{"id":474,"date":"2012-04-18T17:26:23","date_gmt":"2012-04-18T17:26:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/?p=474"},"modified":"2015-09-21T15:34:11","modified_gmt":"2015-09-21T22:34:11","slug":"should-you-file-a-complaint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/legal-issues\/should-you-file-a-complaint\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You File a Complaint?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"IEP<\/a>

Image source: zazzle.com<\/p><\/div>\n

In all likelihood, as the parent of a child with a speech disorder, you\u2019re going to be working closely with the school district for years. It\u2019s in your child\u2019s best interests for you and the school representatives and educators to work together cooperatively. This does not mean that you should ignore violations of regulations<\/a> or your child\u2019s rights for the sake of avoiding confrontation, however.<\/p>\n

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If you believe that the school\u2019s proposed Individual Education Program (IEP) does not serve your child\u2019s best interests, you have the option of pursuing due process<\/a>. But what happens if you have a legal dispute? Perhaps the school district failed to follow protocol or failed to meet IEP timelines. In these situations, you have the right to file a complaint with your state\u2019s Department of Education.<\/p>\n

\"U.S.<\/a>

Image source: pcstudentadvocacy.org<\/p><\/div>\n

Filing a Complaint Under IDEA<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allows for written complaints of IDEA violations. It does not spell out the specific protocols for these complaints; rather, individual states are required to develop their own procedures. Contact your state\u2019s Department of Education to determine the specific procedures to follow.<\/p>\n

When to File a Complaint<\/strong><\/p>\n

In general, if you believe that the school district has violated the IDEA law, you have one year to file a complaint. If the violation is ongoing, the state may accept the complaint after a longer period of time. However, it is in your child\u2019s best interests to file a complaint as soon as you have determined it is necessary.<\/p>\n

There are many different circumstances that qualify as a violation of the IDEA law. It is considered to be a violation if the school district:<\/p>\n