IEP Disagreements​​

A parent may decide that they do not want to sign the IEP because one or more parts of the plan are not appropriate for their child. IDEA describes a series of steps called due process that are intended to protect parents’ rights to disagree with the school about their child’s education. It is also intended to guarantee that the parent, their child and the school are treated fairly as they attempt to settle a dispute.

The following are examples of the kinds of things a parent may disagree with the school about:

• The school wants to discontinue a service or support that the parent believes is still necessary for their child to benefit from his or her educational program.
• A parent believes their child needs an additional service.
• A parent believes their child’s placement should be changed because the child’s progress in his or her current program is not satisfactory.
• The parent wishes to change their child’s program so he or she can spend more time with students without disabilities.

If a parent disagrees with the school on an issue, they should, first, work with the IEP team to try to find a solution. If the team cannot reach agreement, the parent may contact the school district’s special education director or they may contact a representative of the Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA).

Los Angeles Unified School District has a Division of Special Education School and Family Support Services (SFSS) hotline that parents may use.

Telephone: 213.241.6701

E-mail: spedsfss@lausd.net

Website: achieve.lausd.net/sped