Michigan Legal Help

My Child Needs or Gets Special Education Services

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Learn about how to request an evaluation for Special Education Services and what you need to know if your child is getting Special Education Services.

Articles

How to Ask for Special Education Services for My Child

Special Education Services are for students with disabilities. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other special policies can help these students succeed in school. Read this article to learn how to ask for Special Education Services for your child.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Students with disabilities must receive free appropriate public education (FAPE). If a student receiving Special Education Services is suspended or expelled, the school must still offer the student FAPE.
Evaluations of Students With Disabilities

To be eligible for Special Education Services (SES), students must first be evaluated. Students who need SES will be evaluated on a regular basis. This is to make sure they get appropriate services. Read this article to learn more about the different evaluations.
504 Plans in School

If your child is struggling in school but is not eligible for Special Education Services, the school may still have to offer your child some accommodations. Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act requires public schools to offer accommodations for students with disabilities. Read this article to learn more.
Students With Limited English Proficiency

Schools must help students who do not speak, read, write or understand English very well. Schools must help these students learn English and complete general course work. It is the school district’s job to measure a student’s English skills.
Due Process Hearings and Education-Related Complaints

There are laws to protect students with disabilities. If your child’s school does not follow these laws you can file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education. You might be able to ask for a due process hearing.

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Forms

Do-It-Yourself Letter Requesting Special Education Services (SES) or 504 Services

Use this tool to prepare a letter to ask for your child to be evaluated or reevaluated for Special Education Services (SES) and/or 504 Services, or to complain to the Michigan Department of Education about your child's SES and/or 504 services. You will go to the LawHelp interactive website to do this. When you are done answering the questions, your finished letter will be ready for you to print.

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