Charter schools must give students with disabilities and their parents the additional special disciplinary protections mandated by federal law, including determining whether the behavior for which the child is being punished is related to the child's disability. The procedures for disciplining students are different for children with mental retardation and for children who bring weapons or drugs to school. These materials address the often-complex issues of discipline in traditional schools. Although a great deal of this information applies to charter schools, children enrolled in charter schools are beginning to raise new and different discipline issues. ELC attorneys are very interested in these issues and would be happy to talk to parents, students and advocates with specific concerns.
Charter schools are schools of choice.
A parent may withdraw a child at any time and re-enroll the child in the local school district or elsewhere. Parents should first complain to the director of the charter school and try to resolve the problem. If this is not successful, parents can request mediation or a due process hearing. Children enrolled in charter schools have all of the due process protections guaranteed to parents by federal special education laws, including the right to file an administrative complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Education or federal Office of Civil Rights. If you have questions or concerns about children with disabilities enrolled in charter schools, please call one of our ELC offices and we will be happy to discuss these with you.