Getting the best education possible is vital to all children and youth, particularly those with special needs. Finding the right school or other educational setting can be a challenge for parents. There are many things to keep in mind when making this choice, including the child’s needs, abilities, and unique personality. This page gives information about the types of schools and other educational choices available, to help parents decide what would work best for their child.

Children with special needs are often entitled to receive additional services or accommodations through the public schools. To support your child and their ability to learn in school, there are three federal laws that apply specifically to children with special needs:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Law
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, As Amended

As a parent, you can ask for a free evaluation of your child to determine his or her needs for special education and/or related services.

• Contact your child’s school district or your local Head Start program to set up an evaluation that may involve:
  • Psychological and educational testing
  • Speech and language evaluation
  • Occupational therapy assessment
  • Behavioral analysis.
• The results of the evaluation determine your child's eligibility for a range of services under the applicable law.
• After the evaluation, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan may be developed for your child.
• Examples of the types of services detailed in IEPs may be occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and/or a classroom aide.

Children with special needs are entitled to special education services in school under federal and state laws, but parents do not determine whether their child is eligible for these services. Parents are, however, permitted (and encouraged) to participate in the development of the IEP. For more information about IEPs, see Wrightslaw.

The findings of a school's evaluation team are not final. You have the right to appeal their findings and decision. The school is required to provide you with information about how to make an appeal. As a parent, advocating for your child involves being proactive and taking the steps needed to make sure your child gets appropriate services. Our Advocacy/Finding Your Voice section has more information to help you work within the system.

Charter schools are public schools. They run on public funds and are open to all students, including those with special needs. What makes a charter school different from a standard public school is that each charter school is run by a parent board, and sets its own goals and focus, which means they differ widely across the United States. The overall goal of a charter school is to provide more choices for students and parents without additional cost.

Charter schools are often known for their small class sizes and high parent involvement. They are based on voluntary enrollment, making them more accountable to parents and student outcomes. As a result, they are given some level of autonomy: they may hire their own staff, develop their own curriculum (course of study), and develop their own programs, although charter schools in many states are evaluated according to student performance on standardized tests, and funds are allocated to each school depending upon the number of students enrolled.

The adaptability and unique setting of a charter school may be a wonderful fit for your child with special needs, and there are even some that are aimed toward specific disabilities. As your child’s advocate, your role is to find what will work best for your child by researching and asking questions about the schools and programs in your area.

There are many private school choices for children with special needs. Some are disability specific. For example, there are schools that offer specific therapeutic interventions for autism, and schools for children with visual or hearing impairment. There may be a school that offers teaching and activities geared specifically for your child. Some children thrive in a school that has a specific focus on their particular challenges.

Private schools tend to have smaller classes and are likely to have more one-on-one learning. Many special needs schools will have experts on staff to support your child and your family through your journey. For some families, the cost of private school tuition may be a hard or impossible choice, but there may be special needs grants and scholarships to help cover the cost of private schools. Contact your state's Parent Training and Information Center at Find Your Parent Center for information on any grants or scholarships available in your area.

Alternative education opportunities are available to families seeking less traditional educational settings. There are several approaches to teaching and learning that may be more helpful to meet the individual needs of your child. Home-based educational alternatives differ widely, but all emphasize the value of an individualized education versus a standardized approach to teaching, learning, and testing.

Homeschooling

Online Education and Schools

Homeschooling it is! Now, where do we begin?