Here is basic guidance about how special education works. For a bit more detail, visit How Special Education Works A 10-Step Guide to the Special Education Process provided by Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Procedural Safeguards protect family and student rights throughout the process.
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.
Parents with Disabilities Have Rights
Brief overview: For nearly 100 years, parents with disabilities have experienced fewer rights than their non-disabled peers. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect parents and prospective parents with disabilities from unlawful discrimination in the administration of child welfare programs, activities, and services. Despite legal protections, Read More
Helper Dogs Provide Service, Therapy or Emotional Support
A Brief Overview Service dogs and therapy dogs have different jobs. Read on to learn more about the differences and how dogs can help people with diverse disabilities. A service dog is trained to support a specific person in unique circumstances. Therapy dogs are chosen by temperament and trained to use closeness and touch to Read More
Get SMART About Tracking Progress and Updating Goals with Your IEP Team
Holiday break is a good time to check on your student’s progress in school. You can take another look at the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and compare the goals to current progress. If you don’t have a current progress reports on IEP goals, mid-year is a good time to ask school staff to provide them. Read More
Finding the Right Child Care Provider for Your Child
by Marcia Jacobs, Communications and Marketing Manager, Child Care Aware of Washington Selecting a child care provider is one of a parent’s most important decisions. Your child may spend many hours with the provider you choose, and you want that playing and learning time to be well-spent. All parents look for a provider who Read More
Developmental Disabilities Ombuds
By Tim McCue Self Advocacy Educator Pronouns: he/him/his Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds The Developmental Disabilities Ombuds; what are they all about? Are you frustrated with your DD services? We are here to help! An ombuds is a person who makes sure that people who are getting a certain type of service have protection and Read More
Get Ready for School with IEP Essentials
A Brief Overview Each student has abilities and skills. A thoughtful Individualized Education Program (IEP) can highlight abilities and provides the supports needed for the student to learn. This article will help parents understand how to participate in the IEP process. Every part of the IEP is measured against this question: How does this help Read More
DDA Access Series 1 Eligibility
Stress and Children Ages 0-3
“The perception of stress varies from child to child; serious threats may not disturb one child, while minor ones may be traumatic to another” (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2015). Parents can’t know how stress will affect their child. Just like adults experiencing something new, the effect of stress is different for each toddler or infant. Read More
My child has behavior problems in school. What should I do?
When the behavior of a student with an IEP gets in the way of his or her learning or that of others, the IEP team must develop behavior goals or a behavior plan. Behavior plans are not punitive. They are positive plans describing how the school will support positive behavior through instruction or changing the Read More