What is an example of a procedural safeguard put in place by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

• A. Parents have the right to transportation of their student to a school of their choice.
• B. Parents have the right to exempt their child from any and all standardized testing.
• C. Parents have the right to an advocate for the IEP process paid for by the district.
• D. Parents have the right to access any and all of their child's education records.

Answer: (D)

The option indicating that parents have the right to access any and all of their child's education records serves as a clear example of a procedural safeguard established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This legislation is designed to protect the rights of children with disabilities and their families throughout the special education process.

Access to education records is essential because it empowers parents to be informed about their child's educational progress, challenges, and the specific services provided under their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This right ensures transparency within the educational system and allows parents to participate fully in decisions regarding their child's education. Such access enables families to monitor compliance with the IEP and to advocate effectively for the necessary support and resources their child may need.

Other options, while they may relate to educational rights, do not represent specific procedural safeguards defined by IDEA. For instance, the transportation of a student to a preferred school or the ability to exempt their child from standardized testing are not fundamentally connected to maintaining the safeguards regarding student records and parental access to that information. Additionally, while having an advocate can be beneficial, the provision for advocates is not explicitly outlined in IDEA as a procedural safeguard that must be made available. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the framework established by IDEA to uphold parental rights