Parent means one of the following:
- Natural or adoptive parent of the child
- Foster parent
- Guardian (but not the state if the child is a ward of the state)
- Individual acting in the place of a natural or adoptive parent with whom the child lives (grandparent, aunt, or other relative)
- Individual who is legally responsible for the child’s welfare
Each local school district or public agency must ensure that the rights of a child with a disability are protected by assigning a surrogate parent when:
- No parent can be identified;
- The parent cannot be located after reasonable efforts;
- The child is a ward of the State and the parent’s rights have been terminated or;
- The child is an unaccompanied homeless youth as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
- The child is temporarily awaiting foster care placement.