Special Needs

Like all children, children with special needs—whether their special needs are a result of developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, health conditions, or even giftedness—benefit from parent involvement in partnership with teachers, principals, and other school staff.

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), provided groundbreaking protections for parents of children with disabilities, enabling them to be equal partners in the education of their children. Yet, more than 30 years later, parents of children with disabilities continue to face many barriers in accessing information and services for their children.

PTA recognizes that parents of children with special needs require some resources different from those used by parents of children without special learning needs. In an effort to assist parents of children with special needs, a growing number of Special Education PTAs (or SEPTAs) are being chartered in schools and school districts around the country. Parents of children with special needs are also engaging in existing PTAs and finding a place as a part of the total school community.

Learn how to get involved. Schools can’t do it alone and neither can parents. But together, everybody wins.

Parent Guides

Parent’s Guide To Planning Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A checklist of what to do before, during and after your child's IEP meeting.

Guía para padres para la planificación del Programa de educación individualizada (IEP) de su hijo
Antes, durante y después de la reunión del equipo del IEP

Additional Resources

Special Needs Resources
Resources for parents of special needs children and gifted children.

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