A Parent's Guide to Special Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This handbook for Virginia parents of children with disabilities describes the special education process and what is required of parents and the school during each step of the process. The first section briefly describes major provisions of Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act; Virginia law; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Definitions of key terms under the law ("handicapped children,""special education,""related services,""free appropriate public education,""parent," and "surrogate parent") are then offered. The special education process is then described through the following steps: (1) identification of children with suspected handicaps; (2) referral-the Child Study Committee; (3) assessment procedures; (4) independent evaluation; (5) eligibility; (6) the Individualized Education Program; (7) placement and service delivery; (8) monitoring the child's progress; (9) removal from special education; (10) written notice and parental consent; (11) disciplining the handicapped student; (12) resolving problems through the complaint procedure; and (13) resolving conflict through a due process hearing. Appendices include a list of state resources, the special education cycle and timeline, and a glossary. (DB)