At the core of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, lawmakers and advocates established a team approach in which parents and educators working together review challenges, explore options, and make decisions in the best interest of each child.
The teamwork and collaboration that are at the core of IDEA are also at the core of a best practice in special education. An effective LAC takes the teamwork of the IEP process one step further, putting parents in the role of advisors who use their family’s experiences, unique perspectives and expertise to influence decisions and help shape programs and policies at the local level.
An effective LAC is more than a meeting—it is an approach and a mindset that truly values the advice of parents. When parent advisors are valued and engaged through a local LAC, they can work together with school district staff and community leaders to improve education, not only for those with disabilities, but for all children.
