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Feel confident, prepared, and empowered to advocate for your child’s needs.
The ESE Foundations for Parents handbook was created to give you clear, parent-friendly information and practical tools that help you understand the special education process from start to finish. Whether you’re just beginning your child’s ESE journey or looking to strengthen your understanding, this digital guide walks you through everything you need to know — in plain English.
Inside, you’ll find easy-to-understand explanations of key terms, timelines, and processes, along with ready-to-use checklists, templates, and trackers to help you stay organized and informed.
Think of it as both a reference book and a toolkit — something you can return to whenever you need clarity, reassurance, or a quick answer.
What You’ll Learn
The basics of ESE eligibility categories
How services and supports are determined
The difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan
Common accommodations your child may receive
A parent’s rights and responsibilities under IDEA
What’s Included
Each section is designed to help you take real, practical steps — not just read information.
ESE Foundations Handbook (digital guide with explanations, visuals, and checklists)
The IEP Timeline (reference sheet to track key steps and deadlines)
IDEA Exceptionalities / Eligibility Categories (quick-reference guide)
Acronym Cheat Sheet (decode common school and special ed terms)
Parent IEP E-Mail Toolkit (ready-to-use templates for common situations)
Support Strategy Snapshot (to identify your child’s strengths and effective supports)
Perfect For
Parents new to the ESE or IEP process
Families preparing for their first (or next) IEP meeting
Teachers, advocates, and parent liaisons supporting families
Anyone who wants to feel confident speaking up in meetings
Feel confident, prepared, and empowered to advocate for your child’s needs.
The ESE Foundations for Parents handbook was created to give you clear, parent-friendly information and practical tools that help you understand the special education process from start to finish. Whether you’re just beginning your child’s ESE journey or looking to strengthen your understanding, this digital guide walks you through everything you need to know — in plain English.
Inside, you’ll find easy-to-understand explanations of key terms, timelines, and processes, along with ready-to-use checklists, templates, and trackers to help you stay organized and informed.
Think of it as both a reference book and a toolkit — something you can return to whenever you need clarity, reassurance, or a quick answer.
What You’ll Learn
The basics of ESE eligibility categories
How services and supports are determined
The difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan
Common accommodations your child may receive
A parent’s rights and responsibilities under IDEA
What’s Included
Each section is designed to help you take real, practical steps — not just read information.
ESE Foundations Handbook (digital guide with explanations, visuals, and checklists)
The IEP Timeline (reference sheet to track key steps and deadlines)
IDEA Exceptionalities / Eligibility Categories (quick-reference guide)
Acronym Cheat Sheet (decode common school and special ed terms)
Parent IEP E-Mail Toolkit (ready-to-use templates for common situations)
Support Strategy Snapshot (to identify your child’s strengths and effective supports)
Perfect For
Parents new to the ESE or IEP process
Families preparing for their first (or next) IEP meeting
Teachers, advocates, and parent liaisons supporting families
Anyone who wants to feel confident speaking up in meetings