School

Posted February 2025

Posted and up-to-date on 8/26/2020 - Cross posted on KidsLegal.org What do I need to know? There is still a lot of uncertainty around what school will look like in the Fall. What will happen at your child’s school will depend on where you live in Maine.  

February 2025 Note: Many parents and guardians are feeling scared by recent news about changes to the laws about immigration officials in schools and you may have concerns about sending your children to school. This message is to help you have accurate information about your student's rights to an education and about what schools can and cannot do.

Special Education Timelines There are many indications that a child may need to additional services and support as a special education student. Some of those signs may be: Trouble with school work such as in reading or math Conflict with peers or adults Challenging behaviors that are having on impact on the child being able to access their education A diagnosis of Autism or developmental delays

Is disciplining a special education student different than a non-special education student? Yes! Special education students have more protections when facing discipline at school. The purpose of those protections is to make sure that a child is not missing many days of the services that they need. The protections also make sure that students with disabilities are not being disciplined due to their disability.  

Special Education: When Parents and Schools Disagree   One job of an Individual Education Program (IEP) Team is to work together to develop appropriate programming for the child. While sometimes the team agrees, there are times when the parent and school do not agree. If the issue cannot be worked out within the IEP Team meeting, the Individual’s with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allows for three different ways to solve the problem. They are: Mediation Complaint

February 2025 Note: Many parents and guardians are feeling scared by recent news about changes to the laws about immigration officials in schools and you may have concerns about sending your children to school. This message is to help you have accurate information about your student's rights to an education and about what schools can and cannot do.

February 2025 Note: Many parents and guardians are feeling scared by recent news about changes to the laws about immigration officials in schools and you may have concerns about sending your children to school. This message is to help you have accurate information about your student's rights to an education and about what schools can and cannot do.

February 2025 Note: Many parents and guardians are feeling scared by recent news about changes to the laws about immigration officials in schools and you may have concerns about sending your children to school. This message is to help you have accurate information about your student's rights to an education and about what schools can and cannot do.

When entering the world of special education it can feel like people are speaking a different language. This guide will help you understand some of the common terms used by special education professionals. Each of these terms are defined in Maine’s Uniform Special Education Regulations or in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act.