[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

[Date]

[Name of School District Director] [School District Name] [School District Address] [City, State, ZIP]

Dear [Director's Name],

I am writing to formally request that a 1:1 classroom aide be added to my 13-year-old son's Individualized Education Program (IEP) to provide the necessary support for his education. My son, [Your Son's Name], is a student at [School Name] and has been diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and significant intellectual delay. As a parent, I am committed to advocating for the best possible education for my child, and I believe that the provision of a dedicated 1:1 aide will ensure a least restrictive environment as mandated by Virginia special education law.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) emphasize the importance of providing students with disabilities the opportunity to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) that meets their unique needs. The LRE principle stipulates that children with disabilities should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible, while still receiving appropriate support services. In [Your Son's Name]'s case, a 1:1 classroom aide would help him access the general education curriculum and participate in school activities alongside his peers.

[Your Son's Name]'s diagnoses, which include a Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, ADHD, and significant intellectual delay, create unique challenges that impact his ability to learn and engage in the classroom environment. The presence of a 1:1 aide would provide the specialized support necessary to address these challenges, including:

1. Assistance with staying focused and on task, minimizing distractions from ADHD symptoms.
2. Support in coping with anxiety and emotional regulation related to PTSD.
3. Help with comprehending and retaining information due to the intellectual delay.
4. Adapting and modifying instructional materials and methods to better align with his learning needs.

By having a 1:1 aide, [Your Son's Name] will be better equipped to benefit from the educational opportunities provided by the school district. This individualized support will not only improve his academic performance but also foster a more inclusive and positive learning environment.

In light of the above, I kindly request that the IEP team convenes a meeting as soon as possible to discuss the inclusion of a 1:1 aide in [Your Son's Name]'s IEP. I am confident that this additional support will significantly contribute to his academic and personal development, ensuring his educational success in the least restrictive environment.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to working together to ensure that [Your Son's Name] receives the support he needs to thrive in his educational journey. Please contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number] to schedule the IEP meeting or discuss further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]