Parent Resources

Parents and Families

Parents play an important role in the education of their children. Parents can assist their children at home with learning. Parents can also provide valuable input for schools about what is best for their kid.

The Office of Special Education (OSE) is committed to providing support and resources for families with a child with a inability. The information below will help you find unlike special education topics and resource on the OSE website.

The OSE also supports the Michigan Alliance for Families, Michigan'south federal Parent-Training and Information Center. The Michigan Brotherhood for Families has parent mentors to help guide yous through the special education system.

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Family unit Matters

Family Matters fact sheets provide parents and families with information almost special education. The fact sheets are easy to read and give links to more in-depth resources.

Special Education Law

The Individuals Disabilities Education Act (Idea) is the federal police force for special education. The Idea requires that all students with a inability receive a free appropriate public educational activity (FAPE). Michigan likewise has a state law, the Revised School Code, with additional requirements for special didactics.

The IDEA established two separate historic period segments for students with special needs. Part B refers to special education services for students ages 3 through 21. Part C refers to early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities from birth to age three.

Michigan special education services extend from nascency through age 25 (beyond the federal requirement of 21). Therefore, Michigan's special education services and programs serve eligible students from birth through historic period 25.

The OSE also adult the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Instruction (MARSE), which further clarify how to implement and comply with special teaching law. The MARSE become through a process of public annotate and approval from the state legislature before becoming terminal.

The laws and regulations section of the website provides links to the various special instruction laws, as well as other policy documents. A Family Matters IDEA fact sheet for parents is also available.

Procedural Safeguards

The Individuals with Disabilities Instruction Human activity (IDEA) regulations include a ready of procedural safeguards. These safeguards provide certain rights to students and parents. The safeguards include in part:

  • Protecting student privacy.
  • Allowing parents admission to their kid's educational records.
  • Keeping parents informed.
  • Requiring parental consent for important decisions.
  • Allowing parents to file complaints.

Schools are required to provide a notice of the procedural safeguards to parents at to the lowest degree once a year.

The notice and consent section of the website includes the Procedural Safeguards Notice document and more information. A Family Matters Procedural Safeguards fact sheet for parents is also available.

Eligibility for Special Education

Eligible children and students from birth through historic period 25 may receive special education programs and related services. A student must first exist evaluated for special didactics in order to be determined eligible.

More information and resources are available in the evaluation and eligibility section of the website. A Family Matters Initial Evaluation for Special Teaching fact canvass for parents is besides bachelor.

Children from nascency to age 3 who are eligible for special instruction services are also eligible for Early ® services, which is a plan administered by the Michigan Department of Teaching Role of Great First.

Individualized Educational activity Program (IEP)

An individualized education program (IEP) is a written document that outlines the student's educational needs and goals, and the programs and services the school district will provide to see those needs. The certificate is written by the IEP squad at an IEP squad meeting. The IEP is reviewed at to the lowest degree once a twelvemonth.

The IEP department of the website includes guidance documents and more information. A Family Matters IEP fact sail for parents is also available.

Resolving Disagreements

Sometimes parents disagree with a school commune's decision about the education of their child with a disability. In that location are several special educational activity problem solving options. Options include informal problem solving, arbitration, and formal complaints.

The Dispute Resolution Options section of the website reviews the options in particular and provides resources. A Family Matters Special Teaching Problem Solving fact canvas for parents is also available.

Other Offices and Organizations

Many offices, agencies, and organizations exterior of the OSE work with families and schools to support students with disabilities. Outside supports include other MDE offices (e.one thousand., Office of Great Start), OSE-funded initiatives (e.g., Statewide Autism Resources and Training), and other state agencies (east.yard., Michigan Rehabilitation Services).

Expect through the different supports for students with disabilities for help from other sources.