1. What is Special Education?

2. WHAT IS SPECIAL EDUCATION?
Broad spectrum of services to aid students with different levels of educational need
Concerns can be addressed/accommodated in the school system
Spectrum of services offered through special education to facilitate learning

3. Common Concerns
Stigma
Limitations
Role of parent

4. Examples of Disabilities
Autism
Deafness
Visual Impairment
Developmental Delay
Emotional Disturbance
Intellectual Disability
Specific Learning Disability
Speech and Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Talk about the different types and how they can be easy/difficult to see. Some of the other ones can be difficult to detect
13 different categories of disability

5. What is an IEP? Individualized Education Plan Legal document
Agreed to by parents
Designed to meet a student’s unique needs

6. How Do I Initiate an IEP?
First, talk to the teacher/school counselor to see if concerns match
Can do an SST (Student Success Team)
If still not enough improvement, IEP may be needed
Submit a written request for assessment for special education services, to the child’s school or school district.

7. What Will Happen Once I Request an Assessment?
The school has 15 days, from date of assessment request, to contact the parent to discuss concerns and past history
School (school psychologist) will develop an assessment plan
Parents will sign this plan
The school then has 60 days (from signing of assessment plan) to assess the student and hold the IEP meeting to discuss results and recommendations

8. How Would an IEP Help My Child?
Benefits
Ensure child is receiving help to mediate his/her needs
Ensure child can be helped in all areas of identified disabilities
Create a specific plan with measurable goals to track progress
Provides a case manager to monitor student progress, that parent can go to when they have questions or concerns

9. What is Included in the IEP?
Present level of functioning
Measurable Goals
Accommodations/Modifications
Examples: Extra time, speech therapy, seated in front of class, etc.

10. What if the School Says My Child Doesn't Qualify for Services?
Student may be eligible for a 504 plan
Work with the school
Appeal it with the district’s Special Education Director
Find an advocate

11. Other Issues Goal: Get Help Early!
Emotional Needs are only addressed in the school setting if they are negatively impacting the child’s educational performance.
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep disorders
Eating Disorders
Etc.
Resources

12. Resources Regional Centers Parent Help Groups
Autism Speaks, ABA Therapy, etc.
Counseling Services

13. Contact Information