Differences in the Roles of Foster Parents and Surrogate Parents in Special Education

Foster parents and surrogate parents both play crucial roles in supporting the educational needs of children with known or suspected disabilities who have or may need special education and related services. While foster parents often function as parents for needs such as shelter, food, clothing, homework help, getting to school on time every day, and love, they do not automatically have the right to make educational decisions for a child in their care who has or may have special education needs. A surrogate parent, on the other hand, is appointed specifically to represent a child in the special education process, advocate for the child’s educational rights, and make educational decisions for them.