Parent/Family Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: If you need additional information or help beyond what you have received from those channels, you may contact the CDE Exceptional Student Services Unit at 720-926-1453. You may also e-mail us at: Parents_ESSUquestions@cde.state.co.us.  

Answer: Yes. Both the CDE and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) approve virtual IEP meetings.  Parents and the IEP Team may agree to conduct IEP meetings through means such as videoconferencing or conference telephone calls.

Answer: Yes, you and the school may agree to extend the timeline for completing the annual IEP review. In this case, the existing IEP would continue to be implemented. The IEP Team should carefully document the agreement.

Answer: You may request a virtual IEP meeting at any time. Please follow the procedures that your child’s school has in place for making those requests. If you are unsure how to request an IEP meeting, please contact your child's case manager or your district’s director of special education.

Answer: Many times parents would like to have an advocate or other support person with them for an IEP meeting. This process has not changed for meetings conducted by videoconference or telephone. The IEP Team should be aware of all those who will be attending virtually.

If you are interested in requesting a facilitator for your virtual IEP meeting, please complete the request form located on the Alternative Dispute Resolution webpage. Either the parent or the school may make the request, and both must agree to the use of a facilitator. After gaining agreement from the other party, a facilitator will be in touch to develop an agenda. A number of documents to guide this process are available on the Special Education Facilitation Information webpage.

Answer: If you have concerns about your child’s IEP being followed or about the provision of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), please first contact your district’s Director of Special Education. Your director’s contact information can be found on Find Your Special Education Director. At any time, you may contact the ESSU at 720-926-1453 and leave a message. Be sure to include your phone number. Someone will return your phone call as quickly as possible and discuss processes that might be helpful to you.

Answer: Please consult the CDE-ESSU webpage.  There are many excellent resources for families listed on the Parents and Families of a Child with Disabilities page.