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
Category: Where to Begin Toolkit
Evaluations Part 2: Next Steps if the School Says ‘No’
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
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
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 Read More
IDEA: The Foundation of Special Education
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 Read More
Starting School: When and How to Enroll a Student in School
A Brief Overview
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 Read More
Abbreviation Cheat Sheet
*Adapted from OSEP’s complete list of acronyms Washington State Specific Terms Military Terms
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 Read More
Washington Special Education Categories
Autism: a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a student’s educational performance. Other characteristics often associated with Read More
Pathways to Support for School Aged Children
Transition Planning for Children Aging Out of Early Intervention Services through Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) When an infant or toddler receiving early intervention services from Washington’s Early 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 Read More
Special Education Frequently Asked Questions
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 Read More