Register for Webinar

Parents of children with disabilities may receive calls from their child's school requesting that they pick up their child due to behavioral issues. This webinar aims to help families understand the two reasons a child might be sent home by the school. We will outline the rights of your child in the educational setting, and discuss potential next steps that the school team can take to address these situations effectively. Join us to gain valuable insights and support as we navigate these challenges together.

Participants will understand the reasons a school may send home a child with a disability, the obligation of the school when a student with a disability is sent home, and the rights of a child with an IEP or 504 Plan.

Speaker Bios

Jason Volmer, School Psychologist

Jason Volmer has worked in special education for more than 25 years, serving as a school psychologist and special education director.   Currently he is working as a school Psychologist servicing grades 8-12 in Ankeny.  He also has three children who have or have had social/emotional/behavioral IEPs, and has experienced manifestation determinations and removals in his role as a parent, district leader, and school psychologist.

Jean Boger, School Social Worker

Jean Boger, MSW, LMSW, has been a school social worker with Heartland AEA for over 16 years. Throughout her time with Heartland, she has served in a variety of rural and metro school districts where she has focused primarily on supporting students with social, emotional and behavioral issues. This has included evaluating students for special education services, conducting Functional Behavior Assessments, developing Behavior Intervention Plans, and serving as an IEP team member to help inform educational programming. 

Sara Mercer, Director of IDEA Services
and Regional Director for Boone County Schools

Sara Mercer is currently the Director of IDEA Services and Regional Director for Boone County Schools for Heartland AEA. Sara is also a trained Special Education teacher and a School Psychologist. Sara is passionate about delivering high-quality services to all students, advocating for adherence to special education law, and fostering meaningful collaboration between students and parents in special education processes.