It’s important for all parents to know our rights and our children’s rights, but for those of us who have special needs children, it can mean the difference between receiving services or not receiving services for our children. Our children will be more self-confident, less stressed, and able to be themselves if we allow them the freedom and the opportunity to learn and grow.

Make sure you know what your rights are.

As a parent or guardian, you have rights that guarantee you and your child certain privileges under the federal law: the Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. A full description of procedural safeguards is included in your Parents’ Rights in Early Intervention booklet.

Depending on individual states, your rights will include the following:

• The right to timely, comprehensive evaluation
• The right to prior notice so you can participate
• The right to a plan for services within a certain number of days of initial referral
• The right to be present and to participate in your child’s case conference/planning
• Rights regarding parent fees
• The right to confidentiality and access to records
• The right to request records be amended and the right to a hearing
• Rights regarding safeguard and destruction of records
• The right to file a complaint, request a mediation conference and/or due process hearing

If you do not fully understand your parent rights, you should seek more information from your service coordinator. You can also find more information about your rights in Early Intervention at the U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 website.