The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued an opinion letter stating parents and guardians are allowed to use the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) intermittently to attend Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings with teachers, school administrators and others involved in planning education services for children with special needs.
The opinion gives educators a tool for helping families participate in the IEP process, which can be daunting and is often a source of frustration for parents.
A 2017 study suggested that parents “often feel like outsiders” during the process. And worrying about being penalized for missing work is only likely to make the meetings less productive. The authors recommended sending questionnaires to parents, teachers, other service providers and the student’s peers to gain a more complete picture of the child’s strengths and needs prior to the meeting.
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Education Dive
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The opinion gives educators a tool for helping families participate in the IEP process, which can be daunting and is often a source of frustration for parents.
A 2017 study suggested that parents “often feel like outsiders” during the process. And worrying about being penalized for missing work is only likely to make the meetings less productive. The authors recommended sending questionnaires to parents, teachers, other service providers and the student’s peers to gain a more complete picture of the child’s strengths and needs prior to the meeting.
Learn more:
Education Dive