If you’re facing school placement challenges, it can be discouraging—especially after finally securing what you thought would be the right nonpublic or specialized school. You may have imagined this placement would solve your child’s struggles, only to find new obstacles that leave you wondering if the fit is truly right.
Recognizing School Placement Challenges
Sometimes, what seemed like the perfect school ends up falling short. Common signs of school placement challenges include:
- The school is not meeting your child’s identified needs.
- Your child’s needs have changed, and services are no longer appropriate.
- The school is failing to implement your child’s IEP effectively.
- The school is too far away, making transportation stressful for the student.
- The peer group is inappropriate and the student feels isolated.
- The environment is either too restrictive, or not restrictive enough.
- Your child is unhappy and resists or refuses to go to school.
What Parents Can Do Next
If you notice these issues, it’s important to act quickly. Parents have the right to request an IEP meeting to discuss placement concerns. In some cases, the school system or nonpublic school may call a meeting due to lack of progress, poor attendance, or behavioral issues that stem from an inappropriate environment.
At the meeting, you can explore whether goals or services can be adjusted, or if a new placement is necessary. Be sure that your parental concerns and requests are reflected in the Prior Written Notice (PWN). If your input is missing from the meeting notes, request corrections immediately. This ensures a record of your concerns about school placement.
Considering a Change in Placement
School placement isn’t permanent. The appropriateness of a placement can be raised at any time and will also be reviewed at annual IEP meetings. If change is agreed upon at an IEP meeting, your county can restart the referral process by sending “packets” to other nonpublic schools, and parents should absolutely do their own research as well. It is appropriate for parents to make recommendations for schools they feel would be a better fit. Though the process of touring schools, shadow days, and waiting for acceptance can feel daunting, it may ultimately result in a better placement that truly supports your child.
Struggling with School Placement Challenges? Speak with our Special Education Lawyers in Maryland.
If you’re struggling with school placement challenges and don’t know how to move forward, Joseph & Rabb, LLC can help. Our experienced Special Education Lawyers in Maryland guide families through IEP meetings, placement disputes, and appeals to ensure students get the appropriate educational setting they deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward finding the right school placement for your child.