1. Your child's school program should be based on his/her individual needs; not on his/her category of disability.
* In other words, you should not hear statements like, "All the kids with speech/language impairment in our district receive. . . Or "Because of your child's disability they are eligible for....

2. The district should offer your child a selection of OPTIONS for placement and programs. They should ask for your input and consider your suggestions.

3. If the district decides to place your child in a school that is out of the area, the district must provide transportation to and from that school.

4. Your child should begin and end their school day just like other children in the same grade; they shouldn't go to school earlier or later than "regular" kids, nor should they be sent home earlier or later.

5. You have the right to request an IEP meeting at anytime during the school year. Scheduling should include all appropriate school staff, but you have the right to initiate a meeting.

6. When the school district schedules an IEP meeting they are required to give you 10 days prior notice.

7. You can invite anyone you want to an IEP meeting. It is advised that you not go alone.

8. Changes to the contents of an IEP, placement of a child, type and hours of related services, and/or hours of special education can only be made following an IEP meeting. IEP teams can rewrite the original IEP or submit an amendment, but the team should meet and the parent must be invited.

9. Your child's IEP should include information on transition, standardized testing and extended school year.
*These items are often left out of an IEP, but should be included.

10. You have the right to and SHOULD keep a copy of every document the school has on your child. All IEP's, requests and approval for testing, evaluations, etc., should be part of a permanent file you keep on your child.

11. Children with disabilities may attend public schools from age 3 to 22. If your child is 21 when school begins they may continue through that year even if they turn 22.

12. Children with disabilities may receive a diploma of graduation or a special certificate.
*Parents should know that if your child accepts a diploma at age 18, they may be ineligible to continue their education to age 21.