School | Diane Meltesen | 241-6607 | |||
| High School | Frank Tom | 241-6478 | |||
| County Community Schools | Linda Miles, Principal | 241-6234 | |||
| Special Education | |||||
| Child Development | Liz Kim | 469-4519 | |||
| Elementary/Middle | Sophronia Brown-Bess | 242-2670 | |||
| High/NPS | Mickey Dantine | 242-2670 | |||
| DIS/Transition | Katherine McCauley | 242-2694 | |||
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(Speech/hearing, occup. therapy/adaptive physical education,
nursing, etc.) |
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| 5. | If there still is no resolution, call the Executive Director of Special Education: | ||||
| Deborah McKnight | 242-2670 |
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| 6. | If there still is no resolution, call the Chief Academic Officer: | ||||
| Elois Brooks | 241-6121 |
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| 7. | Federal and state law provide two formal systems for resolving issues with the local school district. | ||||
| The complaint process may be used by any parent, citizen or organization when there is a belief that the district is not following the special education laws or regulations. | |||||
| The due process hearing system may be used only by parents (and the school district) when the parent and district disagree over the assessment and identification of the child, the contents of the IEP, the educational placement for the child, or any other matter regarding the components necessary to provide a free, appropriate public education to the child. | |||||
| The complaint and hearing procedures were designed to address different issues. For example, if the district is refusing to implement your child's IEP as written (i.e., not following the law), you could file a complaint. If you disagree with the district over what should be in the IEP, you could file for a hearing. These procedures are available to you at any time. While you are not required to attempt resolution at the local level, satisfactory resolution can often be attained through following the steps outlined in Nos. 1 through 6 | |||||
You may obtain an additional notice of your procedural safeguards by calling 242-2670 (room 14) and ask for compliance. You may also download it http://www.cde.ca.gov/spbranch/sed/family.htm
To obtain more information or file for mediation or due process hearing contact:
| McGeorge School
of Law Special Education Hearing Office 3200 Fifth Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817 |
Phone: |
| 916/739-7053 | |
| FAX: | |
| 916/739-7066 |
To obtain more information about parental rights or dispute resolution, including how to file a complaint or mail complaints alleging violations of law (CDE will investigate all such complaints within 60 days), contact:
| California Department of Education Special Education Division, Procedural Safeguards Referral Service Attention: PSRS Intake 515 L Street, Suite 270, Sacramento, CA 95814 |
Phone: |
| 800/926-0648 | |
| FAX: | |
| 916/327-3704 |
| Additional ways to solve problems: | |
| Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) |
469-4518
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| Support for Families of Children with Disabilities |
282-7494
or 469-4518 |
| Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE) |
928-2273
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| Appeal to the U.S. Office of Civil Rights |
556-4275
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