For parents
Know your rights. Walk in prepared.
Special education has its own language. Here's what every parent should know, in plain words.
Your rights
Six things the law guarantees you
A free, appropriate public education
Under IDEA, eligible children ages 3 through 21 have the right to special education and related services at no cost to you, in the least restrictive environment that works for them.
To ask for an evaluation
You can request a special education evaluation at any time. Put the request in writing, date it, and keep a copy. The school needs your written consent before the first evaluation.
To be a full member of the IEP team
You help decide what goes in your child's IEP. You can ask for an IEP meeting at any time, not just once a year, and you can bring anyone who knows your child, including an advocate.
To get decisions in writing
When the school proposes or refuses a change to your child's evaluation, services, or placement, it must give you prior written notice explaining what and why.
To see your child's records
You can review your child's education records, including evaluations, before a meeting. Ask for copies ahead of time so you aren't reading them for the first time at the table.
To disagree
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can ask for an independent educational evaluation (IEE). If you disagree with a decision, options include facilitation, mediation, a state complaint, or a due process hearing.
Timelines for evaluations and meetings are set by federal law and by each state. Texas and Louisiana each set their own, so ask us if you're unsure where things stand.
IEP meeting checklist
Before, during, and after
- Ask for the draft IEP, evaluations, and progress data a few days before the meeting.
- Write down your top three concerns and what you want your child to be able to do this year.
- Bring examples: work samples, notes from home, emails, or doctor recommendations.
- Let the school know if someone is coming with you.
- During the meeting, ask how each goal will be measured and how often you'll get progress reports.
- You don't have to sign anything on the spot. It's okay to take the IEP home and review it.
- After the meeting, send a short email summarizing what was agreed. Keep a copy.
IEP or 504: which one?
An IEP is for a child whose disability affects their learning and who needs specially designed instruction. It includes goals, services, and progress reports.
A 504 plan is for a child with a disability that substantially limits a major life activity, who needs accommodations (like extra time, seating, or health supports) to access school.
Not sure which fits your child? Ask us.
Glossary
Terms you'll hear
- IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- A written plan under IDEA that describes your child's special education services, goals, and supports. Reviewed at least once a year.
- 504 Plan
- A plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that gives a student with a disability accommodations so they can access learning. Often used when a child doesn't qualify for an IEP.
- IDEA
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the federal law that guarantees special education services to eligible children.
- FAPE
- Free Appropriate Public Education. What every eligible child is entitled to under IDEA.
- LRE
- Least Restrictive Environment. Children should learn alongside peers without disabilities as much as appropriate.
- ARD (Texas)
- Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee. In Texas, this is what the IEP team is called, and the IEP meeting is often called an ARD meeting.
- FIE
- Full Individual and Initial Evaluation. The evaluation used to decide whether a child qualifies for special education.
- FBA / BIP
- Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan. An FBA looks at why a behavior happens; a BIP lays out how the team will respond and support the child.
- Prior Written Notice (PWN)
- The school's written explanation of what it proposes or refuses to do, and why.
- IEE
- Independent Educational Evaluation, done by a qualified evaluator who doesn't work for the school.
Questions
What parents ask us
Do I need an advocate for every meeting?
No. Many families call us for a single meeting that feels high-stakes, like an initial IEP, a placement change, or a discipline hearing. Others want support all year. We'll help you decide what makes sense.
My child doesn't have a diagnosis yet. Can you still help?
Yes. A child doesn't need a medical diagnosis to be evaluated by the school. We can help you request an evaluation and understand what comes next.
Will working with an advocate make the school defensive?
Our goal is a better plan for your child, not a fight. We keep things respectful, focused, and in writing. Most schools work better with a prepared parent.
Are you lawyers?
No. We're advocates, not attorneys, and we don't give legal advice. If your situation needs a lawyer, we'll tell you and help you find one.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every child's situation is different.
Have a meeting coming up?
Tell us when it is and what's worrying you. We'll help you get ready.