What does a free appropriate public education mean?
FAPE means a free appropriate public education: special education and related services that an eligible student needs, without cost to the family.
Puerto Rico special education questions and answers
Free educational guidance for families on IEPs, IEP team meetings, evaluations, services, placement, records, and special education processes in Puerto Rico.
Educational content from the office of Lcdo. Francisco J. Vizcarrondo. Free to read, without registration.
Rights and concepts
Does a diagnosis automatically establish special-education eligibility?
A diagnosis may be important evidence, but it does not by itself establish IDEA eligibility.
How do related services differ from supplementary aids and services?
Related services help a student benefit from special education. They may include therapies, transportation, and other individually needed services.
How is the need for assistive technology or an aide evaluated?
Assistive technology and support from a service aide, often called a T-1 in Puerto Rico, are assessed according to functional and educational needs.
What is prior written notice?
Prior written notice explains a proposal or refusal concerning identification, evaluation, educational placement, or FAPE.
How should I evaluate a school proposed by the DEPR?
Start with the program the student needs. Compare the proposed placement with the IEP and evaluations rather than deciding solely by school name, distance, or reputation.
Can I request an independent educational evaluation?
If you disagree with an agency-obtained evaluation, you may request an independent educational evaluation at public expense under IDEA's conditions.
Must the DEPR pay for a private school I choose?
Not automatically. Parent-selected private schooling and private placement at public expense are different situations.
What should I ask about extended school year and transition?
Extended school year services are considered individually when necessary for FAPE.
Records and evidence
My child has not been evaluated. What should I gather?
Gather the evaluation request, delivery date, proof of receipt, consent forms, and communications about appointments or cancellations.
What should I review in a proposed IEP?
Start with the student's needs, rather than the name of a school.
Why do IEP team meeting minutes matter?
Minutes help establish what was discussed, what the family requested, how the agency responded, and what was agreed or left pending.
How can I request my child's education records?
Request access in writing and identify the records: current and earlier IEPs, minutes, evaluations, progress reports, and communications.
Process and next steps
How should I prepare for an IEP team meeting?
The IEP team participates in decisions about the student's educational program and placement.
A service is in the IEP but has not started. What should I document?
Distinguish a recommendation in an evaluation from a service incorporated into the IEP.
What should I do after a provisional-remedy approval?
Read the approval letter and confirm the authorized service, conditions, and required documents.
What does “stay put” mean during a dispute?
Stay put protects the current educational placement during certain IDEA proceedings, unless the parties agree otherwise or another applicable provision controls.
What happens in a due-process complaint and resolution meeting?
A due-process complaint raises specific special-education disputes and requested remedies.
When is the IEP reviewed, and what if there is a new evaluation?
IDEA requires periodic IEP review, at least annually, to assess goal achievement and needed changes.
Costs and deadlines
Does IDEA provide damages for emotional distress?
IDEA remedies focus on correcting the educational situation. Depending on law and evidence, they may include services, compensatory education, or reimbursement of expenses.
How does the office begin evaluating a special-education matter?
Initial consultations are free and strictly confidential, by videoconference.
These explanations provide general information. Visit the practice page to learn which cases we handle and how the office evaluates them.
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