If your child is still learning English, federal civil rights law says the school must help them take part in classes and learn English. The program is often called ESL (English as a Second Language), ELL or EL (English learner), or ML (multilingual learner).
At enrollment you fill in a home language survey.
If another language is spoken at home, the school tests your child's English.
If your child qualifies, the school places them in a program. It may be extra English classes, a helper in normal classes, or a bilingual class.
Your child is tested every year and leaves the program when their English is strong enough.
You may say no to the EL program. Many families keep it, because the support helps in every subject.
Your right to understand the school
Schools must give parents who do not speak English well a way to understand important information, such as enrollment, report cards, discipline and special education. In practice:
Ask for a free interpreter at meetings and conferences. Say: "I need an interpreter in [language], please."
Ask for important letters in your language.
Do not use your child as the interpreter for serious meetings. It puts them in a hard position.
Federal guidance on English learners changed in 2025, but the laws behind these rights still apply. Many states add their own rules. This differs by state; see In your state below.
Special education: the IEP
If you think your child has a disability or learns very differently (speech, attention, autism, hearing, reading), you can ask for an evaluation. A federal law called IDEA says it is free.
Write an email or letter to the principal: "I request an evaluation for special education for my child, [name]." Keep a copy.
The school asks you to sign consent.
Under federal rules the evaluation must usually be done within 60 days of your consent (some states set a different deadline).
If your child qualifies, the team writes an IEP (Individualized Education Program): goals, services like speech therapy, and changes in class.
You are a member of the team. Under IDEA, the school must take steps so you understand IEP meetings, including an interpreter.
A 504 plan is for a child with a disability who does not need special teaching but needs changes: extra time on tests, a seat near the front, a nurse for diabetes or allergies. Ask the school counselor or principal.
Thinking an accent or new language is a disability. Learning English is not a reason for special education. A real disability can exist in any language, so ask for testing in your child's first language when possible.
Signing papers you do not understand. Ask for a translation first.