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Parents' role in special education:

Parents and Guardians play a crucial role in Special Education processes. Parents and guardians have the right to ask questions, provide input, and advocate for their child's needs. Their involvement is essential for creating a comprehensive, collaborative, and effective plan for their child. There will be no significant changes to your child's educational plan without notifying you and receiving your written consent.

Kansas Department of Education Resources

Kansas Parent Rights (Procedural Safeguards)

The below documents are a detailed explanation of your legal rights as a parent in Special Education.

ENGLISH

SPANISH

Parent Guide to Special Education

This document was created by the Kansas State Department of Education to guide and assist parents in the Special Education process.

Local Resources

Initial Evaluation Flow Chart

This graphic depicts the process of an initial evaluation for Special Education. An initial evaluation is required prior to the proposal of an initial Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A draft IEP will only be created if the child meets Kansas eligibility criteria.

*Additionally, an evaluation will be conducted at least every three years to ensure updated information is collected to meet students' needs. A triennial evaluation (re-evaluation) follows a similar process as above, starting at the Initial Evaluation box.

IEP-504-SIT Comparison Chart

There are many types of student supports within the educational setting. MCSEC is a strong advocate for students receiving support in the least restrictive environment. In some cases, this may not require an IEP for your student to receive the appropriate supports.

K-12 Parent Guide

This infographic is created by MCSEC to guide parents through local procedures in Special Education. If you would like a printed version, please call our office at 785-562-5308 option 2.

Preschool Parent Guide

This infographic is created by MCSEC to guide parents through local procedures in Special Education. If you would like a printed version, please call our office at 785-562-5308 option 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas Department of Education Resources

Local Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can give consent for a student’s educational program?

What are the school's responsibilities for notice and consent with divorced parents?

What if there is disagreement about an action that requires consent?

If a parent calls the school and verbally revokes their consent for special education and related services and tells the school they want services stopped immediately, what should the school do?

What is the timeline for the general education intervention process?

Are there situations when the general education intervention process for children K-12 would not be used?

If the district decides not to evaluate a child, is the district required to continue the GEI process with the student?

What triggers a referral for a special education evaluation?

If the eligibility determination team fails to reach consensus about a child’s eligibility for special education, who makes the decision?

Once a child has been exited from special education services, must you complete an initial evaluation upon a referral to determine need for special education?

If a parent presents an outside evaluation report to the school, is the school district obligated to implement the recommendations made by the outside evaluation team?

What happens if the parent does not show up for the IEP meeting?

Once a child is determined eligible as gifted, what services is the child entitled to?

May an IEP include only related services?

If providing transportation as a related service is not necessarily determined by the unique needs of a child’s disability, when must transportation be provided for a child with an exceptionality?

If a child is not placed in the general education classroom, can the child participate in other school activities or services?

What responsibility does the general education staff have in serving children in the least restrictive environment?

What if the school and parents agree that a reevaluation isn’t necessary?

What if the student no longer requires special education services?

Who should I call for information or to request mediation?

Who is the contact to file a formal complaint?