Are you a Texas parent looking for special education resources? We know that if you’re in the midst of advocating for your child, you do not have the time to scour the internet for resources. Let us help you! We have taken the time to research and compile the best Texas IEP and special education resources. We are confident the following resources can help you!
1. Notice of Procedural Safeguards
You should have received a Notice of Procedural Safeguards when your child was referred for assessment (If you didn’t, don’t worry it can be found on SPEDTex’s website). Although the length of this document can be intimidating, SPEDTex’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards is well organized and a great place to start when advocating for your child. This document explains your rights and the safeguards in place for you and your child. Do not worry if you don’t understand all of it, number 4 and 5 on this list can help you understand the document and the Texas IEP process.
2. SPEDTex
The great thing about The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is that they have a website just for special education resources. SPEDTex is a great resource for parents and includes FAQs, parent resources, and an excellent resource locator tool. Another document to check out is SPEDTex’s “Parent’s Guide to Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process” which breaks down the special education process in Texas.
3. Kidvokit For Texas
Let’s be honest, sometimes the most wearisome part of navigating the special education system is all the paperwork and important emails. Advocating for your child is difficult enough without the hassle of hunting down emails for the IEP meeting. Kidvokit is a tool that does the organizing for you. Kidvokit archives important emails, organizes the paper trail, and even answers your special education questions with its built-in AI assistant. Check out the “How it Works” page on our website for more information!
4. Texas Project First
If you’re still confused by the Texas IEP process, don’t worry. Texas Project First could be a huge help! Texas Project First’s website breaks down every step of the process by age group. They provide graphs, clearly articulate explanations, and additional resources for every step in the IEP process. Additionally, they offer free online learning videos for parents covering a multitude of topics.
5. Disability Rights Texas
Many parents find the special education system complex, and that is why Disability Rights Texas exists. Their website includes articles that clearly explain topics such as early childhood intervention, independent evaluations, and important education bills. Additionally, they provide many step-by-step guides, including one on how to file a complaint with the Texas Education Agency. All these resources can be found on the Disability Rights Texas’s website.
6. Partners Resource Network’s YouTube Channel
What isn’t on YouTube these days? Although there are many special education resources on YouTube, one Texas specific resource is Partners Resource Network’s (PRN) YouTube channel. PRN’s channel has many helpful videos covering topics such as early childhood intervention, using assistive technology, how to foster resiliency in children, and so much more. Additionally, their channel includes curated video playlists that include great resource videos from other creators saving you the time of searching all of YouTube!
7. Parent Training and Information Center
Speaking of Partners Resource Network, another service they offer is Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI). PTIs are a resource hub! They provide virtual or in person special education assistance, and often are able to provide educational materials, answers to questions, and referrals to additional resources. PTIs exist to empower you to be the best advocate for your child. You can find the PTI that serves your region on Partners Resource Network’s website.
8. Center for Parent Information and Resources
Another great in-person resource is Parent Centers. The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) has 5 parent centers located around Texas. What each Parent Center offers may be different, but they usually provide advocacy support, educational materials, and referrals. Visit the Center for Parent Information and Resources’ website to find a parent center near you!
9. Facebook Groups
Community is crucial! And community can even be found online by joining a parents group on Facebook. Facebook has thousands of groups, but a few Texas specific groups worth checking out are Texas Special Education Parents, Houston Special Education Parents Association, and Special Education Law for Texas Parents. Additionally, the group Special Education IEP & 504 Plan Support Group is based in Texas but includes members from all over the United States allowing parents from different states to learn from each other.
10. Understood.org
Understood.org is a user-friendly national resource. Searching the internet for information about your child’s learning differences can be time consuming and discouraging. Understood is a nonprofit that believes everyone deserves to be understood! They have hundreds of easily searchable blog posts all written by experts and full of information and wisdom.
Resource Recap
First of all, well done. You are doing the hard work of advocating for your child! We know it’s difficult, and thankfully there are resources available to help. We hope the above resources empower you to be the best advocate for your child by knowing your rights, understanding the system, and finding a support system.
See how Kidvokit can keep you organized and answer your Texas IEP questions!
