2. Get in the Game! Become a Surrogate Parent for an Exceptional Student

3. It takes teamwork to meet the needs of exceptional students. Join the ESE team!

4. What is a surrogate parent? A hero! A person who acts in the interests of an exceptional student in the ESE process, and…

5. A surrogate parent does not take care of the child. A surrogate parent is not financially responsible for the child.

6. Exceptional Student A student who has special educational needs and is eligible to receive ESE services. A student who has a disability or a student who is gifted.

7. A surrogate parent is needed If the child’s parent is unknown or cannot be located (including unaccompanied homeless children), or If the child is a ward of the state (such as children who live in group foster care; youth in juvenile justice facilities)

8. Surrogate Parent Duties Participate in the ESE process Help make decisions Help make sure the student’s educational needs are met Make sure that the student’s rights are protected

9. Surrogate parents are very important people! Join the ESE team!

10. You do not have to be an expert to be a great surrogate parent.

11. IDEA 2004 School districts must provide specially designed instruction to meet the individuals needs of students with disabilities. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

12. Examples of ESE Services Special teaching methods and materials Specially trained teachers Assistive technology Accommodations Modifications Behavior plan Speech, OT, PT Special transportation

13. Role of the Surrogate Parent Become familiar with the child Go to meetings and help make decisions Give consent for ESE services (or refuse to give consent) Ask school to change ESE services Participate in training

14. Referral

15. Individual Evaluation

16. Eligibility Determination

17. Consent for Placement

18. Development of First IEP

19. Participation in the General Curriculum

20. Accommodations: changes in how students are taught and tested Modifications: changes in what students are taught and tested on

21. Yearly Development of New IEP

22. Re-evaluation

23. Surrogate parents have the same rights in the ESE process as parents have.

24. Procedural Safeguards/Rights Receive informed written notice Participate in planning and decision-making Give or refuse to give consent Receive informed written notice Participate in planning and decision-making Give or refuse to give consent

25. Educational Records Look at or get a copy of the child’s educational records Ask for changes to be made in the child’s educational records Look at or get a copy of the child’s educational records Ask for changes to be made in the child’s educational records

26. Formal Conflict Resolution Mediation Formal written complaint to DOE Due process hearing Mediation Formal written complaint to DOE Due process hearing

27. Mediation Mediator helps the parent and the school district come to an agreement that satisfies both parties.

28. Formal Written Complaint to DOE Parent submits complaint to DOE About possible violation of IDEA or other law related to ESE DOE decides on corrective actions Parent submits complaint to DOE About possible violation of IDEA or other law related to ESE DOE decides on corrective actions

29. Due Process Hearing Hearing before administrative law judge (ALJ) About ESE identification, evaluation, placement, or services (FAPE) Parties present evidence Often involves attorneys Judge decides on corrective actions Hearing before administrative law judge (ALJ) About ESE identification, evaluation, placement, or services (FAPE) Parties present evidence Often involves attorneys Judge decides on corrective actions

30. Winning Teamwork! Know the rules of the team Respect all team members Listen Be clear Be flexible Find a mutually agreeable solution Write it down

31. Steps in Problem Solving Talk to the right person Name the problem Talk about concerns, documentation, what’s already been tried, and how it worked Listen to all team members Brainstorm possible solutions Find a solution team members can agree on Take a break when needed

32. FDLRS Help Information Training Help Information Training www.fdlrs.com

33. For information about disabilities, visit www.nichcy.org 1.800.695.0285 www.nichcy.org For information about disabilities, visit www.nichcy.org 1.800.695.0285 www.nichcy.org

34. For free publications— Clearinghouse Information Center at DOE www.myfloridaeducation.com/commhome cicbiscs@fldoe.org 1.850.245.0477 www.myfloridaeducation.com/commhome cicbiscs@fldoe.org For free publications— Clearinghouse Information Center at DOE www.myfloridaeducation.com/commhome cicbiscs@fldoe.org 1.850.245.0477 www.myfloridaeducation.com/commhome cicbiscs@fldoe.org

35. This job takes… Caring Gathering information Participating and sharing what you have learned Listening and asking questions Focusing on the child

36. This job takes YOU! Thank you.

37. Florida Department of Education Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services 2007 This product may be reproduced within the state system of public education in Florida consistent with section 1006.39(2), Florida Statutes. No authorization is granted for distribution or reproduction outside the state system of public education without prior approval in writing. Author: Carmy Greenwood, Consultant Development Committee: Bambi J. Lockman, Bureau Chief Eileen Amy, Administrator, ESE Program Administration and Quality Assurance Patricia Howell, Program Director, ESE Conflict Resolution For more information about surrogate parents for students with exceptionalities and related topics, call: 850.245.0476 (Suncom: 205.0476) (Fax: 850.245.0953) To order copies of this or other products, contact the Clearinghouse Information Center: E-mail: cicbiscs@fldoe.org Voice: 850.245.0477 (Suncom: 205-0477) (Fax: 850.245.0987)cicbiscs@fldoe.org