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
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
Presenting our newest resource – the 3-5 Transition Toolkit – A guide to Washington services for 3-5 year olds with disabilities. This toolkit encompasses a collection of our informative articles, complemented by sample letters to provide you with a solid foundation as you navigate through this crucial transition period. New parents have a lot to Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory program for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces that helps military dependents with special medical or educational needs. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force each have an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The Coast Guard, which Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article A child who struggles to read can quickly fall behind in school. Nearly every learning area includes some reading, and children might become confused or frustrated when they don’t get help to make sense of their schoolwork. Behavior challenges can result, and sometimes schools and families struggle to understand why Read More
Where to Begin When a Student Needs More Help Early Learning: Overview of Services for Families of Young Children School to Adulthood: Transition Planning for High School, Life and Work Behavioral Health for Navigating Crisis, School Based Services, Medical Services, Family Support Networks, and more PAVE Provides Sample Letters to Support Families in their Advocacy
PAVE’s program called Parent Training and Information (PTI) helps family caregivers, youth, and professionals with questions about services for children and young people with disabilities, ages 0-26. PTI provides direct help, training for groups, and access to resources. Click Get Help to fill out the form, and PTI staff will contact you to talk through your situation and provide information, Read More
Late summer is the time to gather school supplies, find out what time the school bus will pick up and drop off, and prepare to find new classrooms and meet new teachers. Parents of students with disabilities have some additional things to check off the list to be ready for the year ahead. As August Read More
Job Description: Parent Training and Information (PTI) Title: Parent Resource Coordinator Reports to: PTI Director Position Summary: The Parent Resource Coordinator (PRC) primarily supports parents, youth, caregivers, and families with children in the special education system to grow their knowledge and skills. To accomplish this the PRC obtains, expands, and continuously improves their knowledge and Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article New parents may struggle to know whether their child’s emotional development is on track. They may have a feeling that a milestone is missed, or they may observe siblings or the emotional well-being of other children and notice their child is developing differently. Sometimes a parent just needs reassurance. Other Read More
Military families are likely to switch schools more often than other families. This can require learning new rules and finding new resources. To help plan, here are four valuable tips for a smooth PCS (permanent change of station, which is the military language for “relocation”) with a special educational or medical needs child. Tip 1: Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The exact definition of TBI, according to special education law, is referenced later. This injury can change how the person thinks, behaves, and moves. A traumatic brain Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article With summer coming, some parents worry that a child’s progress at school might be erased by the break. Some families may also worry that their child is on the verge of acquiring a new skill and that progress will be disrupted by an extended break. Parents can request a meeting Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article Everyone has moments when they hear something and pause to wonder, Is that true? Parents/caregivers in meetings with their child’s school can feel particularly confused when something doesn’t sound right. They might wonder whether it’s appropriate to question school authorities. They might not understand all the words being spoken. Fear Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article If a student is having a hard time at school and has a known or suspected disability, the school evaluates to see if the student qualifies for special education. A child is protected in their right to be evaluated by the Child Find Mandate, which is part of the federal Read More