Parent/Family Frequently Asked Questions

 A Guide for Parents and Family Members of Students on IEPs

Please note that the following initialisms and acronyms are used in this guide:

Whom should I contact with general questions?

Answer: Your first line of communication is with your child’s teacher or case manager. The person who oversees your child’s program for instruction is in the best position to help you understand what services are being provided for your student during suspension of in-person learning. If you have questions or concerns regarding the type or delivery of services, you should contact your district’s Director of Special Education.  If you are unsure who that person is, you can find a list organized by county and administrative unit on the CDE website at Find Your Special Education Director.

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How do I contact the CDE?

Answer: If you need additional information or help beyond what you have received from those channels, you may contact the CDE Exceptional Student Services Unit at 720-926-1453. You may also e-mail us at: Parents_ESSUquestions@cde.state.co.us. 

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My child’s IEP review is coming up. May we have a virtual IEP meeting?

Answer: Yes. Both the CDE and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) approve virtual IEP meetings.  Parents and the IEP Team may agree to conduct IEP meetings through means such as videoconferencing or conference telephone calls.

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I would like to extend the timeline for my child’s annual review. Is that possible?

Answer: Yes, you and the school may agree to extend the timeline for completing the annual IEP review. In this case, the existing IEP would continue to be implemented. The IEP Team should carefully document the agreement.

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What about IEP meetings for reasons other than an annual review?

Answer: You may request a virtual IEP meeting at any time. Please follow the procedures that your child’s school has in place for making those requests. If you are unsure how to request an IEP meeting, please contact your child's case manager or your district’s director of special education.

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I would like some support for my child’s IEP meeting. What is available?

Answer: Many times parents would like to have an advocate or other support person with them for an IEP meeting. This process has not changed for meetings conducted by videoconference or telephone. The IEP Team should be aware of all those who will be attending virtually.

The Exceptional Student Services Unit continues to offer IEP Facilitation during this time. If you are interested in requesting a facilitator for your virtual IEP meeting, please complete the request form located on the Alternative Dispute Resolution webpage. Either the parent or the school may make the request, and both must agree to the use of a facilitator. After gaining agreement from the other party, a facilitator will be in touch to develop an agenda. A number of documents to guide this process are available on the Special Education Facilitation Information webpage.

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If I believe that my child’s IEP is not being followed, do I have any recourse?

Answer: If you have concerns about your child’s IEP being followed or about the provision of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), please first contact your district’s Director of Special Education. Your director’s contact information can be found on Find Your Special Education Director. At any time, you may contact the ESSU at 720-926-1453 and leave a message. Be sure to include your phone number. Someone will return your phone call as quickly as possible and discuss processes that might be helpful to you.

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Where can I get information about additional resources?

Answer: Please consult the CDE-ESSU webpage.  There are many excellent resources for families listed on the Parents and Families of a Child with Disabilities page.

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