For Student Parents
Know Your Rights
Learn about your rights under Title IX as a pregnant or parenting student, along with resources to advocate for yourself and your children in education, healthcare, and beyond.
For Student Parents
Know Your Rights
Learn about your rights under Title IX as a pregnant or parenting student, along with resources to advocate for yourself and your children in education, healthcare, and beyond.
Know Your Rights
Advocating Together
You are an advocate for yourself and your child. Knowing what your rights are related to access to education is a key part of academic success. There are many ways that you may need to advocate for yourself and your children and there are resources to help.
Advocate: Someone who supports or promotes a cause, policy, or right
Know Your Rights
Title IX: Federal Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students
Title IX
You have rights as a pregnant or parenting student under federal law. Under a federal law. The following key protections are provided under Title IX:
- Non-Discrimination: It is illegal to discriminate against students who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have been pregnant. This includes:
- Participation in any part of an educational program.
- Access to special programs or opportunities.
- Requirement to take time off or change majors because of pregnancy or parenting.
- Reasonable Accommodations: You are entitled to request reasonable accommodations to support your pregnancy and caring for yourself and your baby after birth.
How to Request Accommodations or File a Complaint
- To request an accommodation or if you believe you’ve been discriminated against, find the Title IX Coordinator at your school on the website.
Additional Support
- The Pregnant Scholar has detailed information about Title IX and support for pregnant and parenting students.
Know Your Rights
Title IX: Federal Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students
Title IX
You have rights as a pregnant or parenting student under federal law. Under a federal law. The following key protections are provided under Title IX:
- Non-Discrimination: It is illegal to discriminate against students who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have been pregnant. This includes:
- Participation in any part of an educational program.
- Access to special programs or opportunities.
- Requirement to take time off or change majors because of pregnancy or parenting.
- Reasonable Accommodations: You are entitled to request reasonable accommodations to support your pregnancy and caring for yourself and your baby after birth.
How to Request Accommodations or File a Complaint
- To request an accommodation or if you believe you’ve been discriminated against, find the Title IX Coordinator at your school on the website.
Additional Support
- The Pregnant Scholar has detailed information about Title IX and support for pregnant and parenting students.
Advocating For Your Children
There are times that you may need to advocate for your children related to access to education, special services, healthcare, or other circumstances. There are many organizations and people who can help you access the services you need, but the first step is to find them.
Community Resources
- 211 is a service that connects people to community resources
Parent Advocacy Classes
- Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors: Offers parent advocacy classes in English and Spanish
Support for Developmental Delays or Educational Services
If you think your child may have developmental delays or require additional educational services, you can access the following:
- Child Find is a program that provides evaluations for children ages three to five who are suspected of having developmental delays or a disability through the public schools. Contact your local public school for information about scheduling a screening and to learn more.
- Family Infant Toddler Program (FIT) is a statewide effort in New Mexico that provides early intervention services to young children 0-3 years old with a developmental delay or who may be at risk for developmental delays. You can also talk to your pediatrician or child care provider about a FIT referral.
- School age developmental support: If your child is in K-12 education, including public charter schools, and you believe they have developmental needs, you can speak to their teacher or principal to request an evaluation. You can also speak with your child’s primary care doctor for a referral to assessments or services, such as an assessment for autism.
Advocating For Your Children
There are times that you may need to advocate for your children related to access to education, special services, healthcare, or other circumstances. There are many organizations and people who can help you access the services you need, but the first step is to find them.
Community Resources
- 211 is a service that connects people to community resources
Parent Advocacy Classes
- Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors: Offers parent advocacy classes in English and Spanish
Support for Developmental Delays or Educational Services
If you think your child may have developmental delays or require additional educational services, you can access the following:
- Child Find is a program that provides evaluations for children ages three to five who are suspected of having developmental delays or a disability through the public schools. Contact your local public school for information about scheduling a screening and to learn more.
- Family Infant Toddler Program (FIT) is a statewide effort in New Mexico that provides early intervention services to young children 0-3 years old with a developmental delay or who may be at risk for developmental delays. You can also talk to your pediatrician or child care provider about a FIT referral.
- School age developmental support: If your child is in K-12 education, including public charter schools, and you believe they have developmental needs, you can speak to their teacher or principal to request an evaluation. You can also speak with your child’s primary care doctor for a referral to assessments or services, such as an assessment for autism.