1. Educational Parent Surrogate
BC SECAC
Baltimore City
Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee Meeting
March 14, 2016
Dr. Gregory Thornton, CEO
Baltimore City Public Schools
Tiffany Clemmons
Executive Director of Specialized Services

2. Session Objectives Who is a Parent under IDEA
What is a Parent Surrogate?
When is a Parent Surrogate Needed?
Who Can be a Parent Surrogate?
Criteria, Roles and Responsibilities, Training and Appointment Process

3. Who is a Parent under IDEA?

4. Who is a Parent? A biological or adoptive parent. A foster parent.
A legal guardian, but not the state.
An adult person acting in place of a parent, including a relative, or an individual legally responsible for the student.
A parent surrogate appointed by Baltimore City Public Schools.
Note: The “ward of the State” definition does not include certain foster children. If the child lives with a foster parent who has limited guardianship for special education decision-making purposes granted by the court that has placed the child in foster care, the child does NOT need a parent surrogate.

5. What is a Surrogate Parent?
A Parent Surrogate is an individual who represents a child under age 21 who may be in need of or receives special education and related services.
Definition of a parent surrogate

6. When is a Parent Surrogate Needed?
Students whose parents are unknown, cannot be identified or parental rights have been terminated;
Students whose parents are unavailable or cannot be located;
Students who are wards of the state; or
The student is an unaccompanied homeless youth
Note: Unavailability of a parent is not a factor in determining the need for a surrogate parent.

7. Where are these Students Located?
Foster Homes
Nursing Homes
Public or Private group homes
State Hospitals
Correctional Facilities

8. The Duty of School Districts
Determine whether a student needs a parent surrogate; and
Assigning a parent surrogate to a student.
Ensuring that the assignment is made within 30 days the district determines the student needs a surrogate.

9. Who Can Be a Parent Surrogate?
An adult 18 years or older;
Have no vested interested that conflicts with the student’s educational interests;
Be committed to learning about the child’s educational needs and about special education system in which the child is enrolled; and
Have knowledge, special training, and skills to insure adequate representation of the student.

10. Criteria for Parent Surrogate
Has no interest that would conflict with the interest of the student he or she represents.
Is not an employee of Baltimore City Public Schools.
Is not an employee of a public agency involved in the education or care of the student. (This includes a Social Worker with the Department of Social Services).

11. Parent Surrogate Roles & Responsibilities
Know your rights as a parent surrogate.
Become familiar with student’s educational history.
Participate in actively in the IEP Process.
Monitors the student’s educational development.
Attend all parent/school meetings and conferences.
Make decisions regarding consent for a child’s placement in a program.

12. Parent Surrogate Roles & Responsibilities
Under the regulations of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) keep student information confidential.
The parent surrogate has no authority or responsibility for the care, maintenance, or financial support of the student.

13. Parent Surrogate Training
Attend a one-on-one training session with the Parent Surrogate Coordinator.
Attend the IEP Clinic Series and parent workshops on special education and parents rights sponsored by Partners for Success.
Review the City Schools forms and procedures regarding students with disabilities.

14. Appointment of Parent Surrogate
Once a surrogate is appointed to act on behalf a student the surrogate has the same rights as the parent.
The surrogate becomes familiar with the child, his or her program and the IEP team members.
All communications regarding the student will be sent to the surrogate parent.

15. The Timeline for Appointment Process
Baltimore City Public Schools shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that a parent surrogate is assigned not more than 30 days after determination is made that the student needs a surrogate parent.
The Parent Surrogate Coordinator is responsible for submitting the request to the CEO.

16. Questions and Answers
How much time does it take to be a parent surrogate?
Do students over age 18 need a parent surrogate?
Can a foster parent be a parent surrogate?

17. Resource -Special Education-Publications/Information
Helpful Resources
Visit Maryland State Department of Education
Resource -Special Education-Publications/Information
♦ Parent Surrogate Manual 2014
♦ Building IEPs with Maryland Families-What a Great IDEA- A Resource for IEP Team members
♦ Understanding the Evaluation, Eligibility, and Individualized Program (IEP Process in Maryland)

18. For More Information, contact:
Michelle Grant-Thornton, Family Support Specialist
Partners for Success Resource Center or
(Fax)