(FLORIDA) – Is your child experiencing unfair disciplinary or academic challenges at their school? Are these problems posing barriers to their scholastic success? Are you seeking options that can allow your child to be taught in ways that are best suited to their unique learning needs?
At Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS), our team is committed to the mission of ensuring children have equal opportunities to learn in safe, happy, and healthy school environments. FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.
From curbing unfair disciplinary practices to ensuring disabled students receive adequate services, FRLS might be able to help concerned Palm Beach County parents find solutions to legal issues and access their child’s educational rights.
FRLS’s Five Facts About Education Rights
FRLS knows that your child’s safety and success throughout their schooling experience is of top concern. That’s why we’ve compiled the following five facts about education rights that could apply to your student’s own experience!
FACT #1: Individualized Education Plans (IEP) Might Help Your Kid Thrive
An IEP is a tailor-made plan designed for students with disabilities who may require specialized assistance at school. IEPs give students special teaching opportunities and support to help them achieve successful learning outcomes.
FACT #2: 504 Plans Are Another Option
A 504 Plan is another type of specialized learning plan for students with disabilities. 504 Plans allow eligible students to receive extra assistance with schoolwork and can even offer changes to how students are taught their curriculum. This plan may help your child succeed in standard classes.
FACT #3: Not All Suspensions Are Fair
Florida law requires schools to make attempts to call parents right away in the event of their child being suspended. Schools must try to explain why the child was suspended during their communication with the parent, according to Florida Statute § 1006.09.
FACT #4: Neither Are All Expulsions
Florida Law also protects students facing wrongful or unfair expulsion actions. According to Florida Statute § 1006.08, students and parents have the right to a written notice of expulsion. This note must include charges and due process rights for the child.
FACT #5: District School Boards Have Legal Obligations to Their Students
That’s right. Florida Statute § 1006.07 states that district school boards have specific duties with regards to students’ discipline, safety, attendance, health, and other matters related to their welfare at school.
The Sixth Fact: Education Legal Aid Gets a Gold Star
This fact is probably the most important one to note down. Navigating Florida’s education system can sometimes feel like an impossible maze. Moreover, it can be tough trying to handle these sorts of legal challenges alone.
Luckily, legal aid organizations like FRLS exist to help ensure qualifying families receive the representation they need and deserve. Thanks to our local partners, like the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, our attorneys are able to provide free legal services to eligible parents, helping you to help your kid earn a stellar report card!
If you’re concerned about your child’s experience at school, and think they might qualify for free legal services, call FRLS today at 1-888-582-3410.
About Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc.
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice.