The signs that a child might have a learning disability are not always obvious. Poor performance in school or poor grades are not always an indicator that children are struggling with learning differences and challenges. California parents – and students – should be...
Every Child Deserves A Meaningful Education
Special Education Law
How can families fight learning loss?
Learning loss in students is actually common over the long summer break from school. While this is a common issue many kids experience, its impact is different for everyone. For students with learning differences or disabilities, learning loss affects the next school...
How can parents prepare for the IEP eligibility meeting?
Getting an initial evaluation is a critical step in the process of obtaining special education services. Parents often feel a mix of relief and anxiety at this stage, because this evaluation has a significant impact on whether the school decides students are eligible...
Get the basics about progress monitoring
It is important to remember that a child’s independent education plan (IEP) is a living document. Although parents and the IEP team might meet annually to discuss or revise certain aspects of the plan, the team can revise the plan as many times as necessary. As...
What is the connection between learning disabilities and mental health?
According to Child Mind Institute, it is common for children with learning disabilities to experience emotional struggles as well. They often feel frustrated, especially when it seems other kids do not struggle. For example, a child with dyslexia might feel...
Report: Will schools be ready to meet kids’ needs?
As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to wane, many families are looking forward to the reopening of schools. However, recent reports suggest that many parents of children with disabilities feel concerned with this transition, particularly regarding the amount and quality...
Who conducts an IEE?
When California parents move forward with an independent education evaluation (IEE), there are a few steps they must take. In some cases, their child’s school might move forward with due process to challenge their request. In others, the school might provide a list of...
Remember: IEPs are legal documents
When parents hear that their child is eligible for special education services, it can feel like a huge relief. Finally, their child will receive the support they need. This also often means that children will receive an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP...
Getting early intervention services can be complicated
Parents know their children best. So, when they notice that their child is not reaching certain milestones, or they are developing slowly, parents will take steps to help their children any way they can. Early intervention services are available for the explicit...
What is “stay-put” and how could it help my child?
Parents always enjoy getting reports of a child’s positive progress in school. They can often see the changes as well, as a student with intellectual disabilities advances their reading and comprehension skills thanks to the special education services they receive....