RECORDS:
 
You have a right to see your child’s education records.
You also may have the records explained to you.
You may request to have something in the record changed
or removed if you feel it should not be in your child’s records.
You may ask for and receive copies of the Individualized
Education Program (IEP) and/or any of your child’s
records. The school system may charge a fee for the copies.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

Your child has a right to a full and complete evaluation to
determine if he/she has a disability and is in need of special
education and/or related services.
The school system must test students according to procedures
outlined in IDEA and Georgia Special Education Rules.
Your child will have a re-evaluation at least every 3 years.
You will be involved in the decision about eligibility and what
programs and services your child needs during the re-evaluation.
 
CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION:

Your child’s education records are confidential.
You can ask to have copies of only your child’s records.
School employees involved with your child may see the
records and do not require your permission.
No one else may see your child’s records without your permission.

LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT:

You have a right to have your child taught in classrooms and
participate in all school programs and activities with other
children without disabilities, of the same age and grade, to the
greatest extent appropriate for your child.
School system personnel must make accommodations and
modifications so that your child can participate in all school
programs and activities to the greatest extent appropriate.

INDEPENDENT EVALUATION:
If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you may have
your child tested by a professional evaluator not employed
by the school system, at public or private expense.
The school system will give you a list of evaluators so that you
may choose one to test your child.
The IEP team uses the results of the tests to determine if your
child has a disability or needs special education.

SURROGATE PARENTS:

When the school cannot find the child’s parents or the child is a
ward of the state, the school system will assign a surrogate
(substitute) parent who will represent the child regarding the
child’s rights and interests for any evaluation, meeting, or
educational decisions for special education services.
Surrogate parents will receive special training and will act as the
parent by giving consent and participating in IEP /other meetings.
NOTICE:
You must be notified of your parental rights.
You must be invited to attend meetings about your child,
such as eligibility, re-evaluation, or IEP meetings.
You are to receive copies of all documents about your child’s
education program and can have them explained to you.
Copies will be in your native language or explained in sign
language. The school system will provide a translator or
interpreter, if needed.
 
PRIVATE SCHOOL PLACEMENT:

This section describes certain rights and responsibilities given to
parents when they choose to place their child in a private
school.
The school system is not required to pay for the private school
if the school system offered a free appropriate public education
to meet a child’s educational needs that have been identified
through the educational evaluation and are included in the IEP.
CONSENT:
The school cannot test/evaluate or re-evaluate your child
without your permission/consent.
The school cannot place your child into special education
or change your child’s program placement without your
permission/consent.
The school system cannot release your child’s records without
your permission/consent.
You have the right to not give your permission/consent.
INTERIM ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENTS:
The school system must follow certain procedures when students
with disabilities have behaviors that cause the IEP team to find
other settings and ways to educate the child.
Schools may remove students to alternative programs when there
is a potential danger to the child, students, or school personnel.
Disciplinary actions occur for violations involving drugs, alcohol,
weapons, or other school rules violations.
These rights protect you, your child, and the school system.
HEARINGS, MEDIATION, COMPLAINTS:
You can request a mediation or due process hearing if you
disagree with what the school has planned for your child.
The school system can also request mediation or a due
process hearing.
This section includes those rights that apply to parents and the
CONTACTS:
When you have concerns about your child’s education, it is
important to tell the school principal or special education director.
If you need further help, there are parent or advocacy groups
from whom you may obtain help. Ask the school for information.
You may also contact the Division for Exceptional Students at