This PowerPoint resource introduces families and educators to the key aspects of special education services in preschool and elementary school. It walks through how children qualify for services, what an IEP includes, and how families and educators can work together to support children’s learning and development. Whether you’re just starting your journey with special education or want to better understand how to collaborate with school teams, this guide provides clear, accessible explanations of important processes and terms—all in family-friendly language.

TPE Alignment:

• TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress.
• TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate for strategies that meet their individual learning needs and assist students with specific learning needs to successfully participate in transition plans (e.g., IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans.)
• TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans, to establish learning goals and to plan, differentiate, make accommodations and/or modify instruction.
• TPE 6.4 - Demonstrate how and when to involve other adults and to communicate effectively with peers and colleagues, families, and members of the larger school community to support teacher and student learning.

Navigating this Collection:

HQ IEPs > Before the IEP > Preparing Families for the IEP