Parent Resources
What if I have concerns for my child?
NEISEC Child Find, Referral for Special Education Services
Any individual (ie: parent, teacher, principal) suspecting that a child has a disability that could require special education services should contact the building principal and/or counselor to discuss options. The school may suggest the following:
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Providing additional support in the classroom before a referral to special education.
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Reviewing your child’s school performance with the school’s general education intervention team or building-based support team.
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Investigating your child’s eligibility for a 504 plan.
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Referring your child for a special education evaluation.
Every effort will be made to assist the child at the building level before the school initiates a referral. If strategies fail, the school will seek permission for testing from the parent.
If one or more of the above options is implemented at any time before, during, or after, the parent may request an evaluation to determine whether their child may be eligible for special education services. This request should be communicated to the building principal.
Navigating the Course is an overview and a practical resource to assist families in navigating the special education rules. Questions regarding Child Find can be directed to the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative at 260-347-5236.
For preschool-age referrals,
If the child is preschool age (3-5), the request for testing should be directed to the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative at 260-347-5236.
Individual's with Disability Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
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Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.
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Indiana's Special Educational Law, commonly referred to as simply "Article 7", contains Indiana's Special Education rules.
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Per Article 7, documentation must be provided in the native language of the parent. The Procedural Safeguards and Parent Rights are available in the following languages:
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Navigating the Course: Finding your way through Indiana's Special Education Rules
This companion to Indiana's Article 7 was written to provide an overview and a practical resource to help parents, advocates, school personnel, and students understand the requirements of Indiana’s special education rules, found at 511 IAC 7-32 through 48, commonly known as Article 7. This document is intended to serve as a companion guide to Article 7 and is not a substitute for Article 7. English | Spanish
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Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Parent support for children with autism
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1905 North Range Rd.
Bloomington, IN 47408-9801
Director: Cathy Pratt, Ph.D, BCBA
Email: prattc@indiana.edu
Phone: (812) 855-6508
Fax: (812)855-9630
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Special Education Parent Support
Email: insource@insource.org
Phone: 1 (800) 332-4433