Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same thing. Fairness means everyone gets what they need.

1. Navigating the Special Education System A Parent's Guide to Getting Their Child the Services They May Need Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same thing. Fairness means everyone gets what they need. Kimberly Atias Holy Family University

2. I Think My Child May need special Education services... A parent should submit, in writing, a request for evalu-ation. Alternately, a parent may make this request orally to the school principal. The school must supply the parent with a “Permission to Evaluate” form within 10 calendar days of the parent's request. The parent must respond in writing by signing the Permission to Evaluate. A school may not proceed without written consent from the parent.

3. THE SCHOOL HAS 2 CHOICES The school has 60 school days from the date on the signature page of the permission to evaluate signature page to complete a formal evaluation by a licensed professional. I submitted a request for evaluation... The school decides that the child does not need to be evaluated for special education services. An explanation of this decision must be provided to the parent in writing. If a parent does not agree with the school's decision not to evaluate, they may request mediation or a special education hearing.

4. The school has agreed to evaluate my child... TESTING WILL INCLUDE Health Vision Hearing Social/ Emotional Intelligence Academic Performance Communication Motor Skills

5. The child has a disability that makes it difficult to learn AND does need services and support The child has a disability but does not need services and support OR the child does not have a disability The parent can request an inde-pendent evaluation through due pro-cess The child may be eligible for accommodations under Section 504 The school has completed the evaluation... DETERMINATION The IEP team meets within 30 days of the ER to develop the IEP and educational program. The IEP must be implemented within 10 calendar days from team approval

6. I think that I need help with this process... Legal, Due Diligence or Discrimination PA Bureau of Special Education 800-879-2301 Legal Advice and Advocacy Services Education Law Center - PA 215-238-6970 Advocacy Services Parents Involved Network (PIN) 215-751-1800 IEP Facilitation PA Office of Dispute Resolution 800-222-3353 Disagreements about Evaluation or IEP – Due Process PA Office of Dispute Resolution 800-222-3353

7. For Further information And special thanks to... Education Law Center – PA 1315 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 238-6970 www.elc-pa.org