A Parent's Guide to Special Education
Welcome to Ingham ISD’s parent resource page. Parents are the most important member of their child's educational team. When a child is struggling in school or has been identified with disability, parents face additional challenges to ensure that their child receives the best education to meet their needs, and parents must navigate the complex world of special education. The resources below will provide guidance, support and access to resources in our community.
Dispute Resolution Options
If parents need support resolving a special education issue or dispute with a school district, options, and resources are available to support the parent in resolving the concern.
Michigan Department of Education Dispute Resolution Guidance
Special Education Mediation Services
Family Matters
The Family Matters Fact Sheets provide parents with information about special education law and special education procedures and practices.
MDE Parent Resources
The Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education (MDE OSE) provides guidance and resources for parents of children with disabilities. The Parent Resources webpage provides information about special education eligibility, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process and other topics related to special education.
Michigan Alliance for Families
The Michigan Alliance for Families provides a wealth of information for parents of children with disabilities. They also host Learning Opportunities related to special education for parents monthly.
Procedural Safeguards
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal special education law. The IDEA includes protections for parents and students. These protections are called procedural safeguards. Schools must provide a document explaining all of the procedural safeguards to parents.
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
The purpose of the Parent Advisory Committee is to represent the views of all parents who have children receiving special education services and to provide information about opportunities and resources available in the community for students with Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs). The Committee gives input to Ingham ISD which focuses on the delivery of special education and the improvement of our special education programs and services. Our unique perspective offers us the opportunity to advise the Ingham ISD Board of Education on matters relating to special education programs and services.
