The state has adopted the following definition of “parent” for IDEA purposes: 34 C.F.R. § 300.30 (a) (4) - parent means an individual acting in the place of a biological or adoptive parent (including a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative) with whom the child lives, or an individual who is legally responsible for the child’s welfare.
TDOE routinely advised that such a person may act as a parent. However, should a biological parent, whose rights have not been terminated, appear and resume the task of parenting, including attending IEP meetings, the biological parent’s acts supersede everyone else identified in bold italics.