Know your Rights.

Request Information:

As a parent/guardian of a minor child you are entitled to access to your child’s records. That is called a FERPA request. You can use this sample language - just remember to insert your child(ren’s) names wherever applicable.

You can also submit a CORA request which allows you to gain access to records that are subject to public access. You can access the form by searching your school district & CORA.

Here is a link to the forms for a few districts (fees may apply depending on school district):

Colorado Department of Education

Boulder Valley School District

Denver Public School

Douglas County

Adams 12

St. Vrain Public Schools

Child Welfare Records Request PDF

Make Demands

Homebound, IEP & IEE Explained

Eligibility: Students are usually eligible for homebound services if they have a medical condition that prevents them from attending school for an extended period. Or if they’ve experienced incidents which can be determined to deny the child FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education). This might include severe illness, injury, or a mental health condition, racism, bullying or harassment in school.
- Instructional Delivery: Homebound services typically involve a teacher providing instruction in the student's home or at a location agreed upon by the school and family. The instruction may be one-on-one or in a small group, depending on the situation.
- Subjects Covered: The subjects taught usually align with the student's current school curriculum, ensuring they can keep up with their peers. The curriculum is often adapted to meet the student's needs.
- Duration: Homebound services are typically short-term, designed to last for the duration of the medical condition or until the student is able to return to school.
- Communication: Regular communication between the teacher, the student, and the family is essential. The teacher might coordinate with the school to monitor the student's progress and adjust the instruction as needed.
1. Referral: The process typically begins with a referral from the student's physician or a request by the parent or guardian.
2. Assessment: The school district may conduct an assessment to determine the student's eligibility based on medical documentation.
3. Service Plan: A homebound service plan is developed that outlines the scope of services, duration, and instructional goals.
4. Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins with the school, updates on academic progress, and potential adjustments to the service plan are part of the process.
Application to request HomeBound Instruction from BVSD

An IEP meeting can be requested by a parent, teacher, or school staff member when there is a need to review or make changes to a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Steps to Request an IEP Meeting:
- Contact the School: Parents or guardians can request an IEP meeting by contacting the child’s case manager, special education teacher, or school principal. This request can be made via email, phone call, or written letter.
- Provide a Reason: It’s helpful to include a reason for requesting the meeting, such as concerns about the student’s progress, changes in the child’s needs, or a request for additional services.
- School’s Responsibility: Once a request is made, the school is required by law to schedule an IEP meeting within a reasonable timeframe (usually within 30 days, depending on the district's guidelines).
- Notification: The school must notify the parents of the meeting details, including the date, time, location, and purpose of the meeting. Parents should receive this notification well in advance (typically 10 days prior).
- Parents’ Rights: Parents have the right to request an IEP meeting or re-evaluation at any time, even if the school does not initiate it.
- IEP Team: The IEP meeting will include a team of professionals, including the child’s teachers, special education staff, and other relevant personnel, as well as the parents or guardians.
- Documentation: Always document your request in writing and keep a copy for your records.
- Follow-up: After the meeting or re-evaluation, parents will receive a written copy of the updated IEP or evaluation results, which they should review carefully.
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) allows parents to request an evaluation by a professional not employed by the school district if they disagree with the school’s evaluation or believe it’s insufficient.
Steps to Request an IEE:
1. Submit a Written Request: Parents must submit a written request to the school’s Special Education Director or Case Manager. It's helpful to explain concerns, though not required.
2. School’s Response: The school must respond within a reasonable time (usually 10-14 days). They can:
  - Agree to the IEE and provide information on how to proceed.
  - Disagree and initiate a due process hearing to defend its evaluation.
3. Choose an Evaluator: If the school agrees, parents can select an independent evaluator who meets required qualifications.
4. Cost: If the school agrees to fund the IEE, they cover the cost. If not, parents may pay upfront but could seek reimbursement.
5. Review the Results: After the IEE, the school must consider the findings when revising the child’s IEP.
Key Points:
- Parents can request an IEE anytime they disagree with the school’s evaluation.
- The school is not required to follow IEE recommendations, but must consider them.
- Keep copies of all correspondence and reports for documentation.

Federal Law

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act)

FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)

Title IX (Student Protection Against Gender Discrimination)

McKinney-Vento

Want to help us fight for children’s rights & interest through demanding that BVSD work with third party organizations to select diverse families that can represent student interest in Teacher Contract Negotiations? Sign the petition TODAY:

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