Retardation
under the Early Intervention Program were inadequate. Consequently,
the parent hired a private therapist to work with the student.
Unable
to provide a sufficient number of hours of service, however,
the therapist trained the parent in how to work with the
child, allowing her to provide additional services to her
daughter. Because schools can reimburse other service providers,
the court found no reason to disqualify services provided
by a parent that are beneficial to the student.
Q:
How can I pursue a claim for reimbursement?
A:
In reaching this decision, the court believes it important
that 1) the parent was provided with training on working
with the student and 2) the parent was acting as a therapist,
not as a mother, when providing the services. Therefore,
parents who wish to pursue claims for reimbursement for
the time they spend working with their children should enroll
in courses, attend workshops, set aside training time with
private therapists, or take other similar steps to show
that they are qualified to provide services. In addition,
they should keep accurate records of the time they spend
working with their children, the specific activities worked
on, and the child’s progress during the sessions.
Q:
Do I need to notify my school district that I plan to provide
services and seek reimbursement?
A:
Yes! It is imperative the school district be given advance
notice that the parent will be providing services and reimbursement
will be sought.
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