Helping Families Navigate Special Education in Texas

Explore special education resources to help your family understand your child's disability, navigate your rights under IDEA, and collaborate with schools to support special education services.

How can we help you today?

I think my child might need special education services

Learn how to request an evaluation and the evaluation process for special education

I'm new to special education

Learn about IDEA, Texas laws, and your child's rights.

Understanding my Child's IEP

Learn about IEP requirements and how to prepare for an ARD Committee Meeting.

Options if I disagree with the ARD Committee

Learn more about the available state and federal dispute resolution options.

Explore Resource by Topic

Requesting an evaluation, New to Special Education, Determine Eligibility

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Fact Sheet for Families - Texas Education Agency

Fact sheet for families explaining MTSS, how it helps students succeed, and the type of academic, behavioral, and social/emotional supports offered at each tier.

New to Special Education, Requesting an evaluation

CDC’s Developmental Milestones

Provides milestone checklists and parent tips to support early childhood development.

A preschool teacher sits on the floor of her classroom with a small group of students as she reads them a book. The children are each dressed casually and are focused on the story.

New to Special Education, New to Texas, Requesting an evaluation

Texas Early Childhood Intervention Services

Offers information on services for children under 3 with delays/disabilities, including eligibility, referrals, and local program access.

Understanding Parent Rights, Requesting an evaluation, New to Special Education, Evaluation

When You Have Concerns: A Parent’s Guide to Special Education Referrals for Children Ages 3-5

Learn how to request an evaluation if you're concerned about your child’s growth or learning.

New to Special Education, Evaluation, Requesting an evaluation, Determine Eligibility

Criteria and Information on Becoming a PDSES Service Provider or Vendor

The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program is a one-time $1,500 online grant for parents/guardians of eligible students served by special education and who are enrolled in a Texas public school. Parents/guardians of eligible students can use the online accounts to shop the marketplace to obtain educational materials and resources such as textbooks, curriculum, or technology devices and/or services such as additional speech therapy, tutoring, or other specific services.