Guidance for Families about Special Education Services

Family involvement has a positive impact on educational outcomes for all students. To support family involvement in special education, OSPI provides web visitors with user-friendly information and resources on various special education topics.

How Special Education Works

• A Review of Special Education Basics (TAP 1: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: A Review of the Basics)
• “Don’t I have to be notified in writing?”
• Parent and Student Rights
• A Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 (PDF)

Eligibility and Evaluations

• What to do if You Think Your Child Needs Special Education
• Evaluations and Reevaluations
• Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

About Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

• Model Forms
• Accommodations
• Student Participation
• Placement/Least Restrictive Environment
• Assistive Technology
• Teens and IEPs
• Young Children and Special Education

Behavior and Discipline

• Discipline Related Protections and Procedures (PDF)
• Teaching Students with Severe Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) (PDF)

Disagreements and Complaints about Special Education

• Dispute Resolution Options
• Legal Assistance List for Special Education Disputes (PDF)

Ombudsman
The purpose of the Ombudsman is to provide support to parents, guardians, educators, and students with disabilities.