WHY I CARE
For children with special needs, an IEP or 504 plan is far more than a piece of paper—it is the blueprint for building a strong educational foundation. I know this firsthand.
Empowering SPED Parents
This is where our journey to becoming a stronger, more informed advocates begins. Get news and insights on Special Education IDEA laws, rules, fundings, and violations. Join us as we work together to empower families, our community, and ensure every child receives the education they deserve. We're glad you're here to be a part of our community. We are stronger together than apart!
WHAT IS IDEA & WHY SHOULD I CARE
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures all children with any type of disability have the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). All public schools are legally required to follow IDEA, along with applicable state laws.
MY INTENTION
It all began with a simple idea: to empower parents of children with special needs with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate effectively. As a personal project, Empowering SPED Parents: Stronger Informed & Together! prides itself on providing insightful information. The information shared is rooted in accuracy and advocacy, ensuring that everything we do reflects our commitment to excellence in special education support.
In today’s world, trust can feel hard to come by. Too often, information is misrepresented or hidden. I want you to know that here, I will always be transparent—both in what I share and why I share it. My goal is to create a space where honesty is the standard, where information is clear, and where every parent feels safe, supported, and respected. This will be a place you can trust.
NEW SCHOOL YEAR!
It’s that time of year to review our child’s IEP, 504 Plan, BIP, Health Care Plan, Seizure Action Plan, and more — all while juggling the same back-to-school tasks as other parents: school supplies, doctor visits, back-to-school night, and so on.
Please don’t think, “Oh, I updated that in the spring, so it’s fine.”
Teachers change, administrators change, and details can easily fall through the cracks unless parents keep them visible.
Action steps:
- Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher.
- Prepare a one-page summary about your child.
- Hand-deliver a full copy of your child’s IEP or other relevant plans to the teacher.
- Meet with your child’s related service providers and share the same.
Too often in meetings, I hear: “Oh, I didn’t know that” — even when the information is clearly stated in the IEP. Many staff receive only their specific section (“IEP at a glance”) rather than the full document, which leaves out critical context. We create IEPs with many factors in mind, and sharing only part of the plan denies educators the background they need to help our children succeed.
SAMPLE EMAIL
Subject: Request for Clarification on Evaluation Process
Dear Principal,
I am confused and concerned. We have informed you that Little Peanut has been diagnosed with ADHD and Anxiety, which means, under Child Find, the school is required to suspect a disability. Can you please explain why [ABC School Division] has not conducted the required evaluations when there is reason to suspect a disability?
I understand that you have said he has been receiving Tier interventions for years; however, my understanding is that pre-referral interventions may not be used to delay or deny an initial evaluation.
Why has he not been evaluated to determine what specially designed instruction, accommodations, or modifications he needs to fully access his education?
Sincerely,
Lady Justice