The pain of a parent witnessing their child struggle is immeasurable. For Meagen Reveles Kuntz, this anguish deepened when she realized her daughter, who depends on special education services, was stagnating and regressing academically.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
For almost a year now, Meagen has diligently followed up on the agreed-upon Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that was supposed to assist her daughter in overcoming these challenges and making meaningful progress. Yet, despite the IEP’s clear directives, the report states that the Woodland Joint Unified School District has not adequately provided the necessary support and services.
For those who may not be conversant with an IEP, it’s a document containing information that describes measures to support specific students with disabilities. In short, it outlines the child’s specific educational needs, sets measurable goals, and defines the accommodations and services—such as specialized instruction or therapy—that will help them succeed academically and socially.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
It’s worth noting that these are not merely documents; they are legal documents that carry the full weight of the law. Failure to deliver the services outlined in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) constitutes a direct violation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—a federal law designed to ensure that children with disabilities receive the free and appropriate public education to which they are entitled.
Meagen Reveles Kuntz was unsatisfied with the district’s repeated failure to comply with her daughter’s IEP. With the help of Dave Gaines, CEO of the Sacramento Autistic Spectrum and Special Needs Alliance (SASSNA), she began to navigate the challenging advocacy process.
Gaines, whose organization supports families across the region, brought valuable expertise and a network of resources to bolster Meagen’s fight for her daughter’s educational rights.
Investigations are now underway
She filed a complaint with the California Department of Education (CDE). The complaint specifically pointed to the Woodland Joint Unified School’s failure to honor the terms of a previously agreed-upon settlement that mandated the provision of crucial services outlined in her daughter’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Investigations are now underway, with the CDE officially launching a probe into the district’s alleged violations. One Woodland Joint Unified School District spokesperson, Jerry Jimenez, declined to comment specifically on the ongoing investigation but issued a general statement saying, “At Woodland Joint Unified School District, we remain committed to providing high-quality education and upholding the rights of all students.”
In an interview, Meagen Reveles Kuntz recounted the history of her daughter’s progress at Woodland Joint Unified School District, stating that initially, her daughter had been making steady progress. Despite being behind grade level, her autistic and minimally verbal daughter was showing improvement thanks to the support of a dedicated and compassionate teacher who worked with her from first through third grade.
However, things began to unravel when her daughter transitioned to fifth grade. Investigations reveal that the new teacher never collected any child progress data and ignored the IEP entirely. Her daughter was behind by 20 speech therapy hours—an essential intervention for a minimally verbal child with autism.
Investigations reveal that the new teacher never collected child progress data and ignored the IEP entirely. By February, her daughter was behind by 20 speech therapy hours—an essential intervention for a minimally verbal child with autism. At this point, she was informed that the teacher would no longer be working for the school, further compounding the disruptions in her daughter’s education.
Autism Support in Sacramento, CA
At Sacramento ABA Therapy, we are deeply sorry to hear about the challenges faced by Meagen Reveles Kuntz and her daughter, as we understand what it feels like to navigate the struggles and systemic barriers that can arise in securing proper support for autistic children and those with special needs. Stories like these are heartbreaking and highlight the critical need for accountability and proper support within our educational systems.
No child should be left behind due to systemic failures, and no parent should have to fight tirelessly to secure the rights their child is entitled to. Together, we hope for a future where every child receives the education and care they deserve. Do you or your loved one need autism support or resources? Contact us today to learn how we can help.
