If your grandchild lives with you, a grandparent is authorized to act as the parent in the IEP and other special education processes under federal and state law. In fact, any individual acting in the place of a biological or adoptive parent with whom the child lives, may also assume this role. This includes a stepparent, other relative caretaker, a guardian, etc.[1] A parent or guardian may designate another adult to represent the student.[2]