Special Education

Special education involves collaboration with educators, therapists, and administrators. Acronyms like IEP (Individualized Education Program) or FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) are commonly used in meetings and documents. Understanding them ensures parents can actively participate in conversations and advocate for their child from multiple perspectives.

Special education involves many steps, assessments, and services. Knowing acronyms like LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) or IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) helps parents quickly understand their child’s rights and the services available.

When parents understand the terminology, they’re more confident and better equipped to advocate for what their child needs. This helps build stronger partnerships with schools and ensures better outcomes for students.

Special education can be overwhelming. Acronyms, when clearly understood, make it easier to follow documents, letters, and reports without feeling lost or left out.

The High Quality IEPs Project (HQ IEPs) is excited to serve families and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across California by providing training and resources to support meaningful engagement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

Both Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans can offer formal help for K–12 students with disabilities. They’re similar in some ways but quite different in others. This chart compares them side-by-side to help you understand the differences.

Special education timelines are crucial for several reasons, primarily because they are designed to protect the rights of children with disabilities and ensure they receive timely and appropriate services. In essence, special education timelines are essential for ensuring that children with disabilities receive the services they need to thrive in school.

The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) does not provide legal advice.  Any person can view lists of attorneys and advocates who have self-certified that they provide low-cost or free services to assist in preparation for a Special Education case before OAH.

With the exception of language mandated by federal and state laws and regulations, the contents of the handbook are procedural suggestions intended to assist districts in meeting the requirements of the law. It provides district personnel with clear and systematic procedures regarding students’ rights and responsibilities, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.

This site brings together hundreds of articles, IEP goals, and accommodation ideas—created through years of real-world experience supporting both parents and educators. The resources here are shaped by what actually comes up in IEP and 504 meetings, and are designed to help you find clear, practical information when you need it.

The free 2026–2027 SCDD Back-to-School Resource Guide is now available in English and Spanish to help students with disabilities and their families prepare for the upcoming school year.

Key topics covered include:

• Special education & IEPs

• Educational rights & inclusive education

• Health, wellness, and transition planning

• Community resources & support

Download the guide today to use as a helpful reference all year long.

La Guía de recursos para el regreso a clases 2026–2027 del SCDD ya está disponible gratuitamente en inglés y español para ayudar a los estudiantes con discapacidades y a sus familias a prepararse para el próximo año escolar.

Los temas clave incluyen:

• Educación especial y IEP (Planes de Educación Individualizada)

• Derechos educativos y educación inclusiva

• Salud, bienestar y planificación para la transición

• Recursos comunitarios y apoyo

Descargue la guía hoy mismo para usarla como una referencia útil durante todo el año escolar.

Emergencies can happen at any time. Having a plan, knowing where to find trusted information and preparing for your individual needs can help you stay ready. Throughout Emergency Preparedness Month, SCDD is highlighting free tools, resources and trainings to help people with disabilities, their families and communities prepare for emergencies.

Learn more about emergency preparedness and find resources to help you plan, prepare and stay informed.

Explore information about emergency alerts, preparedness tools, safety and emergency apps, accessibility resources, power outages and more.

Las emergencias pueden ocurrir en cualquier momento. Tener un plan, saber dónde encontrar información confiable y prepararse según sus necesidades individuales puede ayudarle a estar listo. Durante el Mes de la Preparación ante Emergencias, el SCDD destaca herramientas, recursos y capacitaciones gratuitas para ayudar a las personas con discapacidades, a sus familias y a sus comunidades a prepararse ante cualquier emergencia.

Obtenga más información sobre la preparación ante emergencias y encuentre recursos que le ayudarán a planificar, prepararse y mantenerse informado.

Explore información sobre alertas de emergencia, herramientas de preparación, aplicaciones de seguridad y emergencias, recursos de accesibilidad, cortes de energía y más.