As a parent, you care about your child’s education and success. If your child has struggled with reading, you may have asked your school district to evaluate her – to see if she may have a disability like Dyslexia that is making reading difficult for her. Yet, your school district won’t evaluate your daughter and her teachers say she isn’t that far behind.
Out of frustration, you decide to have your daughter’s reading skills tested independently. You don’t think she has made much progress in her ability to read in years. You aren’t surprised, but rather even more frustrated, when your independent testing confirms your suspicion. What are you supposed to do now?
Compensatory Education
You may be able to receive compensatory education for your child from your school district. To receive compensatory education, you must prove the following:
- How long your child was denied free appropriate public education (FAPE)
- What educational deficits your child has experienced by not receiving a FAPE
- What benefits your child would have received if they had been offered appropriate special education services in the first place
- What services your child requires to help them progress to an appropriate level
If you decide to pursue compensatory education for your child, you may be able to request the following services to address the denial of FAPE:
- Reimbursement for private services
- Reimbursement for private school placement
- Academic Intervention Programs
- Tutoring
- Therapy
- Vocational evaluations
- Special education related services (i.e. occupational therapy and speech and language)
Getting Help To Pursue Compensatory Education
If you believe your child should receive compensatory education, it is important that you consult with an attorney familiar with special education laws and requirements. It is important that you find a legal advocate who can help prove that your child was denied a FAPE and how compensatory education is a necessary remedy.
Parents of children with special education needs often have to fight to get their children the educational services they need. In many cases, pursuing compensatory education is an extremely effective and rewarding option.