Resources
Below are several important resources with respect to counseling, special education advocacy, and family engagement.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) provides exceptional resources related to social and emotional learning, crisis-intervention, and educational supports for school aged children.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
The School Social Work Association of America empowers school social workers and promotes the profession to enhance the social and emotional growth and academic outcomes of all students nationally and globally.
AMERICAN SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION
The ASCA supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, career, and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Instructions for IEP Forms
Important information regarding instructions for understanding the content and use of IEP forms.
ILLINOIS STUDENT RECORDS KEEPER
Dates, people, meetings and reports are important throughout your child’s educational career. This records keeper was developed to assist you in preparing for IEP and transition meetings; getting ready for evaluations and reevaluations; and keeping track of paperwork and other materials you might need.
U.S. Department of Education post-secondary transition guide
The Post-Secondary Transition guide provides valuable information for families and educators with respect to the transition process from high school to post-secondary education and employment.
Illinois State Board of Education Division of Funding and Disbursement Services — Home & Hospital instruction & Reimbursement Q&A
This document provides answers to common questions regarding homebound or hospital instruction for students with disabilities.
U.S. Department of Education Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
This policy statement sets a vision and provides recommendations regarding inclusive high-quality early childhood programs for young children with disabilities
Early CHOICES
Early CHOICES is a Preschool LRE Initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education. They promote increasing high quality inclusive education by providing technical assistance and professional development.
State-Sponsored Free IEP Facilitation Services
IEP facilitation is a state-sponsored process that helps foster effective communication between parents and districts as they develop a mutually acceptable Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
The Center For Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) works to increase the nation's capacity to effectively resolve special education disputes, reducing the use of expensive adversarial processes.
Equip for Equality
Equip for Equality advances the human and civil rights of people with disabilities. They empower and inform families by answering legal questions and providing support.
Family Engagement framework guide
The Family Engagement Framework Guide, developed by the Illinois State Board of Education, sets forth a model for school leaders and families for planning, implementing, and evaluating family engagement practices that directly improve student outcomes.
Special education: a basic guide for parents
This article, published by the National Association of School Psychologists, provides answers to some frequently asked questions in order to help parents understand the basic procedures of the special education system.
section 504 guide for parents & educators
This guide to Section 504 was developed by the National Association of School Psychologists. It provides an excellent overview of Section 504 plans and procedures for parents and educators.