Parent satisfaction with the preschool special education program in the Corona Norco Unified School District based on IDEA regulations

This study described and analyzed a chosen school district in determining recommendations for their preschool special education program. The problem of this study being investigated had two components. The first was evaluate the parents' satisfaction with the preschool special education program being provided by the Corona Norco Unified School District to children ages 3-5 years old who have a qualifying disability under the IDEA federal guidelines. The second component of the problem was to determine if the format of the preschool special education program at the Corona Norco Unified School District was including the parents as part of the Individualized Education Plan Team as per IDEA guidelines.;A descriptive research methodology was used along with both quantitative and qualitative processes so as to answer the research questions. The findings were based on responses to a survey designed by the researcher, existing archival data, and information from selected current preschool special education research.;IDEA has supported the development, validation, and widespread use of state-of-the-art models of appropriate programs and services for young children with disabilities from birth to 5 years of age and their families. Effective assessment and teaching practices and related instructional materials for young children and their families were developed.;An examination of parents' views of and their participation in the special education process was timely in light of the amended and re-authorized legislation, Public Law 105-17, otherwise known as the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments" (IDEA 97). This important legislation expands parents' roles and their rights to participate in decision-making groups throughout the special education process. Specifically, parents gained the right to "participate in meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child and the provision of FAPE (free and appropriate public education) to the child" (Federal Register, p. 12448). IDEA 97 also assures that parents are "members of any group that makes decisions on the educational placement of their child" (Federal Register, p. 12448). Prior to IDEA 97, federal legislation only guaranteed parents a role in individual educational program planning.