What if the Child Does Not Want the Parent to Attend the IEP Meeting? Is it Mandatory to Send the Notice to Both?

According to South Carolina's Office of Exceptional Children Policies and Procedures released April 6, 2009, for children under the age of 18, the parent is a required member of the IEP team and must attend the IEP team meeting. The notice must be sent to the parent and if the child is invited to the IEP team meeting, the notice may be sent/given to the child, or the child may be invited verbally. Once the child turns age 18, the LEA is required to send the notice to both the parent and the adult student. However, the parent has no right to attend the meeting unless invited by the student or the LEA as a person with knowledge or expertise about the student.