(1) Parent means:

(a) A biological or adoptive parent of a child;

(b) A foster parent;

(c) A guardian generally authorized to act as the child's parent, or authorized to make educational decisions for the student, but not the state, if the student is a ward of the state;

(d) An individual acting in the place of a biological or adoptive parent including a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative with whom the student lives, or an individual who is legally responsible for the student's welfare; or

(e) A surrogate parent who has been appointed in accordance with WAC 392-172A-05130.

(2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, if the biological or adoptive parent is attempting to act as the parent under this chapter, and when more than one party meets the qualifications to act as a parent, the biological or adoptive parent must be presumed to be the parent unless he or she does not have legal authority to make educational decisions for the student.

(b) If a judicial decree or order identifies a specific person or persons under subsection (1)(a) through (d) of this section to act as the "parent" of a child or to make educational decisions on behalf of a child, then that person or persons shall be determined to be the "parent" for purposes of this section.

(3) The use of the term, "parent," includes adult students whose rights have transferred to them pursuant to WAC 392-172A-05135.