Parent Complaints

Special Education laws and regulations include ways for parents and schools to resolve disagreements. If a disagreement arises, and you believe that the Baltimore City Public School System has violated requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), you may file a complaint with the Complaint Unit.

Who Can File A Complaint

A parent, legal guardian, or legally appointed representative may file a written complaint on behalf of a child who has or is suspected of having a disability.

When To File A Complaint

You may file a complaint whenever you believe a violation of federal or state law has occurred.

You are encouraged to discuss issues with school staff, team members of the school’s Child Study Team, the principal and area office staff prior to filing a complaint.

Examples of Violations Under IDEA

• Failure to provide you access to your child’s records upon request
• Failure to complete team-recommended assessments
• Failure to meet assessment and IEP timelines
• Failure to conduct an IEP meeting at least annually or upon your request
• Failure to allow you to represent your child or participate in the decision making during the IEP meeting
• Failure to follow certain procedures before suspending or expelling your child
• Failure to discuss all components of the IEP during the IEP meeting (including your child’s current level of performance, goals and objectives, related services, placement, extended school year services, transitions, etc.)
• Failure to implement an agreed upon IEP
• Failure to give notice to you before changing, or refusing to change, your child’s IEP
  
  Some disagreements are not subject to this process, for example: requests for specific teachers or service providers and hiring, reprimanding, or firing school staff, etc.