The Basics:  Every child with a disability who qualifies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,  must be provided free and appropriate public education through an education plan created by that student's IEP team that meets the unique educational needs of that child in the least restrictive environment.  


Qualifying for Special Education 



1.  My child is having serious trouble in school.  How can I get my child special education help? 


2.  The school wants to test my child for special education.  What does this mean? 


3.  My child is not old enough to go to school, but is diagnosed with autism or another neurological disability.  What can I do?  Where do I go? 


4.  My child does okay in school when he/she tries, but is currently failing because he/she is severely depressed or uncontrollable.  The school wants to bring charges for truancy and/or expell him/her.  What can I do? 


5.  The school told us that our child doesn't qualify for Special Education services.  Why? 




Individualized Education Plan to Meet Unique Educational Needs


1.  At the IEP meeting, the school made us an offer for our child.  We are not sure about it.  Do we have to accept it?  What happens if we don't agree? 


2.  The school is not following the IEP.  What can we do?  


3.  Our child has had an IEP for two years.  He/she is not meeting any of the goals and is still failing in school, what can I do?  


4.  The school just informed us that that they are stopping our child's services.  What can I do?  


5.  The school informed us that our child will no longer be provided an aide, but will be placed in an SDC.  What can I do?  




Least Restrictive Environment 


1.  The school wants to put my son into an special day class.  What is this and what can I do?