What is a surrogate parent?

A surrogate parent is someone selected by a school district or court to represent a child in the special education process. Parents are important members of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Because this role is so important, a child is appointed a surrogate parent when:

• Their parent is unknown or not available
• The student is a ward of the state
• A parent requests one

What does a surrogate parent do?

A surrogate parent represents the child in decisions about their special education programming. This includes evaluation, development of the IEP, progress reviews, and agreeing or disagreeing with school proposals.

Who can be a surrogate parent?

Surrogate parents may be community volunteers, guardians ad litem, or someone chosen by a court. Parents can also request that a specific person serve as their child’s surrogate parent. School districts cannot appoint teachers, county social workers, or other people who are paid to care for a child to act as surrogate parents.

If a child lives with a grandparent or other family member who cares for them, that individual can serve as the parent and a surrogate is not needed. If a child is placed in foster care, foster parents can sometimes serve as their parents in the special education process.

What does a surrogate parent need to know?

People acting as surrogate parents must be able to represent the child in the special education process. They should become familiar with the child’s disability and their strengths and challenges at school and home. They can review the child’s educational records and ask to speak to others involved in the child’s care. Surrogate parents should also become familiar with the special education process and the decisionmakers in the school district.