Parental Rights in Special Education
Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE)
New Jersey Administrative Code for special education (N.J.A.C. 6A:14) and the federal Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) are laws that ensure children with disabilities a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. An important part of these laws provides parents with the right to participate in
their children’s education.
Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) are laws that ensure children with disabilities a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. An important part of these laws provides parents with the right to participate in
their children’s education.
You and representatives of your school district are team members who are responsible for developing an appropriate educational program for your child. The below document will describe the state and federal laws affecting the provision of special
education to help you understand your rights in the special education process. With this knowledge, you will be prepared
to take an active role in your child’s education.
This document has been developed for you by the Department of Education, Office of Special Education Policy and
Dispute Resolution, in an effort to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date information. The document is
periodically revised to reflect changes in the law, provide additional information that would be of use to you, and to
provide the information in a more clear and concise manner.
If you need additional help in understanding your rights, you may contact Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
(SPAN) at 800-654-7726, Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) at 800-922-7233, the Bergen County Offices of the New Jersey Department of Education at 201-336-6877 (Mr. Brett Bersano) and the Englewood Cliffs School District at 201-567-6151 ext. 225 (Dawn Marie Smith, MA, LPC - Supervisor of Special Services)