What Happens During an Early Intervention Evaluation?

Early Intervention is intended for infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or disability. Eligibility is determined by evaluating the child (with parental consent) to see if the child does, in fact, have a delay in development or a disability. Eligible children can receive early intervention services from birth to the third birthday. After Read More

How to Request an Evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Use this step-by-step checklist to track your child’s progress through the evaluation process. Child Find is the requirement that all school districts must identify all children within their boundaries, ages birth through 21 who have disabilities. Any child can be brought to the attention of a school district by any person (parent, school personnel, or Read More

IEP Tips: Evaluation, Present Levels, SMART goals

Getting services at school starts with evaluation. Eligible students get an individualized Education Program (IEP), which describes a student’s present levels of performance and how specially designed instruction supports progress toward annual goals. This article provides a quick overview of the basic IEP process and provides tips for family caregivers to get more involved. PAVE Read More

Evaluations Part 1: Where to Start When a Student Needs Special Help at School

A Brief Overview Full Article If a student is having a hard time at school and has a known or suspected disability, the school evaluates to see if the student qualifies for special education. A child is protected in their right to be evaluated by the Child Find Mandate, which is part of the federal Read More

Sample Letter to Request Evaluation

A Brief Overview Full Article When a student is struggling in school and there is reason to suspect the challenges are disability related, anyone can refer the student for an educational evaluation. If the evaluation shows that the student is eligible, services are provided through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Washington State requires special education Read More

Evaluations Part 2: Next Steps if the School Says ‘No’

A Brief Overview Full Article Parents have a variety of choices if the school denies a request to evaluate a student for special education or if the school does an evaluation and finds the student ineligible for services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Here are some options to consider. Is disability a factor? A student qualifies for IEP services when three Read More

Student Rights, IEP, Section 504 and More

Getting the right help for students with disabilities is made easier when families learn key vocabulary and understand how to use it. PAVE provides videos to support learning about student rights and how to work with the school to get individualized support. Video number 1: Pyramid of Rights Protections for Students With Disabilities The first Read More

Section 504: A Plan for Equity, Access and Accommodations

A Brief Overview Full Article A student with a disability is protected by multiple federal laws. One of them is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is upheld by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act and provides key protections against disability discrimination. To uphold Read More

IDEA: The Foundation of Special Education

A Brief Overview Full Article The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that was passed in 1990 and has been amended. The IDEA provides children with qualifying disabilities, from birth to age 21, with the right to services designed to meet their unique, individual needs. Eligible children ages 3-21 who receive Read More

From Birth to Three Toolkit

From Birth to Three Toolkit A Guide to Washington Services for Infants and Toddlers (ages 0-3 with disabilities) New parents have a lot to manage. Concern about whether a child’s growth and development are on track can be confusing. This toolkit provides places to begin if caregivers suspect that a baby or young child may Read More

Next Steps When Your Child is Found Eligible for Early Intervention Services (EIS)

The evaluation timeline for eligibility for early intervention services (EIS) begins with a written referral and varies depending on the age of the child at the time of the referral. Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) has 45 days starting on the date of referral to: Parents/custodial caregivers must provide written consent for services Read More

Parents, Navigate Adapted Physical Education, IEPs, and 504 Plans

Overview Full article Physical Education (PE) is part of school for all students and may be particularly important for your student with a disability. What are the ways in which PE (general curriculum or Adapted PE) can improve their quality of life, now and into their adult years? This short list may give you ideas Read More

Youth, Explore Adapted Physical Education in Your IEP or 504 Plan

Overview Full article Why is physical education important? How is it helpful to me, as an individual with a disability? Classes can teach you to care for your body and learn physical, mental, and emotional skills that include: How Adapted PE works: Access or accessible means how easy it is to do, to get, or Read More

F2FHIC Program Specialist Job Description

F2FHIC Program Specialist Job Description Reports to: F2FHIC Program Director Position Summary: The Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2FHIC) Program Specialist is responsible for coordinating subcontract reporting, community partner communications, web content for two websites connected with the program, supporting meetings and events, program marketing and outreach, and general duties as assigned by the F2FHIC Program Read More