For Parents
2011-2012 Special Education Parent Involvement Survey (PDF)
All parents of school-aged children and youth who receive special education services in Virginia’s schools are encouraged to complete the VDOE Parent Involvement Survey (PDF). This survey is not intended to measure satisfaction with the special education program. It is designed to determine whether or not the school facilitated parent involvement. English and Spanish language available.
Parents play an important role in the education of their children, especially
parents of children who are identified as having disabilities. The law requires that parents and school personnel work together to provide children with appropriate educational services.
A Parent's Guide to Special Education
This publication was developed to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities, their child's rights and the school's responsibilities to meet the special needs of their child. The guide includes a description of the special education process and what is required of you and the school during each step of that process. Important timelines are highlighted in each section.
A Parent's Guide To Special Education is provided in these formats:
Resolving Issues
VDOE has an ombudsman who acts as a source of information and referral, aids in answering individuals' questions, and assists in the resolution of concerns and issues. The ombudsman serves as a resource to parents in non-legal special education matters.
Parent's are encouraged to resolve special education concerns at the local school division level. School divisions, parents, and children benefit and build relationships when school divisions and parents work together to resolve problems.
Resources
- Guidance Document for Implementing New Special Education Requirements for the Definition of Parent (PDF)
- Parents’ Guide to Special Education Dispute Resolution (PDF)
- Parent Resource Centers In Local School Divisions (PDF)
- Virginia Special Education Regulations
- Your Family's Special Education Rights – Virginia Procedural Safeguards Notice (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Ombudsman for Special Education
- Troubleshooting Parents' Special Education Concerns Within A Local School Division (PDF)
- Guidance Document on Manifestation Determination New Requirements
- Extended School Year Services (PDF)
- Early Childhood Transition From Part C Early Intervention to Part B Special Education and Other Services for Young Children with Disabilities (PDF)
- Educational Interpreting Services (PDF)
- State Special Education Advisory Committee – The State Special Education Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. Regular quarterly meetings include time for the committee to receive public comment. For additional information
Outside Resources
- Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind
- The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center – Building positive futures for Virginia's children by working collaboratively with families, schools and communities in order to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life
You May Also Be Interested In:
- Procedures for Participation of Students with Disabilities in Virginia's Accountability System (PDF) – Guidelines for providing accommodations and documentation.
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