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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

Friday July 18, 2025 | 10:00 am

Positive Solutions for Families

This is a 6 module evidence based parent training and support group for parents of children birth to five years old. The training materials are based on the…

Language: Spanish
Format: Virtual

Friday July 18, 2025 | 11:00 am

Raising Confident, Independent Children: How to Foster Self-Determination in Early Childhood

Families will learn about Self-Determination – the skills, knowledge, and beliefs that help students set goals, self regulate, and be autonomous – and how to…

Language: English
Format: Virtual

Monday July 21, 2025 | 12:00 pm

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Families: Supporting Vocabulary Development at Home

Children learn and develop vocabulary best when the discovery of new words and their meaning is introduced both at home and in school. Through this training…

Language: Spanish
Format: Virtual

Wednesday July 23, 2025 | 6:00 pm

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
Format:

Thursday July 24, 2025 | 5:00 pm

Agency 101: Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Services

This training will review New York State’s adult service agencies for people with disabilities, the services they provide, and their eligibility processes.

Language: English
Format: Virtual

Tuesday July 29, 2025 | 10:00 am

Family Engagement in the FBA / BIP Process

Participants will be able to understand: NYC families & professionals are welcome. Presented by the Manhattan Regional Partnership Centers and the School-Age…

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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