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 or
school district that invited
the
individual to the meeting makes
the determination of whether an individual
has
knowledge or special
expertise. [34 C.F.R. Secs. 300.321(a)(6) & (c); Cal.
Ed. Code. Secs. 56341(b)(6) &
56341.1(f).]
Any decision that is made with regard to an IEP must be made with the informed consent of the parent. An advocate or case manager can assist in this process by fully explaining to you the actions or consequences being discussed or considered.