Empowering Families in Special Education Act

This bill focuses on special education. It makes sure parents are clearly told, before the first IEP meeting each school year, that they can invite other people who know their child—like therapists or other specialists—to join the IEP team. IEPs are plans that help a child with a disability get the education they need at school.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Families of students with disabilities and local school districts.
• What changes: Schools must notify parents that they have the right to include other knowledgeable individuals, including related services staff, on the IEP team.
• When: Parents must be notified within a reasonable time before the first IEP team meeting each school year.