Special Education Guide

This guide gives parents & guardians a starting point in learning how special education works. We’ll cover the basics including legal rights, important timelines, and how you can support your child.

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Understanding Special Education

Special education gives your child access to resources & support that help them succeed.

Special education is a collection of services provided to qualifying students with disabilities. The purpose of these services is to ensure all students have equal access to education. Special education follows laws that exist to protect students rights.

SPECIAL EDUCATION LETS KIDS THRIVE

Special education does not mean there is something wrong with your child. It means that the way school was designed does not meet our child’s unique needs. Special education fills the gap between what the school already does and what your child needs. As their parent, you have the power to play a part in making sure that is done successfully, giving your child the same educational access & opportunities as all children.

Individualized Plans for Each Unique Student

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

An Individual Education Program (IEP) is a plan for students with disabilities who get special education services. The IEP is a contract that says what a student’s needs are and how the school is going to meet them. The school must follow through on the commitments they make in an IEP. School staff work with parents — and the student depending on their age — to write the IEP.

504 Plans

A 504 Plan ensures that students with identified disabilities get what they need. Unlike an IEP, a 504 Plan does not involve specialized instruction but focuses on giving equal access through accommodations. School staff work with parents — and sometimes the student — to write the 504 plan.

Download the full guide

For access to the full Special Education Guide, download our print version here.

Also available in Spanish and Somali.

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