Yes. At your discretion, you can bring individuals to the meeting who have knowledge or special expertise regarding your child — including an advocate, friend, regional center case manager (service coordinator) or attorney. The parent/guardian/other education rights holder or school district that invited the individual to the meeting makes the determination of whether an individual has knowledge or special expertise.[1]
Any decision that is made with regard to an IEP must be made with the informed consent of the parent/guardian/other education rights holder. An advocate or case manager can assist in this process by fully explaining to you the actions or consequences being discussed or considered.
- 34 C.F.R. Secs. 300.321(a)(6) & (c); Cal. Ed. Code. Secs. 56341(b)(6) & 56341.1(f).[↩]