PART ONE: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.

Chapter 1: Determining Eligibility.

Step 1: The Categorical Element.

Step 2: The Functional Element.

Eligibility.

What's Next.

Chapter 2: Individual Family Services Plan.

What Are Early Intervention Services?

Preparing to Write the Individual Family Services Plan.

Transitioning from the Individual Family Services Plan to the Individual Education Plan.

Chapter 3: Individualized Education Plan.

What Are Special Education Services?

Preparing to Write the Individual Education Plan.

The IEP.

What's Next.

Chapter 4: Procedural Due Process.

What If You and the School District Disagree?

Is It Possible to Win a Due Process Hearing?

PART TWO: THE SPECIAL-NEEDS CLASSROOM.

Chapter 5: The Regular Classroom Versus the Special-Needs Classroom.

When Your Child Should Be in a Special-Needs Classroom.

When to Include Your Child in the Regular Classroom.

Tips for Buying Educational Products or Toys for Your Special-Needs Child.

Chapter 6: Accommodations and Modifications.

Preschool.

Elementary School.

Middle School and High School.

Chapter 7: Administration.

Meetings.

Paperwork.

PART THREE: SPECIAL-NEEDS TIPS BY GRADE LEVEL.

Chapter 8: Preschool to Kindergarten.

Building-Block Skills.

Reading Readiness.

Writing Readiness.

Math Readiness.

Assessment.

Chapter 9: Elementary School.

Building-Block Skills.

Reading Skills.

Writing Skills.

Math Skills.

Assessment.

Chapter 10: Middle School.

Transitioning from Elementary School to Middle School.

Building-Block Skills.

Reading Skills.

Writing Skills.

Math Skills.

Assessment.

Chapter 11: High School.

Compensation Strategies.

Self-Regulation and Compensation Strategies.

Time-Management Skills.

Life Skills.

Chapter 12: Exiting Special Services.

Transitioning from High School to the Real World.

Choosing Colleges for Students with Disabilities.

How Can You Help Your Child Be Successful in College?

Preparing for Postsecondary Education.

Appendix A: Acronyms.

Appendix B: The Forms.

Appendix C: IEP Sample Form.

Appendix D: Glossary.

Appendix E: Disability Checklists by Age.

Appendix F: Internet Resources.

References.

Index.