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Esta página en español ofrece respuestas a preguntas frecuentes para familias multilingües acerca de la educación especial.

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Getting started

See tips in other languages

This article is also available as a tip sheet (PDF) in 14 languages!

What is special education?

Special education is a free service that schools offer to students with disabilities. It might include instruction, therapy, behavior support, or social-emotional support.

Does my immigration status, or my child's, affect special education?

No. Your child is eligible for special education regardless of immigration status.

My child does not have a physical disability. Why does the school say there is a disability?

Learning disabilities aren't visible. They relate to how a child learns, reads, writes, or pays attention. Students may need to work in small groups or use special learning strategies.

Who will lead the special education process from the school?

Every school is different. Some schools have a special education team, which might include:

Classroom teacher

Teaches grade-level content

Special education teacher

Teaches and supports students with disabilities

Reading or speech specialist

Provides support in reading or speech/language

ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher

Helps multilingual students learn English

Bilingual teacher/specialist

Offers instruction and support in two (or more) languages

Interpreter

Interprets conversations between families and the school

What is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?

An IEP is a program the school and family create together. It explains:

how your child is doing currently, including your child's strengths

goals for your child

a plan to reach those goals, such as services and accommodations for the classroom

who will provide this support (and when)

your child's progress over time.

The school will schedule IEP meetings to create this plan. You have the right to:

help inform your child's IEP

attend every IEP meeting

hear your rights before every meeting

reschedule IEP meetings

receive all updates

review or change the IEP

ask questions any time.

Can my child exit special education services?

Yes. Remember that special education services can help students work more independently. IEP meetings are a good time to share your questions and concerns.

My child is struggling in school. Can I request special education services?

You can ask the school to evaluate your child. The school may or may not recommend special education services or other supports. Ask your child's teachers about your options at any time.

My role

What is my role in this process?

U.S. schools want families to partner with their child's school! You know your child best. Share ideas about your child's, interests, personality, and behavior. Ask for ideas and help if needed.

I don't agree with the school's plan. What should I do?

You have the right to refuse, change, or stop special education services. However, it is important to understand the school's recommendations before you make a decision.

Language

How do I get information in my own language?

You have a right to:

receive ALL information in your language

have an interpreter during any conversation or meeting.

What if my child needs both ESL and special education services?

Your child has a legal right to receive ESL, bilingual/ dual language, AND special education services. It is the school's responsibility to offer ALL services your child needs. My child is still learning English.

How can we be sure my child needs special education?

It can be difficult to know if a child who is learning a new language needs special education. That's why it's very important to have professionals who speak your language on the team, if possible. They can evaluate your child in your language. This gives them a better picture of your child's learning. If your child struggles in your language, please let the team know.

See these tips in the following languages:

Acknowledgements

This resource was created thanks to generous support from the National Education Association.

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Special Education and Your Child: FAQs for Multilingual Families

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This article is also available as a tip sheet (PDF) in 14 languages! Special education is a free service that schools offer to students with disabilities. It might include instruction, therapy, behavior support, or social-emotional support. No. Your child is eligible for special education regardless of immigration status. Learning disabilities aren't visible.

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For Families - What to Expect from an Interpreter - Spanish

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INCLUDEnyc - Equidad y acceso para jóvenes con discapacidades

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Le damos la bienvenida a INCLUDEnyc, donde ayudamos a niños y jóvenes con discapacidades, a sus familias y a los profesionales que trabajan con ellos.

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Información en español en este sitio | Center for Parent Information and Resources (parentcenterhub.org)

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Center for Parent Information and Resources c/o Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) 35 Halsey St., 4th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 642-8100

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Consentimiento de los Padres en Educación Especial - Red Familiar sobre Discapacidades (fndusa.org)

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Guías prácticas para familias con niños menores de 3 años

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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

These Spanish-language translations of our Practice Guides for Families are intended for practitioners to share with families.

The Practice Guides are listed below by the DEC Recommended Practices topics:

Guías de práctica para la familia: Evaluación

Download this practice guide:

Los componentes fundamentales del aprendizaje del niño son sus fortalezas, entre las cuales se encuentra el comportamiento que manifiesta al interactuar con personas y objetos y los intereses personales que lo motivan a divertirse y pasarlo bien. Las capacidades, habilidades y actividades en las cuales el niño se destaca forman parte de su comportamiento. Lo que le gusta, prefiere o decide hacer; es decir, lo que lo hace sonreír, reír, emocionarse y concentrarse en el juego forma parte de los intereses personales del niño. Los procedimientos basados en fortalezas pasan el enfasis de aprendizaje de lo que el niño no puede hacer a lo que sí puede hacer.

Guías de práctica para la familia: Ambiente

Guías de práctica para la familia: Familia

Guías de práctica para la familia: Instrucción

Guías de práctica para la familia: Interacción

Guías de práctica para la familia: Trabajo en Equipo y Colaboración

Guías de práctica para la familia: Transición

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ECTA Center: Guías de práctica para las familias

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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes These Spanish-language translations of our Practice Guides for Families are intended for practitioners to share with families. The Practice Guides are listed below by the DEC Recommended Practices topics: Download this practice guide: Los componentes fundamentales del aprendizaje del niño son sus fortalezas, entre las cuales se encuentra el comportamiento que manifiesta al interactuar con personas y objetos y los intereses personales que lo motivan a divertirse y pasarlo bien.

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Bienvenidos a la Ley de Missouri para Padres - MPACT

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Bienvenidos a MPACT, Ley para Padres de Missouri. Estamos aquí para ayudar a los estudiantes, las familias y los educadores a trabajar juntos para garantizar un futuro brillante para los estudiantes con necesidades de educación especial en nuestra comunidad. Aquí hay algunos documentos con más información acerca de MPACT: ¿Qué es MPACT? ¿Quién es un […]

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There are many ways that families of English language learners (ELLs) can support language and literacy at home! Colorín Colorado's new series of 8 tips for families is available in 16 languages. Share these tips with your families in two ways:

1) A tip sheet: One single page with all 8 tips
2) One tip at a time
If you see any issues with translations, please email us at: [email protected] Artwork by award-winning illustrator Rafael López is used with permission.

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Share 8 Great Reading Tips with Families (in 16 languages)

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There are many ways that families of English language learners (ELLs) can support language and literacy at home! Colorín Colorado's new series of 8 tips for families is available in 16 languages.

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Libros digitales bilingües para niños

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ICDL - International Children's Digital Library

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Información sobre servicios de transición de la oficina de Rehabilitación Vocacional de Missouri (VR).

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Notificación sobre las garantías procesales en educación especial

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Guía para padres sobre la educación especial en Missouri

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Undersstood ofrece artículos, videos, podcasts, y descargas sobre diferentes temas.  Proporciona consejos, información, y apoyo para aquellas personas que piensan y aprenden de una manera diferente.

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Explore topics about ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. Learn about focus, hyperactivity, executive function skills, and trouble with reading, writing, and math.