Unique Families’ Journey Foundation, Inc.

Special education is a special way of teaching designed for kids who learn differently because of their unique needs. It’s like having a custom-made learning plan just for them!

To get an IEP (Individualized Education Program), your child needs to be checked out by the school to see if they have a disability that makes learning tough for them. It’s like getting a key to a special set of tools that can help them succeed.

An IEP is a special plan made just for your child to make sure they get the right kind of learning at school. It’s like a roadmap that shows the best way to help them learn and grow.

An IEP has to have goals for your child, like what they’re aiming to learn, and it also says exactly how the school will help them get there. It’s like a promise from the school to help your child in the best way possible.

A 504 plan helps kids in school by removing barriers to learning, like giving them extra time on tests. An IEP is more detailed and is for kids who need special education. It’s like choosing between a helping hand and a full toolbox of support.

Yes, you can! If you think something needs to change in your child’s IEP, you can ask for a meeting anytime. It’s like having a button you can press when you need to talk about your child’s learning plan.

An IEP is reviewed at least once a year to make sure it’s working, but you can meet more often if needed. The team that comes together includes you, teachers, and anyone else who can help your child. It’s like a yearly check-up for your child’s education plan.

A special education advocate is someone who helps you understand your child’s rights and can come with you to meetings to make sure your child gets what they need. It’s like having a guide on your journey through special education.

Yes, even kids who are doing well in some subjects might still need a little extra help in others. Whether it’s a 504 plan or an IEP, it’s all about giving them the right support to succeed.

In an IEP, your child will get tailor-made learning that might include special teaching methods, help from experts, or even special tools or technology. It’s like getting a personalized toolkit for success.

You can start by chatting with us or looking on your state’s education website. There’s also a lot of helpful information out there through special education advocacy groups. It’s like having a map to guide you through the laws and rules.

The IDEA is a law that guarantees all kids with disabilities the right to a good education that’s right for them. It’s why schools have to provide special education and support. It’s like a promise from our country to all its children.

The IDEA makes sure kids with disabilities get a free and appropriate education that meets their unique needs. It covers everything from getting evaluated to setting up an IEP. It’s like the foundation that supports everything we do to help kids succeed.

Just write a letter to your child’s school asking for an evaluation because you’re concerned about their learning. It’s your right, and it starts the journey towards getting them the support they might need. It’s like asking for directions on a road trip.

It’s similar to asking for any help; you write to your child’s school to say you think your child might need special education. It’s the first step in making sure they get the right support.

It’s a principle ensuring that students with disabilities receive their education with their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, and special classes or separate schooling occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that general education classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot achieve satisfactory results.

Public schools determine eligibility for special education through a comprehensive evaluation process that assesses whether the student has a disability and, because of that disability, needs special education and related services to benefit from their education.

Public charter schools are a type of public school that can do things differently from regular public schools. They are still part of the public education system but have more freedom to try new ways of teaching. Private schools are not part of the public system, and families have to pay for their children to attend. They can offer different kinds of classes and usually have smaller class sizes. The best choice for your child depends on what your child needs, how they learn best, and what you think is important in a school.

This is a legal requirement in the United States that guarantees students with disabilities receive early intervention, special education, and related services necessary for them to benefit from their education at no cost to their families.

Yes, families can access early intervention services for their children from birth until the child reaches the age of eligibility for preschool services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), typically at age 3.

Students with disabilities are placed in the least restrictive environment (LRE) that is appropriate for their individual needs. They are only removed from the general education classroom if the nature or severity of their disability is such that education in general education classes, even with supplementary aids and services, cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

Parents can request an evaluation for assistive technology as part of their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Schools must consider the technology needs of the learners, including whether any devices are required to assist in their education.

Our primary mission focuses on advocating, educating, and empowering black and brown children with exceptional needs in Connecticut to access educational support and resources, primarily through the navigation of special education and related services. We would love to chat with you and see if our services will work in your private school setting.

Parents can help by talking with teachers and school staff, teaching their child to speak up for themselves, and finding help from community programs. Being involved and making a plan can make moving between schools easier for everyone.

COPAA, which stands for the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, is a group that helps kids with disabilities get the right education. They have lawyers, advocates, parents, and experts who team up to make sure these kids get the help they need in school. COPAA offers training, information, and legal help to its members to make sure all kids have a fair shot at learning. They also work on changing laws and going to court to defend the disability rights of kids to make sure they get a good education.