Working one’s way through the specifics of Special Education and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) is complicated work, but there are resources available to help. Your Children’s Service Coordinator at MDS can help you get started. You should also work with the Special Education professionals at your child's school
Transition planning from school to beyond generally begins between the ages of 14 and 16. Transition planning, a road map that reflects a student's current aspirations, is intended to grow and change with the student as he or she progresses through high school. The primary areas of focus in transition planning are post-secondary education, employment, and living independence. The Special Education professionals at your child’s school are a good place to begin the planning process.
You can also find helpful information from these sources.
The New Hampshire Education Law (NHEdLaw) site provides in-depth resources for parents, educators and professionals, and is filled with information on federal and state laws and resources for parents.
The Parent Information Center on Special Education can provide the help, support and information parents need to be a more active participant in the special education process. Their website has an array of webinars, tools, ideas and resources to serve families of children of all ages (birth to age 26) and all disabilities (physical, cognitive, behavioral and emotional).
The NH Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education in Concord is the agency responsible for ensuring that school districts provide a free and appropriate education to all educationally handicapped students. Its website may provide helpful information for parents.
Nationally, the Center for Parent Information & Resources serves as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth; IDEA, the law authorizing special education; No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities); and research-based information on effective educational practices.
