Expert: Tim Runner - 11/4/2010

Question
My town in Saugus, Ma has a preschool program that only offers 10 hrs per week.. But the city of Cambridge, Ma offers 25 hrs per week for children with the same autism diagnosis. Can i force the town i live in to provide the same amount of services and education for my child? She has been recieving 20 hrs a week thru early intervention and other services.. Her neuroligist has suggested a minimum of 30 hrs per week. Can my town get away with saying we just dont offer that?

Answer
Robyn,

Special Education law says that each child is supposed to be given the level of services that will meet their unique needs. The determination of this level is up to the school district. I am not sure what agency is paying for your daughter's school. If it is the city, then I am not sure what course of action you can take. If it is the county or your school district, then you can ask them to assess you daughter. Whatever the agency, I suggest you contact them and show them the recommendations of your daughter's neurologist. Then if they refuse to do more, find out what your options are for seeking more help. They should tell you what your rights are and how to seek relief. In the education realm, you can file for Due Process which is an administrative hearing. If it is being paid for by the city, then you should contact them about help. Usually the only way to get the city to change is to bring political pressure on them such as newspaper articles, getting other parents to band together and meet with city leaders.

I wish you and your daughter the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates for Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com