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Special Education Resources

Informational Resources specific to the state of California regarding Special Education procedural safeguards and other available services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

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Notice of Procedural Safeguards, California Department of Education

​This information provides you as parents, legal guardians, and surrogate parents of children with disabilities from 3 years of age through age 21 and students who have reached age 18, the age of majority, with an overview of your educational rights or procedural safeguards.

The Notice of Procedural Safeguards is required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and must be provided to you. 

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Special Education Rights and Responsibilities

The Federal and California special education laws give eligible students with disabilities the right to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This manual explains how to become eligible for special education, how to request and advocate for special education services, and what to do if you disagree with school districts. This manual is intended for use by parents of children with disabilities, but should also be useful for advocates and attorneys.

​Source: Disability Rights California

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Disability Discrimination in Public and Private Schools

Students and school applicants with disabilities are protected against disability-based discrimination, and have a right to reasonable accommodations, under federal and state law.

Source: Disability Rights California

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Special Education Terms to Know

Reading Special Education-related records or documents can be hard! Sometimes it can feel like trying to understand a new language. This resource is a list of some of the acronyms and terms. We hope it will help you better understand your child’s records.

Source: Disability Rights California

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 Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 - Title I: Amendments to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act - (Sec. 101) Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to revise and reauthorize its programs.

California Regional Centers 

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) oversees the coordination and delivery of services for Californians with developmental disabilities through a statewide network of 21 community-based, non-profit agencies known as regional centers. Regional centers provide assessments, determine eligibility for services, and offer case management services. Regional centers also develop, purchase, and coordinate the services in each person’s Individual Program Plan.

Source: CA DDS

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Home and Medical Services

In Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care and enables recipients to remain safely in their own homes.

California Children's Services (CCS)

CCS is a State program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children up to 21 years old can get the health care and services they need.

Waiver Personal Care Services

The WPCS benefit was established by legislation in 1998, and is designed to assist Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver members with remaining safely in their residence and continuing to be part of the community.

Home and Community-Based Alternatives Waiver
The HCBA Waiver provides care management services to persons at risk of nursing home or institutional placement. The care management services are provided by a multidisciplinary Care Management Team (CMT) comprised of a nurse and social worker. 
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, & Treatment (EPSDT) is a Medi-Cal benefit for individuals under the age of 21 who have full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility.  This benefit allows for periodic screenings to determine health care needs.  

Employment and Transition Services

In California, transition services for students with disabilities involve a coordinated set of activities designed to help them move from school to post-school environments like employment, post-secondary education, and independent living. These services are often part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and aim to improve academic and functional achievement. 

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Clients of Regional Centers should similarly be receiving support from their Service Coordinators and Program Managers to prepare for the appropriate supports and services in their Individual Program Plan (IPP) necessary to ensure a seamless transition after a student is exited from their Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

Additional Resources?

Let us know if you have other links to official informational resources for us to consider

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