How do I know if my child has a developmental delay? If you suspect that your child might have a developmental delay, you should talk with your child’s pediatrician. They may conduct a developmental screening. Where can I learn more about tracking milestones? The Learn the Signs. Act Early website includes tools for tracking milestones Read More
Category: Learning In School
Information on the process of getting the knowledge and or skill through study or experience.
Special Education Terms
Glossary of Terms Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): also known simply as dispute resolution or procedural safeguards; options for resolving disagreements between parents and school districts; Washington’s options include facilitation, mediation, community complaint, and due process hearing. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): the federal law that makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in Read More
Your Child’s Application for Developmental Disabilities (DDA)
A Step -by-Step guide to submitting and application for DDA on behalf of your child. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provides services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. DDA is responsible for administering various Medicaid waivers that provide essential services to families who have members who have a developmental disability. Applying for Read More
Who’s Who on the IEP Team
The IDEA requires that certain individuals be included in the IEP team, and their input is valuable in creating a plan that addresses the unique needs of the student. Here are the key members of the IEP team. The team works together to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the unique needs of the student Read More
Communication Log
Maintaining a clear record of who said what and when is simplified with a school communication log. This tool streamlines the organization and retrieval of your notes pertaining to phone calls, letters, face-to-face meetings, emails exchanged with your child’s teachers, and any other interactions involving the school. For parents of children with an Individualized Education Read More
Educational Program Options for Children Aged 3-5 Years Old
Inclusion Preschool Programs Inclusion preschools, sometimes called developmental preschools, are special classes in the school district for children aged 3 to 5 with special needs. These students receive custom tailored instruction to meet their individual requirements. The special education team comprises professionals, such as teachers, teaching assistants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, education specialists, physical therapists, Read More
Preparing for Productive and Effective Conversations with Education and Service Providers
Here are our top three tips for making every conversation with your child’s IFSP or IEP team an opportunity to show them what makes your child the remarkable human being you know and love. Strengths Needs Things my child does that make me feel happy or unconcerned Things that my child does or cannot do Read More
Common Accommodations and Modifications in an IEP For 3-5 year old’s
Accommodations and modifications for 3-5-year-olds should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. These young children may have various developmental, cognitive, and sensory challenges, so it’s important to work closely with a team of educators, therapists,and parents to create an effective IEP. Examples of accommodations and modifications Accommodations Modifications *Remember that the Read More
Your Child has Met the Eligibility for an IEP – Preparing for the IEP Meeting
Use this checklist to prepare for the meeting to discuss special education and related services with your child’s IEP team.
What You Need To Know About My Child
Using the guiding questions below, prepare a one-pager of skills, challenges, concerns, and interests of your child on the next page. Hello My Name is (Insert name) I am (insert age) years old. My strengths are… Some important things you should know about me are… I respond well to… What does your child do well(i.e. Read More
Sample Letter to the IEP Team – Today Our Partnership Begins
This sample letter introduces a child to members of the IEP team by highlighting their strengths and individual personality, while also providing strategies and information about their disability. Use the Today Our Partnership Begins Worksheet to write an introductory letter for your child. Dear Mr./Mrs./Mx. Teacher, Today, our partnership begins. Here are some things about Read More
Steps to Read, Develop, and Understand an IEP Worksheet
The IEP document is a lot to absorb. You will be better prepared to support your child when you review the IEP draft before meeting with the IEP team for the first time. A child’s education is worth taking time to read for understanding. Subject Service Minutes What Related/Ancillary Services is your child eligible to Read More
What to Expect at the Transition Conference: Going from Part C to Part B
You can utilize this document when preparing for the transition planning process to collect essential Part C data that will be taken into account during the Part B evaluation and eligibility determination phase. Adapted from the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) This article forms part of the 3-5 Transition Toolkit
Differences Between Part B and Part C Services
The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) ends when a child turns 3. Transitioning to a services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) requires a new evaluation and is a team-led process. Let this handout serve as your cheat sheet for the differences between the IFSP and IEP. Individualized Family Service Plan(IFSP) Individualized Education Program(IEP) Ages: Read More
Pathways to Support: Where to Begin If Your Child Receives Services Through Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)
When an infant or toddler receiving early intervention services from Washington’s Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program approaches the age of three (3), the Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) begins transition planning for when the child will age out of early intervention services on their third birthday. If the child is potentially eligible for Read More