Feb. 25, 2002 – A parent or a public agency wanting to file a complaint concerning the Education Department's Office of Special Education must fill out a form, state office director Belinda West O'Neal said Monday.
While the department issued a press release on Friday advising the public of "changes to procedures" for filing a complaint, West O'Neal said the procedures have not changed, but Education sends such notices several tmies a year to remind parents and agencies of the requirement.
A parent or a public agency now may initiate a due process hearing and/or file a formal complaint by completing a new form, according to an Education Department release. Complaints may relate to identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child with a disability, or to the provision of a free, appropriate public education.
For assistance regarding the new procedures, parents should contact Belinda West O'Neal, territorial director of special education, by calling 774-4399 or by stopping by the special education office in the Frostco building adjacent to the One Stop center on Harwood Highway.
