Required Parent Resources
The following resources are required for school systems to provide to parents and guardians.
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Overview of Special Education
Special education is available because of a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which provides students with disabilities and their parents special legal rights to receive these individualized learning opportunities. This form is a summary of rights, required to be given to parents after a referral has been made.
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Parent's Guide to the ARD Process
This guide is designed to give you, as a parent of a child who is or may be eligible for special education services, a better understanding of the special education process and of your procedural rights and responsibilities so that you will be able to fully participate in the decision making process regarding your child's education. This resource is available in over 30 different languages. Click the button below to go to SPEDTex to view this resource.
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Notice of Procedural Safeguards
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), you and your child have legal protections during the evaluation and individualized education program (IEP) process. These protections are called Procedural Safeguards. This resource is available in over 30 different languages. Click the button below to go to SPEDTex to view this resource.
The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) Program
The PDSES program is a one-time $1,500 online grant for parents/guardians of eligible students served by special education and who are enrolled in a Texas public school. Click the button below to view the PDSES homepage.
TEA Parent Fact Sheets
The documents linked here have been created as general resources for families on the topics listed below.
Special Education Resources
The following are external resources that may be helpful for families navigating the special education process.
SPEDTex - Special Education Information Center
TEA’s one stop shop for all the information and supports for families of students with disabilities. SPEDTex provides information and resources that can help parents understand their child’s disability, rights, and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services to students served through special education in our state.
Texas SPED Support Family Resources
Students with disabilities and their families can find helpful videos on a variety of topics on Texas SPED Support. Videos include, but are not limited to: strategies in action that can be implemented at home, student advice for a successful transition to adult life after graduation, and parent testimonials about their experience working with schools to ensure their child’s success.
Partners Resource Network
Provides resources and training for families of students with disabilities.