Roosevelt School District is dedicated to providing eligible students with disabilities with a free and appropriate public education consistent with federal and state laws. We work in multidisciplinary teams to individualize the support for each student with disabilities from ages 3 to 21.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) defines a child with a disability as a child who has a qualifying disability and, by reason thereof, requires special education and related services. In other words, under the IDEA, it is not enough to simply have a qualifying disability. The disability must cause the child to need special education and related services to access the general curriculum, which is the same curriculum taught to all children.

Although the IDEA defines each disability category, the specific qualifications for each category may vary from state to state. In Arizona, several categories require additional components other than those described in the IDEA, such as verification by a qualified professional for some disabilities.

In Arizona, when a child with a disability is eligible in more than one disability category, state per pupil funding is based on the category with the highest add-on weight. Arizona does not restrict schools from addressing students’ needs that are not specifically linked to their particular disability categories. Instead, individualized education program (IEP) teams must consider all needs (Gregson & Chavez, 2018). 

IDEA requires schools to provide parents of a child with a disability with a notice containing a full explanation of the procedural safeguards available under the IDEA and U.S. Department of Education regulations.

Provisions of procedural safeguards to parents are required one time per school year. In addition to the yearly requirement, they must be given to a parent: 

• Upon initial referral for evaluation.

• The date the decision is made to make a removal that constitutes a disciplinary change of placement.

• Upon parental request for an additional copy.

• Upon the first occurrence of filing a due process hearing request or child complaint.

Procedural Safeguards provide parents with information on various aspects of special education to make informed decisions about their child’s educational services.

For copies of all special education records, please contact your child's school or our team:
Connie Urias
602-243-4865

Maria Borunda
602-243-2631

Gregson, K., Esq., & Chavez, S., M.Ed. (2018). The Special Education Handbook: A brief overview of the history and requirements of Part B of the IDEA. Retrieved from AZED Gov