“I’m considering legal action…”
The Parent Information Center (PIC) is available to support parents throughout the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) process. We support parents from disability identification, to IEP eligibility, and onto transitions from school. Unfortunately, most parents contact PIC once communication has broken down between the school district and themselves.
PIC will always offer to attend IEP meetings and help support parents with communication. Parents may accept support from PIC or ask for guidance on further legal action. Once called, PIC may refer parents to the mediation process through the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE). Mediation is a process to reach agreement with the school district and parents for the best welfare of the child using an independent mediator. Parents do not have to agree to mediation and may take further action.
If parents believe that the relationship and communication has broken past the point of mediation, complaints may be filed. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigates complaints under Title IV with discrimination of Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). You may file a complaint if you believe your child is being discriminated against.
Parents may also file a complaint against the school district with the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE.) This complaint may include denial of FAPE, LRE, or any suspected violations of the IEP. The WDE will investigate and upon conclusion will notify both parties. If violations are substantiated, the school district will be given a plan of improvement. This is of no cost to the parents.
When parents believe violations are occurring from specific educators or administrators within the school, they may also file a complaint with Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB). The process is relatively easy with filing online. Parents will name specific people in the complaint and the reason for the complaint. PTSB will give the named persons the reason they are being investigated and will give 10 days for named persons to reply. Upon replying, a thorough investigation is completed and both parties are notified of the outcome of the complaint.
You may contact PIC for support and guidance through any of the above processes.
