THE IEP PROCESS: Parents are often overwhelmed by the frustrating and intimidating process of dealing with their local school district's bureaucracy when requesting that their child be evaluated and placed in a learning environment that provides appropriate support for their child's individual learning needs. Common support options range from special day classes, speech therapy, reading support, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social skills programs, tutoring, classroom aides, and private school placement. Parental input is essential to the development of an IEP that meets the individual needs of a child. It is important that the voice of the parents be heard in the process to both educate the school district and advocate on behalf of the child's needs. Parents are entitled to have a special education attorney present at IEP meetings and if no agreement can be reached parents can challenge the school district findings by filing a due process complaint.

DUE PROCESS AND MEDIATION: Parents have the right to an administrative review of school district decisions on their child's education assessment, goals, and placement by a judge with the California Office of Administrative Hearings. In many cases parents represented by an attorney can be reimbursed for their attorney's fees if successful in a due process hearing.