09/10/2026
💙 GEORGIA FAMILIES — KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WHEN IT COMES TO SPECIAL EDUCATION
If you are the parent or caregiver of a child with a disability, understanding your rights can make a HUGE difference when navigating evaluations, reevaluations, IEP meetings, 504 Plans, services, and disagreements with your child’s school.
One area we want families to know about is Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs).
If you disagree with an evaluation completed by your child’s school district, Georgia’s special education rules provide protections for parents regarding an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense, subject to the applicable requirements.
When a parent requests an IEE at public expense, the school district generally must either provide the evaluation or take the appropriate steps to defend its evaluation through due process. (Georgia Department of Education)
📚 Parents — educate yourself!
You can ask questions such as:
✔️ What evaluations have been completed for my child?
✔️ What information and data were used to make this decision?
✔️ Can I receive copies of my child’s educational records and evaluation reports?
✔️ What is the school proposing, and where is it documented?
✔️ Can I request a reevaluation?
✔️ If I disagree with the evaluation, what are my options?
✔️ Can I request an Independent Educational Evaluation?
✔️ What dispute-resolution options are available to me?
Parents are not simply observers in the special-education process. You are an important member of your child’s IEP team and have rights under federal and Georgia special-education law.
Georgia Department of Education provides resources specifically for families regarding special education, parental rights, complaints, mediation, due process, evaluations, and IEPs. (Georgia Department of Education)
📖 START HERE — OFFICIAL GEORGIA RESOURCES:
🔹 Georgia Department of Education — Special Education
GaDOE Special Education Resources
🔹 Georgia Special Education Parent Rights / Procedural Safeguards
Georgia Procedural Safeguards & Parent Rights
🔹 Georgia Rules — Evaluations & Reevaluations
Georgia Evaluations & Reevaluations Rule
🔹 GaDOE — Special Education Parent Rights, Complaints & Due Process Webinar
Parent Rights, Complaints & Due Process Webinar
📌 Save these resources. Share them with another parent. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.
At Unique Pediatric Hearts, we believe families should feel informed, empowered, and supported when advocating for their children. 💙
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools a parent can have.
This post is intended for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. Families involved in a specific dispute may wish to consult a qualified special-education advocate or attorney.