Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Special Education Services

1. What is Special Education?

Special education is specially designed instruction provided at no cost to parents to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. It includes related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and transportation.

2. Who qualifies for special education services?

Children ages 3 to 21 who have one or more of the following disabilities and who need special education services to benefit from their education:

• Autism

• Deaf-Blindness

• Emotional Disturbance

• Hearing Impairment

• Intellectual Disability

• Multiple Disabilities

• Orthopedic Impairment

• Other Health Impairment

• Specific Learning Disability

• Speech or Language Impairment

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Visual Impairment

• Developmental Delay (for children ages 3-9)

3. How do I know if my child needs special education services?

If you or your child’s teacher suspects that your child has a disability, the school can conduct an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services. You can request this evaluation through your child’s school district at any time.

4. What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document developed for each public school child who is eligible for special education. It outlines specific educational goals, services, accommodations, and supports tailored to the child’s unique needs.

5. How is my child evaluated for special education?

An evaluation is a process to gather information about your child’s learning needs. It involves a variety of assessment tools and strategies, such as psychological tests, academic assessments, and behavioral observations. Parents are part of the evaluation team and must provide written consent before evaluations begin.

6. How often will my child be reevaluated?

The school must reevaluate your child at least every three years to determine continued eligibility for special education services, unless you and the school agree it is not necessary. You can also request a reevaluation sooner if you believe it is needed.

7. What is an IEP and how is it different from a 504 Plan?

An IEP is a plan for students who qualify under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and includes specialized instruction and related services. A 504 Plan, covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, provides accommodations and modifications for students who do not require special education but need support to access the general education curriculum.

8. What rights do I have as a parent in the special education process?

As a parent, you have the right to:

• Participate in meetings about your child’s identification, evaluation, and placement

• Review your child’s educational records

• Request an independent educational evaluation

• Disagree with decisions made by the school and request mediation or a due process hearing

9. What if I disagree with the school’s evaluation of my child?

If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you can request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at public expense. The school must either agree to pay for the IEE or initiate a due process hearing to prove that its evaluation is appropriate.

10. What are the most common special education acronyms and what do they mean?

Special education uses many acronyms that can be confusing. Here are some of the most common ones:

• IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

• IEP: Individualized Education Program

• FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education

• LRE: Least Restrictive Environment

• FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

• GEPA: General Education Provisions Act

• BIP: Behavior Intervention Plan

• FBA: Functional Behavioral Assessment

• ESY: Extended School Year

• LEA: Local Education Agency (School District)

• OT/PT: Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy

• SLP: Speech-Language Pathologist

11. What is a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a key principle of special education law. It ensures that children with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, with supports and services as needed.

12. What if my child does not qualify for special education services but still needs help?

If your child does not qualify for an IEP, the school may develop a 504 Plan to provide necessary accommodations or services. You can also work with the school to identify general education supports that can assist your child.