Free Resources
Tools for families who need to know their rights.
Every guide below was written with one goal: giving you the specific knowledge you need to advocate effectively for your child. Download freely, share widely.
Interactive Tools and Methodology
Use these tools right now to read your child's IEP with sharper eyes. Everything below is free and works on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Our Methodology
The six areas we review in every IEP, in plain language. Use it as a guide when you read your child's IEP or prepare for the next meeting.
IEP Goal Checker
Paste your child's annual goal exactly as written. The tool sorts it into the seven required components, flags vague language, and gives you the exact questions to ask at your next meeting.
Blog and Insights
Plain-language articles on IEP rights, the stranger test, the difference between MTSS, 504, and IEP, and how families can advocate effectively.
Downloadable Guides
Pre-Evaluation Eligibility Checklist
Use this checklist before you request a special education evaluation. Organizes your child's school history, the educational impact you have observed, and the language to use in your formal written request.
IDEA vs. Section 504 Reference Card
A side-by-side comparison of IDEA (IEP) and Section 504, with decision guidance and the four most common misconceptions corrected.
The 13 IDEA Disability Categories
A plain-language reference card for all 13 federally recognized disability categories, with notes for parents and a key principle: the category gets your child in the room, not what they receive there.
IEP Team Member Directory Template
A printable template for keeping every member of your child's school, district, and personal support team in one place, plus a communication tracker for every email, call, and meeting.
IEP Meeting Notecatcher
A printable worksheet to take into your child's IEP meeting. Captures the three questions every family should ask, a goal-by-goal tracker, a commitments table with dates, and a before-you-sign checklist.
All guides are free. No email required. Share with any family who needs them.
External Resources
These organizations and databases provide additional authoritative information on special education law and family rights.
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
U.S. Department of Education — umbrella office for OSEP and RSA
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
U.S. Department of Education — serves children with disabilities birth through 21
Find Your State's Parent Training & Information Center (PTI)
Parent Center Hub
Procedural Safeguards Notice (34 CFR § 300.504)
Cornell Law School — Legal Information Institute
Wrightslaw: Special Education Law & Advocacy
Wrightslaw
Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
State-by-state directory of advocates, evaluators, therapists, and attorneys
Defining the Teddy Bear and Stranger Test (Tipsheet)
Tennessee Department of Education / Vanderbilt TRIAD
Resources give you a starting point. Expert guidance tells you what a specific IEP means for a specific child.
A checklist tells you what to look for. Dr. Clarke-Wedderburn tells you what it means for your specific child and what to do about it.
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