Parent resources

By sharing the unique perspective of what it is like to use these services, parents can help the district by the following:

• Represent the interests of district learners with disabilities from birth through age 22
• Advise the Special Education Department on parent involvement, current issues, program development and established department priorities
• Serve as an advocate for high-quality special education programming 
• Promote communication among family, school, and community agencies.
• Act as an advisor to the Department of Special Education on programming issues impacting the delivery of special education services
• Meet during the school year. Meetings are held on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Educational Service Center
• To the maximum extent possible, membership shall be representative of the different age groups, disabilities, gender and ethnic diversity reflective of the District’s special education program.
• Although not mandatory, consistent attendance is preferred.

• Opportunity to advise the district and help other families and children with disabilities.
• Chance to share experiences and things that you’ve learned related to your child’s education with other parents.
• I can share what I’ve learned since my child began his education.
• Make a positive contribution to the community and schools.
• Learn new skills to assist in working effectively with the school district.
• I will learn information and skills that may help me work more effectively with my school district.
• Possibility to build relationships with other families in the district.
• Increase knowledge regarding special education.   
• Opportunity to help the school district work effectively with families and improve outcomes for children.

Minnesota statute requires each school district in the state to have a special education advisory council (SEAC). Review 125A.24 Parent Advisory Councils statute.  

In order to increase the involvement of parents of children with disabilities in district policymaking and decision making, school districts must have a special education advisory council that is incorporated into the district's special education system plan.

1. This advisory council may be established either for individual districts or in cooperation with other districts who are members of the same special education cooperative.

2. A district may set up this council as a subgroup of an existing board, council, or committee.

3. At least half of the designated council members must be parents of students with a disability. When a nonpublic school is located in the district, the council must include at least one member who is a parent of a nonpublic school student with a disability, or an employee of a nonpublic school if no parent of a nonpublic school student with a disability is available to serve. Each local council must meet no less than once each year. The number of members, frequency of meetings, and operational procedures are to be locally determined.