Surrogate Parent

What is a Surrogate Parent?

When a student does not have their own parent or legal guardian to represent them in the special education process, the home school district’s superintendent must appoint a surrogate parent to represent the child. He or she represents the child’s special educational interests in the same manner as a natural parent. The surrogate parent needs to understand the child’s disability and unique educational needs. The surrogate parent provides permission for certain special education procedures. He or she reviews the child’s assessment/evaluation data and educational placement. A surrogate parent takes part in school meetings in which the student’s Individualized Educational Program is developed, reviewed and modified.

Surrogate Parent Training

Options may be available for face to face training in our region. Check the SST6 website for calendar of events or call the office at (419)738-9224.

Helpful Links

A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education

Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities 2014

Updated: Ohio Required and Optional Forms

THESE FORMS ARE REQUIRED TO BE USED IN THE FALL OF 2018. They include required and optional forms to meet state and federal special education law.

Disability Rights Ohio

FAQs Special Education: Surrogate Parents for Children with Disabilities

Supporting Documents

Profile of the Child

Use this resource to gather information about the student you are working with. The document includes helpful questions to guide you.

Profile of the Child (.rtf)

Surrogate Parent Participation Log

Use this log to document actions taken as you work with a child as their Surrogate Parent. It includes spaces to record date of visit, purpose of visit and comments.

Surrogate Parent Participation Log (.rtf)

A Parent's Guide to the Rights of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Information to support the needs of children that are unaccompanied homeless youth as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

A Parent's Guide to the Rights of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (.rtf)

District of Residence Responsibility

This document contains information that the district of residence (DoR) is responsible for pertaining to a Surrogate Parent.

District of Residence Responsibility (.rtf)

Optional Form 7: Assignment of a Surrogate Parent

Optional Form 7 is provided by the Ohio Department of Education for DoR to use when assigning a Surrogate Parent to a student. It is not required but would be considered to be good practice to use this form or a similar district approved form.