SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES
Helpful Resources for Educators and Families
It is essential that all stakeholders have access to resources and tools to support their understanding of the special education processes in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Education, Area Education Agencies (AEAs), local school districts, and community partner agencies continue to collaborate to provide valuable resources for educators and families.
For Educators
Evaluations
Assessment Methods & Sources Matrix Key Considerations for Determining a Disability Key Considerations for Determining a Need for Specially Designed Instruction Medical & Mental Health Diagnoses and Special Education Eligibility Progress Standards of Comparison Support Paper
Fiscal
AEA Support for LEA Medicaid Billing Reviewing an IEP for Medicaid Reimbursement WEF Matrices (ECSE and K-12)
Forms and Model Letters
Consent to Exchange Personally Identifiable Information (Nonpublics) Form A- Private Instruction (Homeschooling) Independent Educational Evaluation Request Form Model Letter for Accessing Private Insurance Notice to Representative of Participating Accredited Nonpublic School Surrogate Parent Recommendation Form (fillable)
IEP/IFSP Services and Supports
Age of Majority Documents Contingency Learning Plan (CLP): Guidance for IEP Teams Determining Supports for Learning and Performance for all Students Documentation of Audiology and Services, Activities & Supports ESYS Consideration Flowchart Early Childhood Outcome (ECO) Decision Tree Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO): Breadth of the Outcomes (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center) Early Childhood Special Education Resources IEP Changes Matrix IEP Team Bookmark (FEP) Iowa Individual Health Plan Template Open Enrollment Flowchart Special Education Discipline Flowchart Special Education Services and Activities Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment
Other
Codes & Definitions Used in the ACHIEVE System Evaluations for Eligibility for Home & Community Based Waivers
Personnel
Procedural Safeguards and Rights
Dispute Resolution Information LEA & AEA Resolution: Tips and Q & A Manifestation Determinations: Decision Making Parental Rights Talking Points - Brief Summary Power of Attorney Documents Q & A Regarding Electronic Consent and IDEA Administrative Matters
Secondary Transition
For Parents and Families
A Parent’s Guide to Educational Advocacy (ASK Resource) ABC’s of Challenging Behaviors (ASK Resource) FAPE- Free, Appropriate Public Education (ASK Resource) Family and Educator Partnership (FEP) Pamphlet IDEA, Section 504, and ADA Comparison Chart Iowa’s Anti-Bullying Law (ASK Resource) School Lunch and Special Dietary Needs (ASK Resource) Six Principles of IDEA (ASK Resource) Special Education Terms and Acronyms
Transition
Parent Information for Initial IEP Meetings (FEP) Special Education Child Find Process Guide for Parents (FEP) Special Education Child Find Process Guide for Parents (Spanish) (FEP)
IEP/IFSP Services and Supports
Behavior Intervention Plan Guide for Parents (FEP) Functional Behavior Assessment Guide for Parents (FEP) Life After High School (ASK Resource)
IEP/IFSP Meetings
IEP Team Member Roles & Responsibilities IEP Team Members Roles- table tents for meetings Parent Information for Initial IEP Meetings (Spanish) (FEP) Parent Information for Re-evaluation of IEP (FEP) Parent Information for Re-evaluation of IEP (Spanish) (FEP) Planning For Your Child's IEP Meeting (Spanish) (FEP) Planning for Your Child's IEP Meeting (FEP) Positive Student Profile (FEP) Positive Student Profile (Spanish) (FEP) What to Expect at an IEP Meeting (FEP) What to Expect at an IEP Meeting (Spanish) (FEP)
Procedural Safeguards and Rights
Department of Education Documents
FAQs & Policy Clarification
Extended School Year Services (ESYS) General Guidance Graduation Guidance for IEP Teams Graduation Information and Guidance for Families
Guidelines/Memos on Policy Requirements
Administrative Consideration for Changes in Definition of Diploma DE Guidance on Healthy & Safe Learning Environments (SF 2360) DE Guidance on Open Enrollment/Virtual Schools DE McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Resources DE Section 504 Information and Guidance DE Surrogate Parent Guidance DE Top 10 Points about Senate File 2360: Classroom Clears & Reporting of Violence/Assault IDoE and DC SpEd Guidelines and Procedures (Adult Correctional Facilities) Iowa Chapter 103 (Timeout, Seclusion, & Restraint) Information Iowa Department of Education Guidance on 4+ Services Iowa's Alternate Assessments Participation Guidelines
Memos of Agreements/of Understanding
Learn About Iowa Special Education
In Iowa, under the supervision of the Iowa Department of Education, AEAs, local districts, and partnering agencies engage in ongoing collaboration to ensure individualized early intervention and special education services and support for all eligible individuals at no cost to the family.