Understanding Procedural Safeguards: A Guide for Families in Special Education

You probably know that your school is required to give you a copy of the procedural safeguards at least once a year if your child has an IEP. But, have you ever had to look through them? They can be a bit overwhelming and even confusing at times. The Arc Tennessee, through the Family Engagement Project, is breaking down the various parts of the Procedural Safeguards and giving families the basic idea behind each part to make it easier to understand. If you have questions about a particular topic, click the link below to learn more. If there is anything we haven't covered that you'd like to know more about, leave us a comment below and we will reach out!

First off, let's start with a link to the full version of the Procedural Safeguards. You should receive a copy of this in some form when you first meet with your child's school for the year:
CLICK HERE to read the full version.

Here's where we'll break this down into parts for you. Click on each topic to read more about what each one means for your child in special education:

Prior Written Notice

Native Language/Translation

Parental Consent

What if I don't Agree with an Evaluation?

What if I Want to Change my Child's Records?

Confidentiality of Information

State Complaint and Dispute Resolution Procedures

Procedures for Disciplining Children with Disabilities

• Corporal Punishment in Special Education

 When you need to send your child to Private School at Public Expense