Which statement best describes due process in education for a child with a visual impairment?

• A. Changes can be made in a child's program without notifying parents.
• B. No changes can be made in a child's program without prior notice to the parents.
• C. Parents can unilaterally override school decisions at any time.
• D. Due process requires a formal court hearing before any change.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that families must be informed and involved before any changes to a student’s special education services are made. This protective step, known as due process safeguards under IDEA, requires the school to provide prior written notice whenever it proposes to initiate or modify, or refuse to initiate or modify, any part of the student’s IEP. Because of that, changes cannot be implemented without giving the parents notice and an opportunity to participate.

This framework also gives families avenues to address disagreements, such as mediation or a due process hearing if needed, but those steps are for resolving disputes, not a blanket requirement for every change. Unilateral school decisions without notice aren’t consistent with these safeguards, and relying on a formal court hearing before any change misstates how due process works.