The special education system can be complex and daunting, but New Jersey parents have access to many helpful resources! We have done the research for you and created a list of New Jersey special education parent resources. Keep reading for resources that can help you become an even better advocate for your child!
1. Parental Rights in Special Education
New Jersey parents are fortunate to have a Parental Rights document that is well-organized and easy to understand! Yes, the Parental Rights in Special Education document is lengthy, but it is also thorough and created with parents in mind. This document is crucial as you navigate special education because it explains your rights and the safeguards in place for your child. We will discuss other resources that also explain your rights, but the Parental Rights document is important to keep handy.
2. Center for Parent Resource and Information (CPIR) Parent Centers
If you are looking for personal assistance, check out a Parent Center. Parent Centers are nationally funded and are part of the Center for Parent Information and Resources network. New Jersey has two Parent Centers: SPAN Parent Advocacy Network and Association for Special Children and Families. Both centers provide a phone number for parents to call for guidance and referrals. Additionally, both centers offer online resources, events, and support groups. Being familiar with the Parent Center that serves your area can lead you to many wonderful people and resources.
3. Parent to Parent of New Jersey
Another program offered by SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is Parent to Parent. The Parent to Parent program connects families with a volunteer parent mentor who has experience navigating the special education system. Parent mentors can provide advice, help with advocating, and even refer you to resources!
4. Kidvokit for New Jersey
Keeping track of IEP emails and paperwork often feels like a full-time job that you don’t have time for. Let Kidvokit help! Kidvokit is an online tool that makes your life easier by automatically filing IEP-related emails and answering special education questions with its built-in AI assistant. It also organizes your documents and creates a timeline, keeping you prepared for all IEP meetings. Learn more on our “How It Works” page.
5. The Arc of New Jersey
As you navigate special education with your child, it is comforting to speak to experts. The Arc of New Jersey provides advocacy services to all individuals with disabilities, and they have a special children’s advocacy group. They provide information and support to families of children with IEPs, 504s, and out-of-district placements. Additionally, they have a podcast! Visit The Arc of New Jersey’s website for more information.
6. Disability Rights
Knowing your rights is crucial to being the best advocate for your child. Disability Rights New Jersey can help you understand your rights. Their website provides multiple guides including the very helpful New Jersey Special Education Advocacy Guide. You can also contact them for referrals and legal help. Hopefully you will never need legal assistance, but if you do Disability Rights New Jersey is there to help.
7. Understood.org
Everyone deserves to be understood. That is the simple, but powerful mission behind Understood.org. Understood allows parents and caregivers to easily access information about their child’s particular learning difference. All blogs are written by experts and cover many important topics. Understood is not a New Jersey specific resource, but it is a national resource that all parents can benefit from.
8. Wrightslaw
Another national resource worth checking out is Wrightslaw. Wrightslaw helps parents understand their rights and stay informed about developments in special education laws. Their website includes a convenient A-Z topic tab, allowing you to easily search for laws and regulations. Additionally, they provide step-by-step guides on navigating the special education system. The great thing about their guides is the inclusion of links to the laws that protect you and your child at each step of the system.
9. Youtube
If you’re a visual learner, take advantage of YouTube. There are many special education channels on YouTube, but two channels worth checking out are The Center for Parent Information and Resources and The National Center for Learning Disabilities. Both provide helpful videos on the special education system, learning disabilities, and resources available to parents and students.
10. Facebook Groups
Support groups are an important step in the special education journey. Connecting with other parents who understand the difficulties of the process, as well as the joys of watching their children succeed, is extremely beneficial. A great and convenient platform for support groups is Facebook. A few New Jersey Facebook groups worth looking into are: New Jersey Special Needs Connection, New Jersey Autism Group, Dyslexia Support New Jersey, and Parent to Parent NJ.
New Jersey Special Education Resource Recap
You’re advocating for your kid! Yes, you may have difficult moments, but ultimately you are making a lasting difference in your child’s life by navigating the special education system for them. The resources listed can make that journey easier. New Jersey parents have access to great information, multiple legal resources, online tools, and support groups. We hope these resources help you keep up the good work!
Learn more about how Kidvokit can save you time and keep you prepared for IEP meetings!
