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Special Populations

Parent's Rights And Advocacy Resources

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Introduction and Purpose

Both federal and state laws and regulations governing the administration of educational programs for students with exceptionalities have recognized programs for students with exceptionalities and have recognized the role of parents in the special education process. The success of any student’s program depends on the participation and commitment of all persons responsible for the student. A strong partnership between the school and the parents is essential.


To be an effective advocate for your child, you must

Be fully informed about the programs available in or through your local educational agency (LEA),

Be knowledgeable of your child’s rights,

Participate in IEP team meetings,

Ask questions and voice concerns when you are unsure of the appropriateness of your child’s program.

As partners in your child’s education, both you and the LEA personnel involved in your child’s educational program have a responsibility to consider the child’s needs and to provide an appropriate educational program to meet those needs. If you disagree with what is being proposed, actions—such as presenting your questions and concerns to your local director/supervisor of special education; filing a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Special

Populations; requesting mediation conferences, or requesting a due process hearing—can be initiated to resolve a dispute.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in every aspect of their child’s educational program. You are your child’s best advocate.

Below are informational resources about your rights and processes developed to protect you and your child's rights:

Louisiana's Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities  Word
Louisiana's Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities Spanish Versio  PDF
Louisiana's Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities Vietnamese Ver  PDF
Parental Notification Letters  Word
Parent Notification Letters Spanish Version  Word
Parental Notification Letters Vietnamese Version  Word
Parental Consent for Initial Evaluation  Word
Official Parental Consent for Initial Evaluation Spanish Version  Word
Parental Consent for Initial Evaluation Vietnamese Version  Word
Waiver for Triennial Reevaluation Letter Spanish Version  Word
Waiver Letter for Triennial Reevaluation Vietnamese Version  Word
Parent Notification Letters Waiver for Triennial Reevaluation  Word
Parent Notification Letters Transition Parent Invitation Sample  Word
Parental Consent to Seek Medicaid Reimbursement  Word
Parental Consent to Seek Medicaid Reimbursement Spanish Version  Word
Parental Consent to Seek Medicaid Reimbursement Vietnamese Version  Word
Gifted/Talented Notification Letters  Word
Parental Revocation Letter  Word
Revocation Letter Spanish Version  Word
Revocation Letter Vietnamese Version  Word
Q & A PARENT REVOCATION OF CONSENT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES  Word


Links to Informational Resources

Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center
Families Helping Families
Louisiana Disability Resources
Charter School Parent Brochure  PDF
Resolution Meetings: A Guide for Parents


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