What Is Special Education?
Understand what “special education” means and the basics of the IEP document.
4 Key Parts of Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The IEP can seem complicated. Focusing on these four areas can help you understand it.
Accommodations and Modifications: How They Are Different
Understand accommodations and modifications in the public school system.
Preparing for a Special Education Evaluation
After you refer your child for special education, an evaluation is the likely first step. Here’s what you need to know.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Annual Goals
The IEP sets goals for your child to achieve during the school year. Learn how those goals are defined and measured.
Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
Understand the PLAAFP statement and its importance in special education.
Related Services in Special Education
Understand what it means when related services are recommended for your child in special education.
Special Education Acronyms and Terms
You’ll hear lots of unique words and strings of letters used in the special education world. Here are some of the most common.
Who Is on Your Child’s ARD Committee?
Understand the key roles of those who attend the ARD committee meeting.
Why a 504 Plan May Be Right for Your Child
If your child is not eligible for special education services, he may still qualify for some services under a 504 plan.
Overview of the The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS)
This Texas state agency provides critical services for children with disabilities. This article gives an overview of those services and links to more information.
Exploring Childcare
Check out the state licenses of childcare centers that you are interested in.
Hear from the Physician: Special Health Care Needs
Learn about this Texas program which provides services to children with extraordinary medical needs, disabilities, and chronic health conditions from a Texas physician.
Medicaid Waiver Program
Learn about and how to obtain services offered by HHS. This article was previously titled DADS Medicaid Waiver Program. HHS now oversees the Medicaid Waiver Program. Changes were made to the text on this site. While the videos still reference DADS, the content is still relevant to the Medicaid Waiver Programs process.
The ARD Committee and Your Child’s IEP
Understand what is discussed during the ARD meeting.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and Employment and Childcare Help
Learn how the Texas Workforce Commission can help parents of children with disabilities find work and child care.
Texas Education Service Centers
Specialists at Education Service Centers (ESCs) across Texas can help parents understand and navigate the world of special education.
