10 Basic Steps in Special Education
There is a lot to know about the process by which children are identified as having a disability and in need of special education and related services. This webpage is devoted to helping parents learn about that process.
Publication Date: April 2022
Publisher: Center for Parent Information and Resources
All About the IEP
The IEP is an extremely important document in the educational lives of students with disabilities receiving special education under IDEA. The resources included on this webpage will help you learn more about IEPs—what the law requires, what information a typical IEP contains, how IEPs are developed, and so on.
Publication Date: April 2022
Publisher: Center for Parent Information and Resources
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
This article explains students who need extra help and support in school may be eligible for special education services in the form of an individualized education program (IEP). This program is offered free of charge to families of kids in public schools and outlines the goals and any support services that may be needed for a child to succeed in school.
Publication Date: 2022
Publisher: KidsHealth
Learning Disabilities and Differences: What Parents Need To Know
Children who learn and think differently can succeed in school with help that uses their strengths and targets any areas of need. This article offers information and resources for parents of children with learning disabilities.
Author: Jennifer Zubler
Publication Date: October 2021
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics
Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
This resource guide is intended to help parents of students with disabilities understand the obligations imposed under Section 504. In particular, the resource guide summarizes key requirements of Section 504, and aims to increase understanding of these requirements for both parents and members of the school community alike.
Publication Date: December 2016
Publisher: U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Qualified Professionals Eligible to Conduct Appropriate Evaluations
This AZ-TAS document provides the list of qualified professionals developed by the Department of Education as required by law as amended and approved by the Arizona State Board of Education in January 2018.
Publication Date: Revised August 2018
Publisher: Arizona Department of Education
Questions Often Asked by Parents about Special Education Services
This article discusses how to have your child evaluated to see why he or she is having difficulty in school, what the evaluation process involves, and how special education can support your child’s learning, if eligible for services.
Author: Lisa Küpper
Publication Date: April 2019
Publisher: Center for Parent Information and Resources
Raising Special Kids Help and Hope for Families
Raising Special Kids exists to improve the lives of children with the full range of disabilities, from birth to age 26, by providing support, training, information, and individual assistance so families can become effective advocates for their children.
Publication Date: 2022
Publisher: Raising Special Kids
School Discipline: The Rights of Students with IEPs and 504 Plans
This article helps parents understand their child's rights when it comes to school discipline. It includes a video from an attorney specializing in education law and criminal defense.
Author: Andrew Lee
Publication Date: April 2019
Publisher: Great Schools
School Services for Children with Special Needs: Know Your Rights
This article describes how children with special needs are usually entitled to receive additional services or accommodations through the public schools. It explains the federal law mandate that every child receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible.
Publication date: September 2016
Publisher: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Special Education Acronyms
Parents are often overwhelmed by the number of acronyms used in special education. Here are some of the most frequently used acronyms that are commonly used.
Publication Date: March 2022
Publisher: Inclusive Schools Network
Special Education: Getting Help for Your Child
This article explains what to do if parents have a concern about their child’s ability to learn. The sooner kids get the help that is needed, the more successful they can be in school.
Publication Date: 2022
Publisher: KidsHealth
Specifying Related Services in the IEP
This article explains the elements for related services. The IEP must contain a statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child.
Publication Date: November 2017
Publisher: Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Special Education Handbook: A Brief Overview of the History and Requirements of Part B of the IDEA
This handbook defines laws and requirements for providing special education. It includes the special education framework, Child Find, evaluation, consent for services, IEPs, delivery of services, procedural safeguards, prior written notice, confidentiality, dispute resolution, and behavior and discipline.
Authors: Kacey Gregson and Shannon Chavez
Publication Date: January 2018
Publisher: Arizona Department of Education
Traveling the Special Education Highway
Exceptional Student Services provides this guide for information about parental rights and special education procedures.
Publication Date: Revised 2019
Publisher: Arizona Department of Education
Who Are School Psychologists?
This brochure explains school psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students; consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies; work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies; and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.
Publication Date: 2014
Publisher: National Association of School Psychologists