The Pikes Peak BOCES believes that parents are the most important people in a child's life both in and out of school. While teachers can change from year to year, parents are the constant connection between children and learning. When children are struggling in school, parents face additional challenges to ensure that their children receive the best education possible.

The Pikes Peak BOCES is committed to working alongside parents throughout their child's years in school. Please feel free to contact your child's teacher, school administration and/or the Pikes Peak BOCES Special Education Department with questions or concerns.

Individuals with Disabilities Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Federal law concerning the education of students with disabilities, requires schools to provide parents of a child with a disability with a notice containing a full explanation of the procedural safeguards available under the IDEA and U.S. Department of Education regulations.

A copy of this notice must be given to parents only 1 time a school year, except that a copy must be given to the parents:

• Upon initial referral or parent request for evaluation
• Upon receipt of the first State complaint and upon receipt of the first due process complaint in a school year
• When a decision is made to take a disciplinary action that constitutes a change of placement
• Upon parent request

This is a very brief summary of your rights. In order to assure that you have a full explanation of your rights please refer to Parent and Child Rights in Special Education. 
  

Rights

As a parent, you have the rights to:

• Be informed - You will be involved when decisions about your child's educational program are made.
• Provide consent - Your written permission is required to test or place your child in special education.
• Request an evaluation of your child's needs.
• Review your child's educational records and request copies.
• Privacy - Staff within your child's school have access to special education records on a need to know basis.
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - The LRE means your child will spend as much time as possible in a general education setting with general education peers.
• Membership on the IEP team - You are a part of the team that develops and monitors your child's IEP.
• Representation - If ever you feel the need to include an advocate such as a grandparent, community based provider or friend, in meetings pertaining to your child's program, you may invite them.
• Appeal decisions made about your child's eligibility or placement.