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IDEA is the law that guarantees the child's rights to free and appropriate education (FAPE).

The services are made available from birth to the age of 21 under this law. Make it imperative to be very familiar with the rights guaranteed under this ACT.

Part C: Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities mandates services related to educational progress. If issues are found any time between birth and three years of age, parents or caregivers have the right to have the child evaluated to determine a plan of action addressing any developmental issues. Physical Therapy (P.T.), Occupational Therapy (O.T.), Speech Therapy (S.T), and medical support services are included.  

Independent Education Plan (IEP) is the legal document that continues the funding and planning mandate for children after pre-school through 21. IDEA includes a process that outlines parent/caregiver and child rights, including due process, a legal procedure to advocate for services if there is a disagreement. The IEP legal process outlines services to be provided and the progress measured and reported.  

Legal Recourse: It is advised if the parent or caregiver encounters problems with the IEP and is not satisfied with the services. A Legal Educational Specialist executes due process procedures, a legally binding process. School districts stand to lose a lot if the process does not go well. Often, lawyers are brought in to ensure the protection of assets. School districts do not want to pay for private school services. 

Parent Rights are published in each state and can be obtained by contacting your local school district, request a complete copy, not an addendum. Parent/Caregivers can also request information about the Advocacy Group services funded by the federal government. 

IEP (Individual Education Plan)

Every child with a disability is required to have an IEP. It is a legal contract with the school system that dictates the services received FREE of charge. Advocates or lawyers can assist with the process if the child is not progressing or receiving the assistance needed. The language and terminology used is professional language/jargon. Some parents/caregivers don't know the intent or meaning of some professional words. Acronyms are often used, and it can be frustrating looking up what they stand for. Request the professionals speak in layperson terms and explain all goals and objectives. Advocate for change to the goals and objectives if data does not demonstrate adequate progress or needs addressed require new goals and objectives.                

We have included a brief description of each developmental level of service you can access. Go directly to the section applicable to the needs.

Stages:   Please access our resources section by pressing the resources button at any time related to the age of your child or young adult, review in greater detail from source links.

Prenatal: Prenatal health is essential to a child's development. Expectant families' access to care is the first stage of intervention. Medical professionals can review family histories and monitor the pregnancy to determine if there are any issues related to the infant's health and plan accordingly. Public Health services are also helpful in the process, and with all medical professionals, inform them of all issues experienced. They may not know the right questions to ask you. Be your own best advocate for you and your baby. 

Birth to Three: Pediatricians and specialists test for abnormalities at birth for infants to receive the earliest interventions. As research tells us, the earlier the intervention, the better the long-term outcome. The Federal Law requires that public school districts provide FREE services and ACCESS to services between the ages of birth to three years of age for any child experiencing developmental issues.

Pre-school Services: When a child is diagnosed with developmental issues, public schools must provide free and appropriate services to them when they enter school. Access the resources section's developmental milestones to learn more about all the milestones and timelines for physical development. Some examples of developmental milestones are rolling over, sitting up, crawling, babbling, etc. Check with the pediatrician, ask specific questions, make notes to give to the doctor. It is an excellent strategy to help parents/caregivers remember and make sure all concerns are addressed.

Elementary to High School (AGE 21):  Public schools must provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). An IEP must include a child's related and qualified services, or it will not be honored. If the school cannot provide the services needed, parents/caregivers have the right to have the school district pay for the necessary assistance. Services may be in a private specialized school or program, and transport or payment for transportation should be included.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Transitional services and training should be a part of the plan if the child or young adult needs services after graduation. These services should be planned for with the school district, a Vocational Rehab Counselor will be identified, and a plan of action before the young adult leaves school. Eligible students have the right to remain in school until the year of their 21st birthday.

ADA - Adults with Disability Act. Rights and services for people with disabilities.

LDA - Learning Disability Association. Founded by parents of children and adults with learning disabilities. Educates, advocates, and accesses information for people with learning disabilities.

CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder - a parent-driven organization for advocacy and information. Chapters are in each state, as well as international. Sponsors international and regional conferences yearly.

CEC- Council of Exceptional Children - An international organization with multiple divisions specializing according to diagnosis. They sponsor regional and International conferences on all disabilities annually.

National Federation of the Blind

Developmental Disability Council - federally funded organization that promotes integration and inclusion.

IECA-  Independent Education Consultants Association - An association of professional consultants who specialize in consulting with families on services available for children and adolescents with various issues. Consultants specialized according to different areas of expertise.

TDF- The Dyslexia Foundation - Organization for professionals dedicated to the science of Dyslexia. TDF advocates for research-driven interventions and sponsors an international scientific topic-driven conference every two years.

Wright's Law - A resource that breaks down the language of legal, educational information to better understand your rights. A referral source for educational due process litigation to obtain free services and funding from school systems that do not have the necessary services to address your child/young adult's needs up to the age of 21.

NSNN- National Special Needs Network - Trust- Estate Planning- Legal Advocacy Resource

Disability Rights 

NAPSEC - National Association of Special Educational Centers. A National Association of approved special needs programs identifies centers around the country that provide services to all classifications of special needs students. They address multi-disciplinary needs dependent on diagnosed needs (O.T., P.T., Psychiatry, Clinical S.W., Speech and Language, Health Care, etc..). NAPSEC has state organizations.

NAPTEC - National Association of Therapeutic Centers/Programs. NAPTEC is an organization specializing in the social-emotional, psychiatric, and behavioral needs of students and families.

IAPSEC - Ilinois Association of Private Special Education Centers. It is a state organization that is a subset of the national organization (NAPSEC). There are other states or regional organizations of NAPSEC that you can reference from NAPSEC to find programs close to home or your country's region.

MAAPS - Massachusetts Association of Private Schools. MAAPS is a similar association to NAPSEC affiliate schools in Massachusetts.

Clusive - Special needs resources, consultations, and conversations. Virtual events for all ages and abilities across all areas of need.

Parent to Parent - advocacy and informational group to provide mutual support via meetings and conferences. Regional.

Phone 2 Action Software - for parents who want to set up their own advocacy group/campaigns.

Voices of America's Children - a non-for-profit organization located in Washington DC. Advocates for children's well-being to improve their lives through public policies in the federal, state, and local levels of government.

CDF - Child Defense Fund - Fixing America's inequalities, beginning with children.

NCCP - National Center for Children in Poverty - public policy center that delves into child poverty issues and effectively interfaces with government organizations and legislature.

First Five Years Fund - this organization advances the federal investment in early childhood education through information, advocacy, and outreach for disadvantaged children from birth to age five.

Strong Start for Children Campaign - This is a national program implemented in all states. Early childhood education is the priority through partnerships with parents, educators, advocates, community, and business leaders. 

SEEDS Network, LLC - Supporting early education with dynamic solutions.

CDC’s Developmental Milestones - 2 months to 5 years

ASHA - American Speech & Hearing Association - typical speech and language development, provides charts of speech, language, and hearing milestones from birth to 5 years of age. ASHA also includes tips for parents. 

Speech & Language Milestones up to 5 years

Zero to Three - ensures children connections critical for well-being and development.

Autism Speaks - solution-oriented organization and resource guide that assists children and families across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan.

Center for Parent Information and Resources - gives the short and sweet seven steps IEP overview.

CDC - Center for Disease Control and Prevention - gives developmental milestones from 0 to 17 years of age. It also offers tips for parents.

AMCHP - Late adolescence/young adulthood - education on the significant changes cognitively in this age group.

NCBI - NIH - Article on social cognitive development during adolescence. It also has websites and related articles.