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Bringing an Advocate to a Child Study Team (CST) Meeting: What Are My Rights?

Can I bring an advocate to my child's CST meeting? The school says they'll bring their lawyer if I do. Is this allowed? How much notice is needed? What if someone acts like an advocate even if they say they aren't?

Your Rights and What to Expect

  1. Yes, You Can Bring an Advocate

    • Federal law (IDEA) allows you to bring anyone with special knowledge about your child.
    • This includes advocates, therapists, or other professionals.

  2. School Requests for Notice

    • Schools often ask for advance notice if you're bringing an advocate.
    • This is usually so they can prepare or decide whether to bring their legal counsel.
    • Tip: Ask the school for their policy on bringing an advocate and provide notice in writing.

  3. When Schools Threaten to Bring a Lawyer

    • While schools can bring their lawyer, this typically happens only in complex cases.
    • If the mention of a lawyer feels like intimidation, document the conversation and consider reaching out to a local advocacy group.

  4. What If Someone Acts Like an Advocate Without Declaring It?

    • If a participant begins advocating for your child without being identified as an advocate, the school might pause and reschedule the meeting.
    • While this can be frustrating, it's a common practice in some districts to maintain procedural integrity.

💡 Tip: Always request meeting notes and document who attends the CST meeting and in what capacity. If concerns persist, contact a Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) in your state for guidance.