What is special education?
Special education is designed for students whose disabilities significantly impact their ability to access or make progress in the general education curriculum. Special education provides specialized instruction and related services tailored to a student’s unique needs.

What is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines a student’s eligibility, present levels of performance, measurable goals, services, accommodations, and placement. The IEP is developed by a team that includes parents as equal members.

How do I know if my child should be evaluated for special education?
A special education evaluation may be appropriate if your child continues to struggle despite general education supports, interventions, or accommodations. Indicators may include significant academic delays, emotional or behavioral challenges, or difficulty accessing learning without specialized support.

How do I know if my child will qualify for special education services?
If you believe your child has impairment in any of these areas, and it is adversely impacting their educational performance, and the concerns cannot be remediated with lessor intensive forms of intervention, your child may qualify for services:

• Autism
• Deaf-blindness
• Deafness
• Emotional Disturbance
• Hearing Impairment
• Intellectual Disability
• Multiple Disability
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Specific Learning Disability
• Language or Speech Disorder
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment

How do I request a special education evaluation?
Parents may submit a written request to the school district asking for a comprehensive special education evaluation. A sample request letter is available. Message us for a free template.

What are my special education rights?
Children have a right to a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE). Parents have extensive procedural safeguards, including the right to give informed consent, participate in meetings, access educational records, receive written notice, and pursue dispute resolution if disagreements arise.

How do I know if my child’s IEP is appropriate?
An appropriate IEP is individualized, based on comprehensive, objective data, and designed to provide meaningful educational benefit. Goals should be measurable, services should align with identified needs, and progress should be monitored regularly.

How can I tell if my child is making adequate progress?
Schools should provide regular progress reports tied directly to IEP goals. If progress is minimal, unclear, inconsistent, or not objectively measured, parents may request an IEP meeting to review and revise the plan.

Tips for getting the most out of your child’s IEP

• Request drafts and reports ahead of time & review before the meeting.
• Prepare questions and concerns in advance–bring written notes.
• You may bring someone to the meeting if you like (relative, family friend, advocate, etc.).
• Communicate clearly about your child’s needs and do not be afraid to ask questions–the information presented should be in plain-language.
• Make sure the data that is presented matches your experience of your child.
• Make sure progress towards goals will be measured objectively (scores, not impressions).
• Remember that services should match your child’s needs, NOT availability.
• If it is important, make sure it is written into the IEP. Verbal promises do not matter.
• Assume best intentions, but trust your instincts if something doesn’t seem quite right and reach out for help.
• Do not feel pressured to sign anything at the meeting–you can take your time to review.

Common IEP pitfalls

• Waiting too long to request evaluations, services, or help
• Assuming the school will tell you everything you need to know
• Not asking questions when confused
• Assuming caring staff means you can trust the IEP is appropriate (or being implemented)
• Relying too much on subjective data
• Relying on verbal promises instead of written documentation
• Allowing meetings to be rushed
• Being pressured into signing

Questions? Call/text 559-708-4752 or: