A parent attending an ARD meeting disagrees with the proposed services for their child. What is their immediate course of action?

The correct course of action for a parent who disagrees with the proposed services during an ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meeting is to check and sign the record sheet to indicate their disagreement. This provides a formal way to document their concerns and ensures that their perspective is acknowledged in the official records of the meeting. It is essential for parents to express their views, as they play a crucial role in the development and implementation of their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Documenting disagreements helps to maintain a clear record of differing opinions and can be important in future discussions or evaluations related to the child's educational plan. By signing the record sheet, the parent is also protecting their rights and the rights of their child, ensuring that their voice is heard in the decision-making process.

The other options do not serve to adequately address the parent’s disagreement. Accepting the IEP without voicing concerns may lead to compliance without true consensus. Requesting a different educational setting could be a subsequent action but does not directly address the immediate need to document the disagreement. Leaving the meeting does not contribute meaningfully to achieving a resolution or representing the child's best interests in the educational planning process.