Q: What if the surrogate parent does not understand what is written in the child's IEP?

A: If there is special education terminology or language that the surrogate parent does not understand, it is the responsibility of the surrogate parent to ask questions of school staff involved or contact PACER Center.

Q: What should or should not a surrogate parent sign?

A: Surrogate parents will be asked to sign all the forms relating to the child's special education, including evaluation and the IEP. Consent should not be given to any proposal that seems inappropriate for the child's needs. (See Resolving differences with the school.) Permission for all other types of activities is given by the child's county caseworker, residential care provider, or other person responsible for his or her care.