Parent Resources
Parents Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education: NC Notice of Procedural Safeguards
This handbook is designed to support families with the understanding of the rights and responsibilities specific to the special education process. Acronyms and terms often used in special education and resources can be found in the appendices.
If, at any time, you suspect your student may have a disability and is in need of special education and/or related services, you may request an evaluation, in writing, to your student’s school principal, teacher, or local EC Department.
NC Department of Public Instruction Office of Exceptional Children

The mission of the Exceptional Children Division is to ensure that students with disabilities develop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of an appropriate individualized program in the least restrictive environment.
Dispute Resolution
On occasion, disagreements between families and school may occur regarding the development and implementation of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). It is recommended that the following steps be considered in order to resolve disagreements quickly.
Suggested Steps for Addressing Family Concerns:
First, address at the classroom level - discuss your concerns with your child's teacher
Then, address at the school level - discuss your concerns with the administrator at your child's school
Finally, address at the district level - discuss your concerns with:
April Hood
EC Director
ahood1@harnett.k12.nc.us
(910) 893-8151 ext. 300271