Special education meetings with schools in Connecticut are likened to a battlefield for parents.

Parents of students with disabilities in Connecticut are facing challenges when it comes to advocating for their children’s education. Annual meetings with school district leaders to discuss individualized education plans are turning into battlegrounds, with parents feeling ignored, belittled, and intimidated by school officials.

Special education attorney Andrew Feinstein describes the situation as a “poisoned relationship” between schools and parents, where districts believe they know what’s best for the child without truly understanding their needs. The lack of partnership and transparency in these meetings is leaving parents feeling overwhelmed and powerless.

Despite state guidelines emphasizing the importance of positive communication between schools and parents, the reality on the ground is far from ideal. Legal and educational jargon, along with a clear power dynamic, make it difficult for parents to meaningfully engage in discussions with districts.

One parent, Jennifer Cotto, shared her experience of feeling like she was constantly at war during meetings with Watertown Public Schools. Despite advocating for her daughter’s needs, she faced resistance from the district in providing necessary services, leaving her feeling defeated and unheard.

The challenges faced by parents in advocating for their children with disabilities highlight the need for better communication, understanding, and support from school districts. With the education system already facing shortages in special education teachers and rising costs, it’s crucial for stakeholders to work together to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive.