Families may feel uncertain or discouraged when a school denies a request for special education evaluation or finds a student ineligible for services. Fortunately, there are steps families can take 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.
Sample Letter to Request a Functional Behavioral Assessment
Families can formally request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) when a student’s behavior interferes with learning. This process helps schools identify the root causes of behavioral challenges and develop a Read More
Sample Letter to Request an IEP Meeting
Families can request an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting at any time—not just during the annual review. A sample letter is available to help parents and guardians formally make this Read More
Sample Letter to Request Evaluation
Anyone with knowledge of a student may request a special education evaluation, and Washington State law requires that referrals be made in writing. Schools must respond within specific timelines and Read More
PAVE Provides Sample Letters to Support Families in their Advocacy
PAVE offers a collection of downloadable sample letters, available in multiple languages, to help families advocate for their children’s educational needs. These letters support clear and effective communication between families Read More
Evaluations Part 1: Where to Start When a Student Needs Special Help at School
When a student is struggling in school and may have a disability, families can request a formal evaluation to explore eligibility for special education services. The process includes submitting a Read More
Childcare-What to Know When Your Child has a Disability
When a parent or family caregiver needs care for their child with a disability, finding safe, appropriate, and affordable care will be a priority. There are resources for children with Read More
Get Ready for School with IEP Essentials
Every student deserves a strong start to the school year. For families of children with disabilities, preparing for school includes reviewing the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a Read More
School Support Plans for Deployment-Tips for Parents
When a military parent deploys, children—especially those with disabilities—may show changes in behavior, emotions, or learning. With the right support at home and school, these transitions can become opportunities to Read More
Summer Reading Tips for Families
Summer days offer time to focus on play, creativity, and family fun. Reading can also be fun! If summer days include time for reading, it helps children keep the skills Read More
Ensuring Safety and Inclusion: Adding an Emergency Action Plan to the IEP or 504 Plan
Emergency Action Plans are crucial for ensuring the safety of students with disabilities during crises like earthquakes, fires, or active shooter events. These plans should be integrated into existing Individualized Read More
Help for Military Families: Tips to Navigate Special Education Process in Washington State
For families new to Washington State, this article includes state-specific information about special education systems. PAVE wants to extend a warm welcome to your entire family and to let you Read More
Section 504: A Plan for Equity, Access and Accommodations
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 Read More
What Parents Need to Know when Disability Impacts Behavior and Discipline at School
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 Read More
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 3: How the Compact Protects Academic Progress toward Graduation
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. A Brief Overview