Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

General L-PAC Documents

• Current L-PAC Bylaws
• LISD Plan for the Delivery of Special Education Programs and Services
• MDE Policy for the Appointment of Surrogate Parents for Special Education and Early Intervention Services

April 13, 2023

• Meeting Minutes (Approved)
• Meeting Flyer

August 10, 2023

• Meeting Minutes
• MDE Policy for the Appointment of Surrogate Parents for Special Education and Early Intervention Services

November 9, 2023

February 8, 2024

May 9, 2024

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) gives parents an active role in planning their children's educational programs, monitoring progress, and challenging inappropriate decisions.  Though the role of advocate for a child is usually filled by parents, the laws allow for a surrogate parent to act in this role if the parents or other family members of a child with a disability are unknown or completely unavailable, if the child is a ward of the state, if the child is an unaccompanied homeless youth, or if the parent requests in writing that a surrogate parent be appointed for their child. In some cases, a foster parent may serve as the parent and no surrogate parent need be appointed.

Surrogate parents fulfill an important role in the life of a child with a disability.  Like parents, surrogates of children with disabilities are granted a significant decision-making role and are involved at every step of the special education process.  The absence of a parent can deny a child’s access to appropriate identification, evaluation, placement, and provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

Appointment of Surrogate Parents for Special Education and Early Intervention Services

Fact sheets from MDE explain special education laws and practices. The documents are easy to read and give links to more in-depth resources. Family Matters fact sheets are intended to enhance public understanding of Michigan's special education system and are not a substitute for official laws and regulations. Fact sheets are available in many different languages.

Parent Advisory Committee

Advocating for your Child

Communicating for Student Success

Special Education Process

Facilitated Special Education Meetings

Mediation

Special Education Problem Solving

State Complaints and Due Process Complaints

Michigan Alliance for Families is Michigan’s federal Parent-Training and Information Center. This organization has parent mentors to help guide you through the special education system. Reach out if you are interested in this support!

Special Education Resources 

Disability Specific Information

Upcoming Events

Michigan Alliance for Families YouTube Channel