How to Request an Evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Use this step-by-step checklist to track your child’s progress through the evaluation process. Child Find is the requirement that all school districts must identify all children within their boundaries, ages birth through 21 who have disabilities. Any child can be brought to the attention of a school district by any person (parent, school personnel, or Read More

Special Education Terms

Glossary of Terms Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): also known simply as dispute resolution or procedural safeguards; options for resolving disagreements between parents and school districts; Washington’s options include facilitation, mediation, community complaint, and due process hearing. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): the federal law that makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in Read More

Your Child’s Application for Developmental Disabilities (DDA)

A Step -by-Step guide to submitting and application for DDA on behalf of your child. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provides services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. DDA is responsible for administering various Medicaid waivers that provide essential services to families who have members who have a developmental disability. Applying for Read More

Who’s Who on the IEP Team

The IDEA requires that certain individuals be included in the IEP team, and their input is valuable in creating a plan that addresses the unique needs of the student. Here are the key members of the IEP team. The team works together to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the unique needs of the student Read More

Communication Log

Maintaining a clear record of who said what and when is simplified with a school communication log. This tool streamlines the organization and retrieval of your notes pertaining to phone calls, letters, face-to-face meetings, emails exchanged with your child’s teachers, and any other interactions involving the school. For parents of children with an Individualized Education Read More

Common Accommodations and Modifications in an IEP For 3-5 year old’s

Accommodations and modifications for 3-5-year-olds should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. These young children may have various developmental, cognitive, and sensory challenges, so it’s important to work closely with a team of educators, therapists,and parents to create an effective IEP. Examples of accommodations and modifications Accommodations Modifications *Remember that the Read More

Steps to Read, Develop, and Understand an IEP Worksheet

The IEP document is a lot to absorb. You will be better prepared to support your child when you review the IEP draft before meeting with the IEP team for the first time. A child’s education is worth taking time to read for understanding. Subject Service Minutes What Related/Ancillary Services is your child eligible to Read More

Differences Between Part B and Part C Services

The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) ends when a child turns 3. Transitioning to a services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) requires a new evaluation and is a team-led process. Let this handout serve as your cheat sheet for the differences between the IFSP and IEP. Individualized Family Service Plan(IFSP) Individualized Education Program(IEP) Ages: Read More

Step-By-Step Guide to Requesting Accommodations on SAT and ACT Exams

The transition from high school to college can be a daunting experience for any teenager. Part of the transition process is preparing for and taking the entrance exams for college. If the student is receiving accommodations in school, they may qualify to receive special accommodations while taking a college entrance exam. The ACT and College Read More

Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 3: How the Compact Protects Academic Progress toward Graduation 

A Brief Overview  Full Article  The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3, pronounced “mick three”) is the more commonly used name for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children. MIC3’s rules provide consistent guidelines for how public schools address the most common challenges military-connected students experience during a PCS (permanent change of station, Read More

Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 2: Supporting Appropriate Placement and Inclusion of Military Families 

A Brief Overview  Full Article  The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3, pronounced “mick three”) is the more commonly used name for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children. MIC3’s rules provide consistent guidelines for how public schools address the most common challenges military-connected students experience during a PCS (permanent change of station, Read More

Back To School Checklist!

Late summer is the time to gather school supplies, find out what time the school bus will pick up and drop off, and prepare to find new classrooms and meet new teachers. Parents of students with disabilities have some additional things to check off the list to be ready for the year ahead. As August Read More

MIC3 Step-by-Step Checklist-Resolve School Issues with the Interstate Compact

This resource shows you specific steps to take to resolve school issues for your child, using the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.  It gives you contact information for people who can help you with different situations covered by the Compact.  The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (“the Compact”) is Read More

School to Adulthood: Transition Planning Toolkit for High School, Life, and Work

Looking to the future can feel exciting, hopeful, confusing, overwhelming—or all emotions at once. For families supporting a young person with a disability, it’s never too soon to begin planning to ensure a smooth process from the teen years toward whatever happens next. This toolkit supports families as they organize this multiyear project. For a Read More