All decisions regarding the placement of a child with a disability in a special education service delivery model will be made by the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team in consultation with the parents or guardians of the child and consistent with the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A hard copy of the service delivery models is available upon request. The ACPS will make a concerted effort to ensure the attendance of one or both parents. If a meeting is conducted without the parent, documentation of the meeting and all attempts to secure the parent's attendance will remain on file. Additionally, the ACPS will make every reasonable effort to ensure the parent understands the proceedings of the meeting, including but not limited to provision of an interpreter for parents whose native language is not English.
In the case of a student transferring from another public agency with an existing IEP, the ACPS will provide services comparable to those identified in the IEP to ensure the student receives a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Each staff member responsible for implementing the student's IEP shall have access to the IEP and be informed of their roles and responsibilities and the accommodations, modifications, and supports to be provided for the student as outlined in the IEP. During the development of an IEP, the ACPS shall ensure the proper functioning of hearing aids or external component surgically implanted medical devices worn in school.
If, at any point in the IEP process, a parent wishes to receive free legal services, Maryland Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to financially qualified Maryland residents. In Allegany County, contact: Maryland Legal Aid, 110 Greene Street, Cumberland, MD 21502, 301-777-7474.