Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Special Education
What Is Special Education?
Being Your Child's Advocate
New Rules for Special Education
Using This Book
Icons Used Throughout This Book
Getting Help From Others
2. Overview of Special Education Law and the IEP
IDEA and State Special Education Laws
What IDEA Requires
Individualized Education Program
Working With Your School District
Some Overriding IEP Principles
3. Getting Started: Tips for All Parents
First Steps
Obtain Your Child's School Records
4. Getting Organized
Start an IEP Binder
The Yearly IEP Cycle
Sample Year in the Life of Your Child's IEP
Keep a Monthly Calendar
Track Your Child's Progress
5. Developing Your Child's IEP Blueprint
Begin at the End: Define Your Child's Needs
Preparing an IEP Blueprint
Other Sources of Information for the Blueprint
What's Next?
6. Evaluations
When Evaluations Are Done
Evaluation Components
Evaluation Plans
Meet With the Evaluator
Reviewing the Report
Reevaluations
Final Evaluations
7. Who Is Eligible for Special Education?
Eligibility Requirements
Preparing for the IEP Eligibility Meeting
Attending the Eligibility Meeting
Joint IEP Eligibility/Program Meeting
If Your Child Is Not Found Eligible for Special Education
8. Exploring Your Options and Making Your Case
Review the School District's Information
Keep Tabs on Your Child's Progress
Explore Available School Programs
Find Out About Related Services
Compare Your Blueprint With the Existing Programs and Services
Generate Additional Supporting Information
Independent Evaluations
9. Writing Goals
Skill Areas Covered by Goals
Developing Goals
When to Draft Goals
Writing Effective Goals
10. Preparing for the IEP Meeting
Schedule the IEP Meeting
The IEP Meeting Agenda
Organize Your Materials
Draft Your Child's IEP Program
Establish Who Will Attend the IEP Meeting
Final Preparation
11. Attending the IEP Meeting
Getting Started
Simple Rules for a Successful IEP Meeting
Become Familiar With Your School's IEP Form
Writing the IEP Plan
Signing the IEP Document
Parent Addendum Page
12. Resolving IEP Disputes Through Due Process
Before Due Process: Informal Negotiations
Typical Due Process Disputes
When to Pursue Due Process
Your Child's Status During Due Process
Using a Lawyer During Due Process
How to Begin Due Process
Preparing for Due Process
Mediation Specifics
Due Process Hearing
Hearing Decision and Appeals
13. Filing a Complaint for a Legal Violation
When to File a Complaint
Where to File a Complaint
What to Include in a Complaint
What Happens When You File a Complaint
14. Lawyers and Legal Research
How a Lawyer Can Help
Do You Need an Attorney?
Finding an Attorney
How Attorneys Are Paid
Resolving Problems With a Lawyer
Doing Your Own Legal Research
Online Legal Research
15. Parent Organizations and Special Education
Join a Parent Organization
Form a Parent Organization
Appendixes
A. Special Education Law and Regulations
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (Key Sections)
IDEA Regulations (Key Sections)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Key Regulations)
B. Federal and State Departments of Education
Federal Department of Education Offices
State Department of Education Offices
C. Support Groups, Advocacy Organizations, and Other Resources
General Resources on Special Education
Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers
Legal Resources on Special Education
Resources Concerning Specific Disabilities
D. Sample IEP Form
E. Tear-Out Forms
Request for Information on Special Education
Request to Begin Special Education Process and Evaluation
Request for Child's School File
Request to Amend Child's School File
Special Education Contacts
IEP Journal
Monthly IEP Calendar
IEP Blueprint
Letter Requesting Evaluation Report
Request for Joint IEP Eligibility/Program Meeting
Progress Chart
Program Visitation Request Letter
Class Visitation Checklist
Goals Chart
IEP Material Organizer Form
IEP Meeting Participants
IEP Meeting Attendance Objection Letter
IEP Preparation Checklist
Letter Confirming Informal Negotiation
Letter Requesting Due Process
Index
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