As a business owner, keeping informed about the finer points of employment law is important. If you're getting ready to hire your first employees, you need to be sure that you understand exactly what you can and cannot do. Don't risk getting yourself into legal trouble by asking the wrong question at the interview or making an off-hand comment that's considered legally unacceptable. I created this site to give you the basics of employment law expectations. I hope that the information here helps you to understand what you should and shouldn't do as you're interviewing and hiring your first staff members.
Irene Robertson
When representing the best interests of your child, you will sometimes come into conflict with teachers and other staff at your child's school. Under these circumstances, there are various hearings and meetings you will need to participate in. During these events, you will be able to bring a special education lawyer who will help you throughout the process.
How a Lawyer Can Help You
The purpose of a special education lawyer is to inform you of your rights. A special education lawyer will also represent you and will speak on your behalf at hearings and meetings to make sure that your rights are protected. They will also prepare the documents that you will need to make your case. The most common types of meetings are IEP meetings and due process meetings.
The IEP Meeting
IEP stands for "Individualized Education Plan." Your child will be considered eligible for IEP if they are found to have a disability that prevents them from learning and progressing in school. Your child will then need to be provided with accomodations that will allow them to have access to the general curriculum.
You might be required to participate in an IEP meeting. During this type of meeting, you will meet with school officials. During this meeting, you are allowed to bring a special education lawyer. They will handle all of the proceedings and will protect your child's rights when a conflict occurs.
The Due Process Hearing
IEP meetings are sometimes not successful. If this is the case, you'll need to participate in a due process hearing. During this hearing, your attorney will advocate for you, negotiate, and will discuss your child's rights with the school.
The 504 Hearing
If your child does not qualify for the IEP but still needs to have their rights protected, you will be allowed to participate in a 504 hearing. You are eligible for this hearing because of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. With a 504 hearing, you will need to prove that your child has a disability and that their needs cannot be met under the normal education program without modifications.
Even if you can do all of this yourself, you might not have the time or the energy as a busy parent. A special education lawyer can help do the busy work while you focus on making sure that your child's day-to-day needs are met. Meanwhile, a lawyer will be focused on gathering evidence and determining where the law applies to your case. For more information, contact a special education lawyer near you.