Parent participation is “the core of the IDEA” which establishes a cooperative process between parents and schools. Board of Ed. of Hendrick Hudson Central School Dist., Westchester Cty. v. Rowley, 458 U. S. 176, 183, 205-206 (1982). Meaningful Parent Participation is critical throughout the identification and IEP process for a student. However, there is lack of clear guidance in the IDEA on what is required to achieve that participation. District team members must ensure parents understanding of the student’s needs to build a program to address those needs. Additional attention must be paid by team members with parents and guardians whose native language is not English to make sure that understanding is achieved by all members. This presentation focuses on the IDEA requirements and recent case law, combined with consideration to the guidance offered by Governmental agencies, to consider best practices to be explored by participants