As a parent of a child with special needs, understanding the various placement options available through special education can be overwhelming. Your child has a right to be educated in the “least restrictive environment” — meaning to the maximum extent appropriate, your child should be educated alongside peers without disabilities and as close to home as possible.

As a parent of a child with special needs, navigating the educational system can be challenging – especially when it comes to discipline. Let’s break down what you need to know about your child’s rights when it comes to school discipline.

New Jersey law allows homeless children to continue attending school in the district they lived in prior to becoming homeless, unless this is not feasible or is against the parent’s wishes.

School Districts in New Jersey are mandated by law to provide services referred to as Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) to any student who is struggling either academically or behaviorally in school.

New Jersey’s Interdistrict Public School Choice Program provides families with educational options by allowing students to attend public schools outside their district of residence without cost to their parents.

Every school district in New Jersey is required to have a comprehensive program to prevent, identify, and address alcohol, tobacco, and drug use among students.

Starting in Fall 2025, New Jersey will roll out a new “adaptive” version of state standardized tests for students in grades 3–12. This change will affect both the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments and the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment.

As a parent in New Jersey, you have important legal rights regarding your child’s school records that many families aren’t aware of. The New Jersey Administrative Code provides parents with specific rights to access, review, and even challenge information in their child’s educational records.

In New Jersey, parents should understand state attendance requirements to support their child’s education and avoid legal issues. Each school district must set policies that define attendance expectations, unexcused absences, and related consequences.

A parent may want their child retained or promoted, but their school district might disagree with their preference. There are state laws and case law that describe these rights. In general, the district has discretion, but parents can appeal.

A 2024 SAMHSA report found New Jersey teens face high rates of anxiety, mood, and behavioral disorders. There are state mental health mandates on schools that parents should know about to ensure their child gets the needed support.

As a parent navigating New Jersey’s special education system, understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is crucial for ensuring your child receives appropriate educational services.