| Are you considering filing for a due process hearing, to | | | | 2. Go to your district office and ask to see a complete |
| resolve a dispute between yourself and special | | | | copy of your child's school record. Some districts |
| education personnel, about your child with autism? | | | | require an appointment, call and ask. Ask for |
| Would you like to learn 3 things that need to be done | | | | temporary, permanent, internal memos, e mails, audio |
| before you file? This article will discuss 3 important | | | | and video recordings, anything with your child's name |
| things that you must do before you file for a due | | | | on it. Ask for copies of anything you do not have, and |
| process hearing. This will help you be prepared for | | | | anything that helps your case. Most states require that |
| filing, and increase your chances of winning. | | | | parents get a complete copy of their child's records |
| 1. Make sure that you have been documenting | | | | when they file for due process. But by looking at the |
| everything that happens, to your child at school, | | | | records, you can ensure that something that helps |
| especially anything that helps your case. Write as | | | | your case, is not left out. |
| many letters as you need to, to document what you | | | | 3. You must get an Independent Educational Evaluation |
| have asked for as well as any evidence that you | | | | (IEE), before you file for a due process hearing. This |
| have. If you have not included letters or other type of | | | | way, you will know what the specific issues are, and |
| documentation in your child's school record, you can | | | | you will know what resolutions to ask the hearing |
| start now. | | | | officer for (in other words, what services your child |
| Write a letter immediately to the special education | | | | needs). IDEA 2004 only allows changing of due |
| person in your district. Put what you are asking for, | | | | process issues if the school and hearing officer agree. |
| what educational and related services that you think | | | | By knowing what things you must do before you file |
| your child needs, the evidence for these services etc. | | | | for a due process hearing, you will be prepared, in |
| Also put recollections of conversations with special | | | | case you decide to file. Good luck! |
| education personnel that document your case. | | | | |