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Introduction to Special Education Guide

Published
February 5, 2022
Topics
K-12

Resources for Families

Advocacy, Family Support, Special Education

Federal Special Education Law

Students with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate education in the most inclusive setting possible.

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Advocacy, Special Education

IEP Teams

Learn more about what an IEP meeting looks like, who should attend, and how to effectively advocate for your child.

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Special Education

Key Special Education Documents

Get a better understanding of the key documents you’ll need at an IEP meeting and throughout the special education process.

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Special Education

Overview of the 504 Plan and the IEP

Learn about the supports available through a 504 Plan and the IEP, as well as how to obtain those plans.

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Advocacy, Special Education

Mediation and Impartial Hearings

Explore options to resolve special education problems at school.

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Events

Wednesday September 17, 2025 | 10:00 am

Transition in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) – Overview of Core Components

This training promotes student participation in the development of a transition-focused IEP and parent involvement in the transition planning process.

Language: English
Format: Virtual

Thursday September 18, 2025 | 8:30 am

Positive Solutions for Families- Behavior has Meaning

In this workshop, learn how to observe and examine your children’s behavior. Parents and professionals will practice how to find the meaning behind children’s…

Language: English, Mandarin (中文/国语) Interpretation
Format: In-Person

Thursday September 18, 2025 | 10:00 am

Specialized Transportation for Students with IEPs

Where is the bus? Learn how parents can access the most up-to-date information about their child’s busing services, and how to deal with any concerns that might…

Language: English, Mandarin (中文/国语) Interpretation, Spanish Interpretation
Format: Virtual

Thursday September 18, 2025 | 5:00 pm

Special Education Mediation for Families

In this training, learn about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and review the basics of dispute resolution, focusing on how to use Special Education Mediation as a process to resolve complaints regarding the education of a student with a disability. Presented by the Manhattan Regional Partnership Center and School-Age Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center

Language: English
Format: Virtual

Friday September 19, 2025 | 12:00 pm

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities

Assessments are the tests that schools use to measure a student’s progress. In this workshop, we will: NYC families & professionals are welcome.

Language: English
Format: Virtual

Monday September 22, 2025 | 11:00 am

Effective and Collaborative Implementation of Family Engagement Resources

This workshop explores how professionals and families can achieve impactful collaborative family engagement. The effectiveness of family engagement resources…

Language: English
Format: Virtual

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Family Support, Parenting

Enjoying Books with Reluctant Readers

Some children are reluctant to read for many different reasons. Here are some tips that can encourage your child to invest in reading and begin to enjoy it.

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Advocacy, Special Education

Developing an IEP for an ELL

Learn more about the process for how English Language Learners are referred for special education services.

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Special Education

Services for English Language Learners (ELL)

If a student communicates in a language other than English, the NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) may identify the student as an English Language Learner (ELL).

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