Please Understand Child Find
What Administrators Don't Want You to Know
When parents suspect a disability, all they need to understand is that their child is entitled to receive a "full and individual evaluation," or FIE, by federal law. And they also need to know how to request it: IN WRITING. This legal right is known as Child Find and it is a special provision under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA Section 300.111).
But many parents don't know this. An FIE is a costly evaluation (so many administrators won't be forthcoming or transparent). Trusting parents also may ask an administrator what to do in person, which is a big mistake.
"Your child won't qualify for special education because she's not failing."
Should parents ask an administrator in person, chances are this is what they will hear. But parents should remember: they aren't asking for services, they are asking for an evaluation. This dissuasive tactic is meant to discourage parents from requesting a costly evaluation when funding is limited. An FIE should uncover any disability as well as any comorbidiities associated with that disability. Once parents receive the evaluation, then they can determine the next step which are services.
Two separate Laws for SErvices
IEPs vs. 504s
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that has been in effect since 1975. IDEA requires public schools to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students ages 3-21 with disabilities. IDEA also provides legal protections for these students and their parents.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. It is a civil rights law.
- Both Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans can offer formal help for K–12 students who have special needs.
- Those students with an IEP have stronger protections under IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act) law than those with a 504 plan, which is an economical alternative to an IEP and costs about $2 per student.
- Learn more as campus administrators may or may not be forthcoming with your child's rights to a free and appropriate education due to funding constraints.
Source: A Day in Our Shoes
Issues Parents and Teachers Face with IEPs
Issues Parents and Teachers Face with IEPs
Issues Parents and Teachers Face with IEPs
- Parents dissuaded from the full individual evaluation
- Parents verbally denied an FIE (Child Find Violation)
- Parents disagree with the ARD committee when the IEP is discussed
- Parents denied services and have to go to due process
- Parents are stonewalled trying to organize IEP meetings
- Parents aren't informed who is chairing the ARD meeting
- Parents dissuaded from observing their child in the classroom
- Teachers silenced when advocating a student for special education
- Teachers fear retaliation when trying to be honest about what a student requires for successful outcomes in an ARD meeting
- Regular education teacher divided with special education teachers
- Special education teachers don't receive buy in from general education teachers
Issues Parents Face with 504s
Issues Parents and Teachers Face with IEPs
Issues Parents and Teachers Face with IEPs
- When parents request a full evaluation they are redirected and told their child is too smart for services and dissuaded or denied a full evaluation
- Administrators conduct a 504 meeting without them (as Section 504 doesn't require parent participation)
- Teachers don't honor accommodations, such as extra time
- Administrators do not respond to parent emails regarding 504 in a timely fashion
- Administrators don't answer direct questions regarding a 504
- Accommodations are removed without parental consent, and parents may or may not be notified afterwards
- Parents aren't offered a mutually agreed upon time and date for a 504 meeting
- 504 plans aren't filed in a timely manner and administrators aren't held accountable
- Allegations of accommodations being removed at south side schools but not being removed at north side schools to "level the playing field" (equity)
