WHEN IS A SURROGATE PARENT NEEDED?
Prior to the initiation of any action requiring parent involvement, consent, and signatures, a surrogate parent must be assigned to ensure that the rights of a student are protected when:
- The student is a ward of the state, or
- No parent can be identified, or
- After reasonable efforts by the school district, the whereabouts of a parent cannot be discovered
WHO CAN BE A SURROGATE PARENT?
To meet state and federal regulations, a surrogate parent is someone who:
- Has no interests in conflict with the student's interests
- Is not employed by a public agency involved in the care or education of the student
- Is knowledgeable about: state and federal requirements, school district special education guidelines, and student's needs, disability and strengths
- Is skilled, knowledgeable, and adequately able to represent the student
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SURROGATE PARENT?
To adequately represent the child and effectively advocate for an appropriate education, surrogate parents may do the following:
- Learn about the child's educational needs by observing or talking to the student at school; reviewing the child's class work, assessment reports, and/or ARD/IEP reports; and by talking with teachers, therapists, case workers, counselors, or other professionals involved in the student's education
- Participate in school meetings to plan or make changes in the student's individual educational program
- Serve as the child's advocate by requisitioning appropriate educational services
- Represent the student in any complaint or due process procedure
PROCEDURES FOR ASSIGNMENT OF A SURROGATE PARENT ARE:
- The campus alerts the special education director that a Surrogate Parent may be needed to represent the student.
- The special education director/special education designee determines the need for a Surrogate Parent.
- The special education director/special education designee contacts the Surrogate Parent and arranges a time to complete training requirements and documentation and to become familiar with the student.
