Question of the Week #2: My son's kindergarten class has been without a teacher for over two months. What's my next course of action?

Amber asks:

My son's kindergarten class has been without a teacher for over 2 months now. Previous teacher left due to lack of resources and support for the class. He is in a program specific to children who are autistic. There are 7 children in the class. I've spoken with Asst Principal and was originally told they would be getting a sub until permanent replacement was found. There has been no sub. They claim they can find no one with proper certifications so be in the class with the children. There are 2 aides in the class but only one is motivated to help the children. The other aide doesn't interact with the children at all without being told. The other aide has now undertaken the job of trying to teach the children herself despite her lack of certifications.

What is my next course of action. I personally don't think they will be getting a teacher for the school year. The school seems like they don't care to much about their specific class. And I'm honestly considering removing my son from the entire district.

The aide advised I should go to the school board. I did leave a voicemail and email the chief of office today. I am located in Michigan

When a child's education falls through the cracks, it’s time to raise your voice and demand the rights they deserve—because every child deserves a certified teacher and the support they need to thrive.

As a former teacher and now educational advocate, I’ve heard countless stories from parents who feel unheard and powerless when their child’s educational needs aren’t being met. Your situation—your son’s kindergarten class for children with Autism being without a certified teacher for over two months—is a glaring red flag. This isn’t just a logistical hiccup; it’s a failure to provide the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that your son is entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You’re right to be concerned, and your instincts to act are spot-on. Below, I’ll outline a clear, actionable plan to address this crisis, based on your description and my experience advocating for families in similar situations.

1. Consider Removing Your Son—If It’s Feasible

If it’s within your family’s means—financially, logistically, and emotionally—I strongly recommend exploring other options for your son’s education right now. Two months without a certified teacher in a specialized program is unacceptable to say the least, and the lack of urgency from the school suggests this may not resolve soon. A classroom tailored to children with Autism requires trained professionals who understand their unique needs, not just aides stepping in to fill gaps. If you can transfer him to another district with a better-equipped program, enroll him in a private school specializing in autism (potentially with district funding, which we’ll touch on later), or even homeschool temporarily with support, this could be the fastest way to ensure his needs are met. Time is critical—every day without proper instruction is a lost opportunity for growth. Check your district’s transfer policies.

2. Document Everything—Build Your Case

Start a detailed paper trail immediately. This isn’t just about venting frustration; it’s about creating evidence that could secure your son’s rights to compensatory services or fuel stronger action. Here’s what to track:

• Dates of the teacher vacancy: Note when the original teacher left and every day since without a replacement.

• Who’s in the classroom: Record who’s supervising—names of aides, their roles, and whether they’re certified. You mentioned one aide is trying to teach despite lacking credentials—document that too.

• Service minutes: Check your son’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and log whether he’s receiving the mandated services (e.g., speech therapy, behavioral support). If not, note how many minutes are missed daily or weekly.

• Communication: Save every email, voicemail, and conversation summary with the assistant principal, school board, or anyone else. Include dates, times, and their responses (or lack thereof).

• Observations: Jot down what your son says about his day, any regression in skills, or behaviors that suggest he’s not thriving.

This documentation could lead to compensatory services—extra educational support to make up for what he’s missed. Under IDEA, if a school fails to deliver IEP services, they owe your child additional hours (e.g., tutoring, therapy) to get him back on track. Your logs could also support a formal complaint or even a lawsuit if it comes to that. Nothing is too small to record—every detail strengthens your case.

3. Contact Michigan’s IEP Compliance Team

In Michigan, the Office of Special Education (OSE) within the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) oversees IEP compliance and investigates district failures. Call them at 517-241-5000 or email mde-ose@michigan.gov to report this situation. Explain that your son’s class has been without a certified teacher for over two months, that aides are inadequately filling the gap, and that the school seems indifferent. Ask if they can launch an investigation into your district’s compliance with IDEA and your son’s IEP. If they find violations (which seems likely), they can mandate a corrective intervention—forcing the district to hire a teacher, train staff, or provide compensatory services. This step leverages state oversight to push the district into action, and it’s free for you to pursue.

4. File a State Child Complaint

If you want to take it further—or if the OSE’s response feels too slow—file a formal state complaint with the MDE. Michigan calls this a “state complaint,” and it’s a powerful tool under IDEA to address systemic or individual violations. Here’s how:

• Write it up: Use the MDE’s model form (available on their website) or draft a letter. Include your son’s name, school, and a clear statement of the problem: the lack of a certified teacher, the uncertified aide teaching, and the failure to provide IEP services. Attach your documentation.

• Send it: Mail the original to the MDE Office of Special Education (1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN 55113) and a copy to your district’s special education director simultaneously.

• Timeline: The MDE has 60 days to investigate and issue a decision, which could order the district to fix the problem and compensate your son.

This process can hold the district accountable and potentially benefit all seven kids in the class. It’s not just about your son—it’s about a program that’s failing vulnerable students.

Final Thoughts

You’re already taking smart steps by contacting the school board, but don’t stop there. The aide’s advice to escalate is solid, but the district’s apathy suggests they’re banking on parents not pushing back. You have rights, and your son deserves better. If removal isn’t an option, lean hard into steps 2–4—document, call the OSE, and file that complaint. You might also connect with Michigan Alliance for Families (1-800-552-4821) for free advocacy support. This fight might feel exhausting, but every move you make now builds a stronger future for your son. Stay relentless—you’ve got this.