How do I get my child’s special education needs met? How do I find out about an individualized education program for a child with an emotional disorder, ADHD or other challenge? Is my child ready for kindergarten? What rights does my child with disabilities have? Get the answers to these questions and more here.
Enroll a Child in School
- Daycare Center Overview
This daycare center overview from www.babycenter.com answers many questions about daycare, such as the advantages and disadvantages, how to find a good one and how to spot a bad one. - Sign of a Good Preschool
This article from www.babycenter.com provides tips on how to identify a good preschool. - Assessing Kindergarten Readiness
How do you know if your child is ready for kindergarten? Read this article from www.babycenter.com for information on cut-off dates, signs of readiness and possible screening tests. - How to Research the Public Schools in Your Area
This article provides information on how to check on a school district or school. - State of California, Parents Education Page
Visit this page to get information on preschool resources, registering your child for school and school safety. Also see the page on California State law regarding kindergarten admission. - The No Child Left Behind Act
See this section of www.education.com to learn about the No Child Left Behind Act, it’s purpose and what it means for your child.
Immunizations
- Vaccine Information
California’s Department of Public Health’s Immunization section, Me and My Family, includes a list of what shots are needed for infants, children and adolescents, reasons why children should be vaccinated, and a resources section.
Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
- The Short and Sweet IEP Overview
What’s the purpose of an IEP? What’s in it and who writes it? Read this overview from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY), which provides information on disabilities in children and youth, programs and services. - Individualized Education Programs
This page from KidsHealth.org gives an overview of: types of learning challenges kids face, what an individualized education program (IEP) is, assessment, developing a program and your legal rights. - Individualized Education Program FAQ from Wright’s law
Site includes articles, laws and regulations, and tips about how to get quality services in your child’s IEP. Also includes tactics and strategies to negotiate with the school.
Special Education
- California Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPA)
The Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) coordinates with school districts and the County Office of Education to provide a continuum of programs and services for disabled individuals from birth through 22 years of age. See this page for a SELPA overview and contact information by County. - California Early Start
Families whose infants or toddlers have a developmental delay or disability or an established risk condition with a high probability of resulting in a delay may be eligible to receive an “Early Start” in California. - Reasons for Concern That Your Child or a Child In Your Care May Need Special Help
This 2-page brochure produced by the California Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Developmental Services includes risk factors for developmental differences and tips for what to watch out for, such as hearing, sight, movement, communicating and thinking. - Learning Disabilities: Know Your Child’s Rights
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) provides information to parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities to promote effective learning, and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities. - Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
Select Northern or Southern California from the Select State Menu Box to find educational consultants, health care providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, and attorneys for children with disabilities. You will also find special education schools, learning centers, treatment programs, parent groups, respite care, community centers, and more. - Children with Learning Disabilities Links and Resources
The Learning Disabilities Association of California promotes and supports the education and general welfare of children and adults who show learning, perceptual, and/or behavioral disabilities. On the Links and Resources page, start with these two sections: Parent Training & Information Center (PTI), and Disabilities Web Sites. - Directory of Special Education services, providers and products
This is a nationwide directory of special education and learning disabilities resources. See the Help for Kids with Special Education Needs — and Their Families page, which includes tips and strategies for parents. - Advocacy for Californians with Disabilities
Disability Rights California is a nonprofit disability rights organization, working to advance human and legal rights of Californians with disabilities. Their website offers a number of useful publications, such as 18 Tips for Getting Quality Special Education Services for Your Child, How to Obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation at Public Expense, Special Education Rights and Responsibilities for Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), and more. Click here for the list of publications.
