Procedural Safeguards & Parental Rights

Who is my first contact if I have questions about my child's IEP?

The first step in resolving concerns and conflicts is to address them with the staff member who is most directly involved. In most cases, this will be your child's general education or special education teacher. You may want to request a conference and follow up with a note identifying specific concerns. Of course, the school principal may be contacted at any time regarding concerns.

What if I have spoken to the school and I still have questions?

Contact the Family Support Staff at 410-651-1616. They provide information to parents and families to work as partners with SCPS. They:

Increase parent involvement in the early intervention and special education process;
Provide information and training;
Assist families with their concerns and decision making; and
Provide information and resources.

When disputes arise that cannot be resolved, you should contact the Supervisor of Special Education for Somerset County Public Schools at 410- 651-1616.

What are my options if I have worked with Somerset County Public Schools and I still have concerns?

The Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch (FSDR) of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has family support specialists who respond to parent questions, assist parents with early intervention and special education services, and connect families to local resources. The Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services (DEI/SES) staff investigate and resolve formal complaints that allege violations of State and federal IDEA requirements regarding the special education of students with disabilities.

Additional Resources: