This page brings together the laws, protections, and resources that impact families navigating special education, healthcare, and disability services. You don’t need to read everything at once — start with what applies to your child right now.
This is a plain-language overview of key protections in school and care. You don’t need to learn it all today—start with what fits your child’s situation.
How these laws work together:
These laws don’t replace one another — they overlap to protect your child in different ways.
Understanding which law applies helps you know what to ask for and what the school must do.
How protections work in your state & school district
Support for the moments parents navigate most
Plain-language definitions for complex terms
Financial help, services, & community resources
Federal law that protects a child’s right to special education services.
If your child qualifies under IDEA, the school must provide special education services designed for their individual needs.
You have the right to attend IEP meetings, ask questions, request changes, and be part of every decision that affects your child’s education.
This section outlines the key timelines schools must follow when evaluating your child and creating or reviewing an IEP.
Initial Evaluation
After you give written consent, the school must complete your child’s evaluation within 60 calendar days, unless your state has a shorter timeline.
First IEP Meeting
If your child is found eligible, the school must hold the first IEP meeting within 30 days of that decision.
Annual Review
The IEP must be reviewed at least once a year to check progress and adjust supports or goals.
Reevaluation
Schools must reevaluate at least every three years, unless you and the school agree it’s not needed sooner.
These timelines are meant to keep the process moving and ensure your child doesn’t get lost in delays. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident as you move through each step.
These protections help ensure you are informed, involved, and able to speak up when decisions are made about your child.
Prior Written Notice (PWN)
Schools must give you written notice when they propose or refuse changes to your child’s services. This notice explains what they plan to do, why, and what information they used to decide.
Your Consent Matters
Your written consent is required before evaluations or special education services begin. You have the right to ask questions before agreeing.
Access to Your Child’s Records
You can request and review your child’s education records, usually within 45 days, and request corrections if something is inaccurate.
Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)
If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you may request an independent evaluation at the school’s expense in certain situations.
Knowing these rights helps you participate confidently in conversations with your school and recognize when something doesn’t feel right. You don’t need to memorize the law — just knowing these protections exist can make advocacy feel more manageable.
These safeguards exist to protect your child’s placement, services, and your right to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Due Process & State Complaints
If you believe the school has not followed IDEA, you can file a state complaint, request mediation, or request a due process hearing to resolve the issue.
“Stay-Put” Protection
If a dispute is filed, your child’s current educational placement usually stays the same while the issue is being resolved.
Parent Participation
Schools must make reasonable efforts to include you in meetings and decisions, whether in person, by phone, or virtually.
These safeguards exist to protect your voice in the process and provide options if something doesn’t feel right. You don’t have to use them often — just knowing they’re there can help you advocate with confidence.
Clear communication and proper documentation help ensure decisions aren’t rushed and nothing important is missed.
Language Access
All notices must be provided in a language you understand. If needed, schools must offer interpreters or translated documents so you can fully participate and make informed decisions.
Reasonable Time to Respond
Before the school takes action, families must be given enough time to review and respond to notices.
While federal law doesn’t set an exact number of days, many states use a typical window of 5–15 calendar days between when a Prior Written Notice (PWN) is given and when action begins.
What “reasonable time” should allow you to do:
What This Means for Families
Clear communication and adequate time help ensure you’re not rushed into decisions. You have the right to understand what’s being proposed, why it’s being recommended, and how it may affect your child before anything changes.
Clear communication and time to respond help families stay informed, prepared, and involved in decisions that affect their child’s education.
If you’d like to explore the original law or official guidance, these sources may be helpful.
Federal civil rights law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination in schools.
If your child has a disability but does not need specialized instruction, Section 504 helps ensure they still receive the accommodations they need to access learning.
Section 504 applies when a disability substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Key points:
Major life activities include learning, reading, concentrating, walking, seeing, hearing, communicating, and regulating behavior, among others.
A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student. The school must consider how the condition impacts access to education.
Schools are required to evaluate a student when there is reason to suspect a disability may be affecting learning or participation.
A 504 Plan outlines the accommodations a school will provide to ensure equal access to education.
Examples of accommodations may include:
Extended time on tests or assignments
Preferential seating
Modified workload or homework expectations
Access to assistive technology
Breaks, sensory supports, or environmental adjustments
Accommodations are designed to remove barriers, not to change curriculum standards.
Parents have the right to participate in decisions and to receive notice when accommodations are changed.
Key protections include:
The right to receive notice before significant changes are made
The right to review educational records
The right to request meetings to discuss concerns or updates
The right to challenge decisions through established procedures
Schools are responsible for implementing accommodations consistently across settings.
Section 504 includes protections if disagreements arise between families and schools.
These protections include:
The right to file a grievance or complaint
The right to request an impartial hearing
Protection from retaliation for asserting rights
These safeguards exist to ensure concerns can be raised without fear or penalty.
If you’d like to explore the original law or official guidance, these sources may be helpful.
U.S. Department of Education – Section 504 Overview
Section 504 Statute (29 U.S.C. §794
Federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and ensures equal access to public programs and services.
If your child has a disability, the ADA helps make sure they can participate fully and safely in school and community settings without unnecessary barriers.
This law supports access not just in the classroom, but across everyday experiences like school activities, transportation, buildings, and public programs. It exists to ensure your child is treated fairly and has the same opportunities to engage as their peers.
The ADA applies when a child with a disability needs equal access to programs, services, or environments.
Key points:
ADA protections apply beyond the classroom and can affect school activities, transportation, facilities, and public services.
The ADA protects individuals with disabilities regardless of whether they qualify for an IEP or a 504 Plan.
Public schools, state and local government programs, and many community services are required to follow ADA standards.
Under the ADA, schools and public entities must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access.
Examples may include:
Accessible buildings, entrances, and restrooms
Transportation or mobility accommodations
Communication supports
Modifications to policies or practices that create barriers
Accommodations are meant to remove access barriers, not to lower expectations or change academic standards.
Families have the right to request accommodations and expect reasonable access to programs and services.
Key protections include:
The right to request accommodations for access
The right to receive a response to accommodation requests
The right to participate in programs without discrimination
The right to raise concerns if access barriers exist
Schools and public entities are responsible for addressing barriers that limit participation.
The ADA includes protections if discrimination or access issues arise.
These protections include:
The right to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) or the Department of Justice
Protection from retaliation for asserting rights
Access to enforcement and resolution processes
These protections exist to ensure accessibility concerns can be addressed fairly.
If you’d like to explore the original law or official guidance, these sources may be helpful.
U.S. Department of Education – Section 504 Overview
Section 504 Statute (29 U.S.C. §794
Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents the right to access and control how those records are shared.
Your child’s records tell an important story — evaluations, reports, plans, and communications that impact decisions every step of the way. FERPA helps ensure that information is handled respectfully, accurately, and with your involvement.
This law gives you visibility into what schools are documenting, how information is shared, and the ability to speak up if something doesn’t look right. It’s a key safeguard for transparency and trust.
Parents have the right to review their child’s education records.
Key points (simple, readable):
Schools must provide access within 45 days of a written request
Records include evaluations, IEPs, 504 Plans, discipline records, and communications
You can request copies if reviewing in person is not practical
Schools generally need your permission before sharing your child’s records.
Key points:
Written consent is required before releasing records to most third parties
Some limited exceptions apply (such as school officials with legitimate educational interest)
You have the right to know who has accessed your child’s records
Parents can request changes if records are inaccurate or misleading.
Key points:
You may request that incorrect information be amended
If the school denies the request, you have the right to a formal hearing
You can add a written statement to the record if a disagreement remains
FERPA rights eventually shift from parents to students.
Key points:
Rights transfer when a student turns 18 or attends postsecondary school
Parents may still access records if the student is a dependent (per tax rules)
Schools should explain how access changes at this stage
If you’d like to explore the original law or official guidance, these sources may be helpful.
Understanding the laws that protect your child’s education can feel overwhelming — but knowing the basics gives you real power as a parent. This section explains how federal, state, and local laws work together to ensure your child receives the services, support, and respect they deserve in school. You’ll learn what each level of law covers, where to find your state’s official regulations, and how to reach free advocacy and parent support centers in your area. Our goal is to make these complex rules simple, so you can confidently advocate for your child’s rights and build strong partnerships with their school team.
Federal laws set the foundation for your child’s rights — but states and school districts often add their own timelines, procedures, and supports.
This section helps you understand where to look for the rules that apply where you live, and how they connect back to federal protections.
Start here if you’re trying to:
Even when state or local rules feel confusing or inconsistent, federal law still protects your child’s core rights.
This section is meant to help you navigate the layers — not overwhelm you.
Need help understanding what applies to your child right now?
Explore our guides on timelines, parent rights, and dispute options.
This section explains how your state applies federal special education law and what additional rules may exist at the state level.
How State Laws Fit with Federal Law
Each state has its own set of special education regulations that explain how IDEA (federal law) is carried out in local schools.
These state rules help define how schools implement federal requirements while addressing state-specific needs.
What State Regulations May Include:
State regulations may add extra details or requirements, such as:
These details can vary from state to state.
Who Oversees State Special Education Rules
State regulations are published and overseen by the State Department of Education, which may be called:
This agency is responsible for ensuring that school districts follow state and federal law.
How State Rules Affect Local School Districts
Local school districts — often called Local Education Agencies (LEAs) — must follow state regulations and put them into practice.
Districts may also create additional policies for how services are delivered, as long as they meet legal requirements.
An Important Protection for Families
Even when state or district rules add extra steps or procedures, they cannot remove or reduce the core rights protected under federal law, including IDEA and Section 504.
Tip for Parents:
Search “[Your State] Department of Education Special Education Regulations” to find your state’s official special education rules and guidance.
This section explains how your local school district puts special education laws into practice and where parents can find district-specific rules.
The Role of Your Local School District (LEA)
Your local school district — also called the Local Education Agency (LEA) — is responsible for carrying out federal and state special education laws in your community.
The district must follow:
What District Policies & Procedures Cover
Each school district creates its own Policies and Procedures Manual that explains how it:
These documents explain how the district applies the law on a day-to-day basis.
How District Rules May Differ
District procedures may include:
These differences are allowed as long as the district still meets all state and federal legal requirements.
Who Oversees Compliance at the District Level
Many districts have a:
This person oversees compliance and can often help answer parent questions about district procedures.
An Important Reminder for Parents
While districts may have their own processes, they cannot reduce or remove rights guaranteed by federal or state law.
District policies must always align with IDEA, Section 504, and state regulations.
Tip for Parents:
Visit your school district’s website and search for “Special Education Policies and Procedures Manual” or “Parent Rights Handbook.”
You can also request a printed copy from your child’s school or the district’s special education office.
This section explains how states oversee special education and what parents can do if a school isn’t following the law.
What the State Education Agency (SEA) Does
Every state has a State Education Agency (SEA) that monitors how school districts follow federal and state special education laws.
The SEA’s role is to make sure:
– Students with disabilities receive the services and supports required by law
– Schools follow required timelines, procedures, and documentation rules
When You Can File a State Complaint
You may file a formal complaint with your state if a school district is not following the law, such as:
– Delaying an evaluation
– Not implementing an IEP or 504 Plan
– Denying required services or accommodations
You have the right to raise these concerns at the state level.
What Happens After a Complaint Is Filed
Once a complaint is submitted:
– The state must investigate the issue
– A written decision is issued within 60 calendar days (unless extended for valid reasons)
This timeline exists to ensure concerns are reviewed promptly and not left unresolved.
Other Ways States Help Resolve Disagreements
States also offer additional options when concerns can’t be resolved locally, including:
– Mediation – a voluntary, collaborative process
– Due process hearings – a more formal legal process
These options are designed to support resolution, not to punish families or schools.
What These Offices May Be Called
Depending on your state, the SEA or compliance office may be called:
– Office of Special Education
– Bureau of Exceptional Education
– Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
– Division of Compliance and Monitoring
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
These offices exist to explain the process and help you understand your options.
Tip for Parents:
Search “[Your State] Special Education Complaint Process” or visit your state’s Department of Education website. Most states provide an online complaint form and contact information for their dispute resolution or compliance office.
Using the complaint process doesn’t mean you’ve failed to collaborate, it’s one of the protections built into the system to support families and students.
You don’t have to navigate special education alone. Every state offers free, parent-focused support organizations designed to help families understand their rights and prepare for school conversations.
What these centers do
Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) help families understand their rights under IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA — and guide them through the special education process at no cost.
They can help with:
Additional local supports
Many states also offer other advocacy-focused resources for families who need more support.
These may include:
Some school districts also have Family Resource Centers or Parent Liaisons who connect families with services, community supports, and helpful documentation.
Why this matters for parents
These organizations exist to help you feel informed, supported, and confident — not to push conflict or take over decisions. Many are staffed by parents who have navigated the system themselves.
Tip for Parents
Visit the national directory at ParentCenterHub.org/find-your-center to locate your state’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI).
You can also search:
“Your State” Parent Training and Information Center” or “Family Resource Center for Special Education”
Reaching out for support doesn’t mean something is wrong, it simply means you’re learning how the system works so you can advocate with confidence.
This section explains how federal, state, and local laws work together to protect your child’s education.
A Layered System of Protection
Think of the special education system as a layered safety net. Each level adds protection to help ensure your child receives the education and supports they’re entitled to.
Federal Law: The Foundation
Federal laws create the baseline rights that apply nationwide, including:
These laws set national standards for rights, access, privacy, and inclusion.
State Law: Added Detail & Oversight
State laws and regulations build on federal law by adding details such as:
Local School Districts: Daily Implementation
Local school districts put these laws into action every day by:
A Shared Guarantee
Together, these laws ensure that no matter where you live, your child has the right to:
How This Works in Real Life
Example: If your child isn’t receiving services listed in their IEP
Tip for Parents:
You don’t need to memorize every regulation. Understanding which level to turn to — school, district, or state — can make advocacy faster and less stressful. Keep copies of your child’s records, communications, and plans; they’re your strongest tools if you ever need additional support.
