Adoptive Families: Did You Know?
Click here to download a PDF version of this fact sheet.
- Your child with a disability can get educational services. Every child age 2 through 21 years old identified as having a disability has the right to free special education and related services. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be developed for each individual child with a disability. The IEP specifies the needs of the child and what education and services are necessary to meet the child’s needs. (8VAC20-81-10) Infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities may be able to get early intervention services through the Infant & Toddler Connection. (12VAC35-225)
- You should help make important educational decisions about your child. Virginia special education regulations clarify that adoptive parents, like all parents, should be part of the team making education decisions regarding the IEP and other important aspects of their child’s education. Parents’ rights include inspection and review of records, participation in meetings, and involvement in decisions regarding educational placement. other important aspects of their child’s education. (8VAC20-81-10; 8VAC20-81-170)
- You should be informed when decisions are to be made. Parents must be told when each IEP meeting will occur and are to be present if possible at every IEP meeting. If they cannot attend, schools must use other methods to allow participation, such as phone calls or video meetings. The school must pay for any additional costs for the alternative methods. (8VAC20-81-110)
- Your child may get support services to benefit from special education. Among the supports eligible children with disabilities may receive are assistive technology, transportation, extended school year services, and related services such as occupational and physical therapies, speech-language pathology, and psychological services. (8VAC20-81-10; 8VAC20-81-100)
- Your child’s school should be helping solve behavior problems. Schools, along with parents as part of the IEP team, must consider the use of positive interventions, strategies and supports to address behaviors that are causing problems for the child or others. The IEP team should develop goals and services related to the behavioral needs. IEP teams can also call for a functional behavioral assessment and determine if a behavioral intervention plan is needed to address the child’s behaviors. (8VAC20-81-110; 8VAC20-81-160)
