Parents are an important part of their children’s education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that parents have the opportunity to participate equally with others on Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams.

Parents may participate in any meetings about their child's identification, evaluation, and educational placement as a child with a disability, and any meetings about the provision of a free appropriate public education to their child.

Parents' rights should be explained to them throughout the special education process.

Wisconsin law gives parents the opportunity to participate in the development and review of the school district's Local Performance Plan (LPP) for all children with disabilities. School districts must evaluate parents' general satisfaction with special education and related services in the district, and report that information in the LPP. Each district's LPP is a public document that is available on the Internet.

Resources for parents are also available by viewing the Resource Library.

The Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI) is a service for parents, educators, and others interested in parent-educator partnerships for children with disabilities. Click here for the link to the Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative.

The School District of Waukesha has two parent liaisons, Denise Schamens and Janele Kilbey,  who are readily available to provide support and education to parents of children with disabilities.  They are specially trained in many areas of special education.   Click here for parent liaison contact information.  To learn more about networking, training, and to receive monthly newsletters, click here to register for up-to-date information in English  and here for Spanish.

The Partnerships for Children's Mental Health Parent Support Group meets at the Goodwill Community Center at Main Street and Nike Drive. Click here for information on these meetings.

The Southeast Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs offers information and support for parents and local professionals.  Forms available in Adobe .pdf form are Resources for Families, Resources for Educators, Resources for Health Care Providers, and Resources for County Workers.  Click here for a Resource Tracking Sheet when contacting or working with any of these providers.