Are you a Georgia parent navigating the special education system? If so, let us help. We know how tricky navigating special education can be, and we also know the resources that can make it easier. Listed below are Georgia special education parent resources that can help you become an even better advocate for your child!
1. Procedural Safeguards Notice
The first place to start when advocating for your child is the Procedural Safeguards Notice. The Notice is an important document that explains your rights and the safeguards in place for your child, but its legal jargon can be intimidating. Thankfully, the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) provides a companion document that more clearly explains your rights. It is still important to understand the Notice! But you can use GDOE’s Parent’s Guide to Understanding Rights and Responsibilities for clarification.
2. Georgia Department of Education (GDOE)
Speaking of GDOE, their website contains many guides and fact sheets for parents navigating the Georgia special education system. Exploring the Georgia Department of Education’s website can lead you to guides covering topics such as Assistive Technology, Due Process, and IEPs. Additionally, GDOE offers a video series on Parent’s Rights.
3. Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership
Another service the Georgia Department of Education offers is Parent Mentors. Parent Mentors are parents of children with disabilities who have been trained to support other parents. A Parent Mentor can help you advocate for your child and provide guidance. They are a wealth of knowledge and can be found throughout the state of Georgia. You can find a Parent Mentor that serves your district by visiting Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership’s website.
4. Kidvokit of Georgia
When you’re busy ensuring your child has the right education, do you really have time to keep track of all the IEP-related emails? Kidvokit is a tool that can help. Kidvokit saves you time by automatically archiving IEP-related emails and creating a timeline for you. It even has a built-in AI assistant that can quickly answer your special education questions! Visit our “How it Works” page to learn how Kidvokit can keep you organized.
5. Parent to Parent of Georgia
If you want to speak to a person instead of searching for answers online, Parent to Parent is for you. They have a helpline and online contact form available to parents who are seeking guidance or referrals. Additionally, they offer in-person and online support groups! Visit Parent to Parent’s website to find a support group or contact their helpline.
6. Lekotek of Georgia
Lekotek is such a fun resource for families in or near Atlanta! They offer play groups, camps, parent trainings, and family events that are thoughtfully designed for families who have children with disabilities. “Lekotek” is loosely translated to “Play Library” and is based on the Scandinavian model of special education. They have six locations all located within 30-60 miles of Atlanta. Visit Lekotek’s website to find the location closest to you.
7. Wrightslaw
As you probably have learned by now, the special education system is full of legal jargon and regulations. Although these laws and regulations keep you and your child safe, they can be a lot to keep track of. This is why we recommend becoming familiar with Wrightslaw. Their website not only keeps an up-to-date record of special education laws but also provides clearly explained answers and guides to a multitude of special education topics. If you want to know your rights in any area of the special education process, Wrightslaw can help.
8. Facebook Groups
The value of a support group cannot be overstated. Having people to share your questions, concerns, and even humorous stories with can provide a sense of support as you advocate for your child. Facebook can be a great and convenient platform for support groups. Many Facebook groups exist, but a few Georgia specific groups worth checking out are Special Needs Parents of Georgia, Georgia IEP Support Group, Georgia Autism Moms, and Atlanta Area Moms Parenting ADD/ADHD or Dsylexia.
Georgia Special Education Resource Recap
It is easy to get caught up in what needs to be done and forget to take a moment to acknowledge the good you are doing. You are advocating for your child in a large and complex system, and you should be proud of yourself. Explore the resources above to become an even stronger advocate for your child. Start by knowing your rights, then utilize the available resources to find support and assistance. You’ve got this!
Learn how Kidvokit can keep you organized and prepared for your IEP meetings!
