Surrogate Parents
-
The surrogate parent program is a crucial part of the IDEIA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) of 2004 as amended, 300.519 (f). This law requires each state education agency to adopt a state plan to provide adequate due process. One of the law’s requirements is that the state needs to protect the rights of a child when a parent or guardian is unknown, unavailable, when the child is a ward of the state, or when the child is an unaccompanied homeless youth. This protection includes the assignment of an individual to act as a surrogate parent. To comply with this Federal law, the PA Department of Education has set forth guidelines for the identification of students who need surrogate parents. Historically, in Pennsylvania, the 29 Intermediate Units (IU’s) have been given the responsibility of assisting school districts in identifying students in need of a surrogate parent. Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV is involved in recruiting, selecting, training, and assigning surrogate parents for the 27 school districts that we serve as well as for the MIU IV Early Intervention Program.
Surrogate Parent Flyer
Surrogate Parents Information
-
Surrogate Parent Determination and Application Form
This form is for determination and obtaining a Surrogate Parent.
-
PDE Surrogate Parent Guidelines
Guidelines for IDEA-eligible or thought to be eligible student 7/2014
PDE-Surrogate Parent Guidelines for IDEA Eligible or Thought to be Eligible Students 7-2014.pdf 5.83 MB (Last Modified on March 23, 2017)
Contact Information
-
Melissa M. Wyllie
Surrogate Parent Coordinator
Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV
453 Maple Street, Grove City, PA 16127
724-458-6700 x1206