A Brief Overview Full Article A student with a disability is protected by multiple federal laws. One of these laws is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act and it helps protect students from being treated Read More
Category: Where to Start
A look at what steps you can take to work with your child’s school and resources related to your child’s educational needs.
What Parents Need to Know when Disability Impacts Behavior and Discipline at School
A Brief Overview Full Article Behavior is a form of communication, and children often try to express their needs and wants more through behavior than words. When a young person has a disability or has experienced trauma or other distress, adults and authorities may need to put in extra effort to understand. Missed cues and Read More
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 3: How the Compact Protects Academic Progress toward Graduation
A Brief Overview Full Article The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3, pronounced “mick three”) is the more commonly used name for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children. MIC3’s rules provide consistent guidelines for how public schools address the most common challenges military-connected students experience during a PCS (permanent change of station, Read More
Procedural Safeguards: Student and Parent Rights in Special Education
A Brief Overview: Full Article The Procedural Safeguards are a written set of legal protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) designed to ensure that students with special needs receive appropriate education. IDEA, implemented under Washington State law, requires schools to provide the parents/guardians of a student who is eligible for or referred Read More
Placement: Deciding Where a Student Spends the School Day
Where and when a student goes to school is called the placement. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes how much time a student spends in different settings. It also includes a statement about how much time the student spends with non-disabled students. The IEP Team, including the parent, makes decisions about placement after talking about Read More
When Parents and Schools Disagree: Navigating Special Education Disputes
A Brief Overview: Full Article The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that each state education agency provide ways to solve disagreements between parents and schools regarding a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). These options ensure that parents and schools can work towards a mutually agreeable solution while protecting the child’s right to a Read More
Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit
Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit A Guide to Washington Services for 3-5 Year Olds 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 need services due Read More
Where to Begin When A Student Needs Help
Where to Begin When A Student Needs Help A toolkit to guide you through the special education process in Washington State When a student has unmet needs and may need new or different school-based services, figuring out what to do next can feel confusing or overwhelming. PAVE provides this toolkit to support families in taking Read More
Starting School: When and How to Enroll a Student in School
A Brief Overview Full Article If your child has never enrolled in school, back to school season can be a confusing time. This article answers frequently asked questions about school entrance age, compulsory education, and the enrollment process. Note that “enrollment” and “registration” are used interchangeably regarding the steps leading up to a student starting Read More
Tips to Help Parents Plan for the Upcoming School Year
A Brief Overview Full Article Summer provides an opportunity to reset for the school year ahead. If your child has a disability, you may want to think about what went well or what could have gone better last year. By getting organized, you can plan for fall and beyond. This article includes resources and information Read More
Steps to Read, Understand, and Develop an Initial IEP
A Brief Overview Full Article After a student is determined eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the process of building the IEP can feel intimidating. This article provides tips to help family members read through a draft IEP and prepare to participate on the IEP team that will finalize the program before services begin. 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 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
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Information and Resources for Families
A Brief Overview Full Article Parents of individuals with autism have many different experiences when watching their child’s development, navigating school years and relationships, and building community and belonging. When developmental milestones aren’t met in typical timeframes, families may seek a diagnosis, medical interventions, and/or support from school. CDC numbers show that 1 in 36 Read More
7 Factors Linked to Post – High School Success
These factors can offer valuable guidance for current high school students with disabilities, their families, and educators. By focusing on these areas, students with disabilities can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, whether in future education, training, or workforce. Here’s an expanded list with different examples for each factor, considering the Read More