Are you navigating the complexities of special education in California? If it feels overwhelming and confusing, you are not alone! An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can benefit a child’s life, but we know that advocating for your child within a complex system can be very challenging. Thankfully, there are resources available to help you! We have done the research for you and listed the best California Special Education resources for parents and caregivers, empowering you to be the best advocate for your child.
1. Know Notice of Procedural Safeguards
Knowing your rights is the first step in advocating for your kid. The Notice of Procedural Safeguards is a document that spells out what you’re entitled to as a parent or guardian. It covers all the protections in place for both you and your student. You should have gotten a copy when your child was referred for assessment, but you can also find it on the California’s Department of Education’s website. If reading the whole document feels daunting, don’t stress! Number 4 on this list breaks down the steps in special education and can make it easier to under the Notice of Procedural Safeguards.
2. California Special Education Local Plan Area
Each state operates special education differently, and knowing that California is split into SELPAs (Special Education Local Plan Areas) equips you to better advocate for your child. SELPA is a regional organization (Through CDE) that oversees the delivery of special education services within its jurisdiction. SELPAs develop local plans and allocate resources, and because they are regionally operated, they are easier to navigate than the whole CDE system. Check out your SELPA’s website for parent resources and administration contact information. You can find your SELPA on California’s Department of Education’s website.
3. Kidvokit for California
Have the IEP emails and paperwork overwhelmed you yet? As you know, IEPs come with so much to keep track of. Thankfully, there is a tool to organize it all! Kidvokit is an online tool that automatically files relevant emails, organizes your student’s paper trail, creates a timeline. Additionally, Kidvokit can answer important questions with its AI assistant. Kidvokit equips to advocate for your student by doing the hard work of organizing for you. Visit the Kidvokit “How it Works” page to learn more.
4. Disability Rights California
If you’re looking for someone to sit down and clearly explain the special education system, this resource is for you! Disability Rights California is a non-profit organization that expands the rights of individuals with disabilities. Part of their work is explaining complex systems in plain english. We recommend checking out the virtual toolkits on their website. Their virtual toolkits include subjects such as “Special Education,” “Behavior and Discipline,” and “Disagreements with the District.” These toolkits easily explain your rights and make navigating the special education system feel easier. Their free toolkits can be found on Disability Rights California’s website.
5. Understood.org
Understood.org is a great resource for anyone who has a child with a learning difference. Understood is a nonprofit that provides a free blog about special education and all their posts are written by experts. The website is very easy to navigate and there are specific blogs about many of the major learning differences. This is a great resource if you are looking for more information on your child’s particular challenges.
6. Parents Helping Parents YouTube Channel
It goes without saying that YouTube is a wealth of knowledge, but in particular it is worthing checking out Parents Helping Parent’s YouTube channel. Parents Helping Parents is a California specific channel that creates content around navigating special education in California and could answer many of your questions. The Parents Helping Parents YouTube channel has video playlists covering topics such as assessments, IEP’s, disability rights, and even self care and stress management for caregivers!
7. Center for Parent Information and Resources Parent Centers
Looking for in person resources? Parents Centers and number 9 on our list, Family Resource Centers, could be the answer you’re looking for. Parent Centers are local agencies that are a part of Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR). California has 10 Parent Centers located across the state. Each center differs in what they offer, but most provide educational opportunities for parents, advocacy, referrals, and support groups. You can find the Parent Center near you on the Center for Parent Information and Resources website.
Bonus! CPIR’s website also has many great virtual resources for parents!
8. Family Resource Centers
Similar to the CPIR Parent Centers, Family Resource Centers also provide support groups, resources, educational materials, and advocacy. Resource Centers are located throughout California and although these centers are part of the Early Start system, most locations offer services to older children as well. You can visit the Family Resource Center’s website to find a location near you.
9. Facebook Groups
Support groups do not have to be in person! The benefit of talking to someone going through a similar situation can be found online. Facebook groups are a great way of connecting with other parents. There are many national and local advocacy and support groups on Facebook, but a few California local groups worth noting are California Autism Support Group (For Parents), IEP/504 Parent Support Group/ Southern California, and Special Needs Parenting & IEP IPP Support (SF Bay area). Many more Facebook groups are available and you can find them by searching keywords in Facebook.
10. Compliant Support Unit
You will have many questions, and sometimes issue will arise. Knowing who to contact within the California Department of Education (CDE) for answers or assistance is important information to have on hand. The CDE Compliant Support Unit offers resources and technical assistance to parents, advocates, and school districts. Additionally, they are who to contact if you believe your district is out of compliance with special education law. You can find their email address and phone number on the California Department of Education’s website.
Special Education Resources Recap
Advocating for your child is an essential part of the special education process. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the special education system, but you’ve got this! There are many resources available to equip you to be the best advocate you can be. We hope the resources listed above help you better understand the system, answer your questions, and connect with a supportive community of parents facing similar challenges.
Learn more about how Kidvokit can keep you organized and prepare you for all your IEP meetings.
