FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
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JIM HORNE
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
SALLY B
LINDA J. EADS, ED.D.
CHARLES PATRICK GARCÍA
JULIA L. JOHNSON
WILLIAM L. PROCTOR, PH.D.
January 12, 2004
MEMORANDUM # 04-07
TO:
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Exceptional Student Education Directors
FROM:
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Michele Polland, Acting Chief
Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services
SUBJECT:
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Surrogate Parents, Technical Assistance Paper (TAP)
school districts’ responsibilities relevant to the appointment and use of surrogate parents for students with
disabilities. School districts and local educational agencies continue to be responsible to determine children with
disabilities’ need for the appointment of a surrogate parent, appoint surrogate parents to such children to represent
them in educational matters, and provide training to appointed surrogate parents. To this end, the topic of surrogate
parents was reviewed during the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Monitoring Stakeholders’ Workgroup,
October 20-21, 2003, in Tallahassee, Florida, and emphasis was placed on the compliance requirements regarding
the area of surrogate parents.
This TAP provides information relative to the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) Amendments of 1997. The TAP addresses issues such as the appointment, training, responsibilities and
termination of surrogate parents.
If you have any questions regarding this information,
Resolution, at 850/245-0475, Suncom 205-0475 or electronic mail Margot.Palazesi@fldoe.org.
MP/map
Enclosure
cc:
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School District Superintendents
School Board Attorneys
State Advisory Committee for the Education of Exceptional Students
FDLRS Centers Managers
MICHELE POLLAND
Acting Chief
Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 614 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0475 • www.fldoe.org