The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

Procedural Safeguards

Parents of children with disabilities, from birth through age 26, have certain rights with respect to special education.  These are called Procedural Safeguards.  A Procedural Safeguards Notice explains the specific rights and responsibilities of the parent in the special education process.  Parents must be given an opportunity to participate in meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, and the provision of a free, appropriate public education.

The school should provide you with a procedural safeguard notice on a number of occasions; on an initial referral for evaluation or parent request for an evaluation, upon receipt of the first State Complaint, or upon receipt of the first due process complaint, during discipline proceedings, and upon parent request. Students that are receiving special education services should receive one copy of the Procedural Safeguards Notice annually.

These procedural safeguards can be complex and confusing.  There is additional information on The Take Charge Helpline regarding procedural safeguards.  If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact The Arc at 734-729-9100.

Phone code: 1606