Special Education Learning Collaborative: Parent Participation and Procedural Safeguards

This session provides a practical overview of parent participation and procedural safeguards under IDEA, MARSE, and Michigan Office of Special Education guidance. Participants will examine the school's responsibility to ensure parents have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions regarding evaluation, eligibility, placement, IEP development, and the provision of FAPE.

The session will review key requirements related to IEP meeting participation, notice, informed consent, prior written notice, access to educational records, independent educational evaluations, confidentiality, and dispute resolution options. Participants will also explore practical strategies for strengthening parent-school partnerships, maintaining appropriate documentation, and ensuring that parent participation is informed, meaningful, and collaborative—not simply attendance or a signature.

Suggested Attendees:

• Building Administrators
• General and Special Education Teachers
• Ancillary Staff

In the spirit of accessibility for all participants, please contact us at events@thecenterforcharters.org to request supports to effectively participate in the session.