Children with special needs can face many issues in getting a free and appropriate education. Some may need special education services, while others may need modifications to make school accessible or medical assistance to make it safe. For some students, struggles with learning or behavior require special management to avoid school disruption. Parents have lots of questions about what their children will need and how to get it. Find your answers here.
Special-Needs Education Basics
Learn more about the educational options for helping your child, from early childhood through school age.
- What is "special education"?
- What other help is available for students with special needs?
- What is "early intervention"?
- Will my child in early intervention definitely go into special education?
- Will my child in special-education preschool definitely stay in special education?
- How much information should I give my child's teacher?
IEPs
An IEP is the blueprint for your child's special education. Learn more about it.
- What is an IEP?
- How do I get an IEP for my child?
- Who attends an IEP meeting?
- What happens at an IEP meeting?
- Where do IEP meetings take place?
- Who will be at an IEP meeting?
- How should I prepare for an IEP meeting?
- What should I bring to an IEP meeting?
- What should I wear to an IEP meeting?
- Should my child come to IEP meetings?
- Do I need to hire an advocate?
- How can I get the very best services for my child?
- What does an IEP look like?
- Can I put my own suggestions into an IEP?
- What should I do before signing an IEP?
- What should I do with my copy of an IEP?
- How do I report an IEP violation?
504 Plans
504 plans make school accessible to students with disabilities and medical needs. Find out if one is right for your child.
IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act)
Learn more about IDEA and its provisions for students with special needs.Behavior and Discipline
Making school accessible and safe for students with special needs often means managing behavior effectively.
Inclusion
More and more, students in special education are being placed in regular-education classrooms. Find out more about how these placements work.
Services
Students in special education often receive therapy and other services as part of their IEP. Learn more about what your child can receive.
More School Issues
Communicating with the teacher is particularly important when your child has special needs.
- How often should I meet with my child's teacher?
- How do I give information about my child's disability to the teacher?
- What should I ask before sending my child on a field trip?
- How should I write a letter to my child's teacher?
- How should I plan for a teacher's conference?
- How do I protest a grade?
