When used correctly, stay-put provides a powerful and important protection for families who have children with disabilities. In short, stay-put prevents unilateral action by a school district when parents object to a change in their child's educational program or placement.
The protection ensures consistency in a student's program during a dispute, which is critical for many students with disabilities.
For example, a student is placed at a private special education school placement pursuant to an IEP, and a school district proposes to transition the student back to the local public school. A parent can reject the proposal, and the school district must continue funding the private school placement while the dispute is ongoing.
1) Where? In Massachusetts, the right to stay-put can be found at 603 CMR 28.08 (7), "during the pendency of any dispute regarding placement or services, the eligible student shall remain in his or her then current education program and placement unless the parents and the school district agree otherwise."
Under the IDEA, 20 U.S.C. § 1415(j), "during the pendency of any proceedings conducted pursuant to this section, unless the State or local educational agency and the parents otherwise agree, the child shall remain in the then-current educational placement of the child..."
2) When? Parents can assert their stay-put right when a school district proposes changing a student's placement or program (including extended school year services) or when a district finds a student is no longer eligible for special education services.
In Leominster Public Schools – BSEA # 12-7450, a hearing officer found that parents properly invoked their right to stay-put when a school district proposed changing a student's summer program from a 165-hour program to a 108-hour program.
3) How? A parent can invoke stay-put by rejecting the proposed IEP. If a parent rejects a proposed change in placement or services, the school district must continue implementing the last accepted IEP (the "stay-put" placement) until the disagreement is resolved.
Importantly, in most instances a parent does not need to file for a hearing with the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) to trigger stay-put. The mere fact that a dispute exists is sufficient.