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.