We touched on the subject of Local Education Agency (LEA) at an IEP meeting in our blog reviewing IEP Team Members. In this blog, we will review the definition of the LEA according to the federal government (U.S. Department of Education) and who the LEA typically is. Because community and support are important, we will also include suggestions for LEAs before, during, and after the IEP meeting.  Local Education Agents (LEA) are essential in the education of not only special education students but all students in the building.

Table of Contents

Who is the LEA?

LEA Tips before the IEP Meeting

LEA Tips during the IEP Meeting

LEA Tips after the IEP Meeting

Who is the LEA?

Some educational programs have identified individuals who may serve in the capacity to support Special Education students in the building. This person represents the school district meaning they are knowledgeable about services and the continuum of services available across the district. Typically they are an administrator of some sort well versed in special education services. The challenge is sometimes a Special Education teacher may also serve as an LEA at a meeting- most times, this person is not the Special Education teacher. 

U.S. Department of Education defines LEA as

Local educational agency or LEA means a public board of education or other public authority legally constituted within a State for either administrative control or direction of, or to perform a service function for, public elementary schools or secondary schools in a city, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision of a State, or for a combination of school districts or counties as are recognized in a State as an administrative agency for its public elementary schools or secondary schools.

LEA Tips to Support Special Education Teacher & Team

Below we have tips/suggestions for LEA’s to support the team before, during, and after the IEP meeting.

LEA Tips Before IEP Meeting:

• Review team responsibilities related to the evaluation. Work with team members on the timeline to ensure all evaluations will be completed on time (most evaluations should be completed within 60 days of parental consent).

• Ensure parents have received prior written notice of the IEP Meeting. This meeting notice should include all attendees. The minimum list of attendees should consist of the parent, SpEd Teacher Gen. Ed Teacher, LEA, and other related services providers. Parents can also invite other attendees.

• Schedule interpreter as needed

• Timelines:

  • Initial IEP: 30 Calendar days from SpEd eligibility

  • Annual IEP: once per calendar year

  • Revaluation: at least once every three years

• Review parental concerns if parents shared prior to the meeting.

• Review IEP- Pay special attention to Present Levels and Goals

LEA Tips During IEP Meeting:

• Ensure parents receive parental rights

• Introduction of IEP Team Members and purpose of meeting

• Ensure meeting minutes are being recorded

• Ensure all parts of IEP are reviewed (ex. parental concerns, Least Restrictive Environment, exposure to Gen Ed curriculum, assessment, transportation . ESY, etc.)

• Facilitate the meeting. As needed, suggest a break during the IEP meeting (consistent heightened tone of voice, loud volume, etc.)

• At end of the meeting: Review meeting minutes

LEA Tips After IEP Meeting:

• Follow up with team members regarding topics discussed and appropriate follow up (add dates to your calendar)

• Follow up with parents regarding access to related services offered in the meeting

• Ensure IEP meeting locked once finalized

• Share copy of finalized IEP with parent

We hope this post provided you with an understanding of who an LEA is and how they typically support students, teachers, and families. This list does not encompass all the responsibilities of an LEA. If there are any additional questions please contact your appropriate Special Education Liaison

Action Item: Review the meeting sign-in from your last IEP meeting. Send the LEA a thank you note (handwritten or email)

Until next time,

EI