This fact sheet provides some insight on the school choice program in Delaware.
Category: FACT SHEETS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
This resource from SAMHSA provides tips for social distancing while maintaining balance and our emotional and mental health.
Category: TRAUMA RESOURCES, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
This fact sheet provides an overview of the special education evaluation process with a sample letter that can be used to request a psycho-educational evaluation
Category: SPECIAL EDUCATION, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
Children with disabilities are eligible for special education and related service when they meet IDEA’s (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) definition of a child with a disability. If you suspect your child may qualify for special education services, the first step in this process is to talk with your child’s teachers about your concerns. You can also request an evaluation to your child’s teacher and principal in writing. This request may also be sent to the school special education coordinator or educational diagnostician.
Additional Resources:
Fact Sheet: “Eligibility for Special Education” for more information about the evaluation process.
Online Demand Videos: The following videos are available by accessing the online Video Portal
Category: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12, SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW & REGULATIONS
This publication developed by the US Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, is designed to help parents, students and the charter school community better understand the rights of students with disabilities attending charter schools.
Category: SPECIAL EDUCATION, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
The Backpack connection series was created to provide a way for teachers and parents/caregivers to work together to help young children develop social emotional skills and reduce challenging behavior. This resource is available on the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations website. https://challengingbehavior.cbcs.usf.edu/index.html
Category: INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
IEP Meeting Planner is a tool that can be used as a tool for families and caregivers to prepare for upcoming IEP meetings.
Category: SPECIAL EDUCATION, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
This comparison chart outlines the different dispute resolutions available under IDEA, (Individuals with Disabilites Education Act). This resource was developed by The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution (CADRE) with support of parent leaders nationwide.
Category: RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH THE SCHOOL/DISTRICT, RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
This user-friendly booklet, developed for parents and caregivers, describes the key components of IDEA, including evaluations and eligibility, parent and student rights, behavior & discipline, transition planning, and dispute resolution options.
Category: SPECIAL EDUCATION, ADVOCACY RESOURCES, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, STUDENTS & YOUNG ADULTS
PRESENTER: Fran Fletcher, SPARC
The foundation of conflict resolution and positive communication between families and schools is respect and self-determination. Join us as Fran Fletcher from The Special Education Partnership for the Amicable Resolution of Conflict (SPARC) discusses conflicts that may come up, communication, and resolution.
Category: RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
Behaviors that interfere with a child’s learning in school can be challenging for both parents and teachers. This toolkit provides information about addressing behaviors through assessment of the child and development of a positive behavior intervention or support plan. It also includes information to help you understand school disciplinary procedures for children who receive special education services.
Refer to individual school websites for each school’s “Code of Conduct” which includes disciplinary procedures for all students.
Category: EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
In 1995, the state’s school choice and charter school laws were enacted. Both are designed to give parents greater choice in determining where their child will attend school. Delaware is home to a variety of learning opportunities beyond your neighborhood school, including vocational high schools, magnet schools, themed schools, special interest programs within schools, and charter schools. This resource provides links information about school choice, charter schools and students with disabilities.
Category: STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12, SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW & REGULATIONS, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26
Dialogic Reading is a method of “shared reading” where families and children have a dialogue about the elements of the book and the child can connect the language and themes of the book to their own life. There are many benefits to dialogic reading for you and your child. Come learn about dialogic reading, how it will benefit your family, and where to find more information.
Category: LITERACY RESOURCES, PRESENTATIONS, LITERACY
This resource developed by ‘GetReadytoRead’
You are your child’s first teacher. Your home is where your child will get his or her first experiences with books and reading. This checklist developed by ‘GetReadytoReady’ is a way families can identify ways to increase literacy activities in the home.
Category: LITERACY RESOURCES, LITERACY
This resource from Reading Rockets addresses spelling interventions for readers struggling with phonological awareness and decoding.
Category: LITERACY RESOURCES, LITERACY
Building Blocks of Reading – Presentation
Category: LITERACY RESOURCES, LITERACY
This fact sheet provides some answers to frequently ask questions about the special education evaluation process.
Category: FACT SHEETS, SPECIAL EDUCATION, INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD, SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW & REGULATIONS, FACT SHEETS
Children with disabilities are eligible for special education and related service when they meet IDEA’s (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) definition of a child with a disability. If you suspect your child may qualify for special education services, the first step in this process is to talk with your child’s teachers about your concerns. You can also request an evaluation to your child’s teacher and principal in writing. This request may also be sent to the school special education coordinator or educational diagnostician.
Additional Resources:
Fact Sheet: “Eligibility for Special Education” for more information about the evaluation process.
Online Demand Videos: The following videos are available by accessing the online Video Portal
Category: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12, SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW & REGULATIONS
In 1995, the state’s school choice and charter school laws were enacted. Both are designed to give parents greater choice in determining where their child will attend school. Delaware is home to a variety of learning opportunities beyond your neighborhood school, including vocational high schools, magnet schools, themed schools, special interest programs within schools, and charter schools. This resource provides links information about school choice, charter schools and students with disabilities.
Category: STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12, SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW & REGULATIONS, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26
Young Teens using technology
Category: STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26
Students ages 14 or in the 8th grade are invited to their IEP meetings. This is the time when the IEP team begins including additional goals and activities to support your child’s transition from high school into the adult world.
Portrait of teen
Category: STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, STUDENTS & YOUNG ADULTS
Statewide resources for students and young adults with disabilities and their families
Category: STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, STUDENTS & YOUNG ADULTS
This user-friendly booklet, developed for parents and caregivers, describes the key components of IDEA, including evaluations and eligibility, parent and student rights, behavior & discipline, transition planning, and dispute resolution options.
Category: SPECIAL EDUCATION, ADVOCACY RESOURCES, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, STUDENTS & YOUNG ADULTS
In 1995, the state’s school choice and charter school laws were enacted. Both are designed to give parents greater choice in determining where their child will attend school. Delaware is home to a variety of learning opportunities beyond your neighborhood school, including vocational high schools, magnet schools, themed schools, special interest programs within schools, and charter schools. This resource provides links information about school choice, charter schools and students with disabilities.
Category: STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12, SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW & REGULATIONS, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26
This comparison chart outlines the different dispute resolutions available under IDEA, (Individuals with Disabilites Education Act). This resource was developed by The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution (CADRE) with support of parent leaders nationwide.
Category: RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH THE SCHOOL/DISTRICT, RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
This user-friendly booklet, developed for parents and caregivers, describes the key components of IDEA, including evaluations and eligibility, parent and student rights, behavior & discipline, transition planning, and dispute resolution options.
Category: SPECIAL EDUCATION, ADVOCACY RESOURCES, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12, STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AGES 14-26, STUDENTS & YOUNG ADULTS
PRESENTER: Fran Fletcher, SPARC
The foundation of conflict resolution and positive communication between families and schools is respect and self-determination. Join us as Fran Fletcher from The Special Education Partnership for the Amicable Resolution of Conflict (SPARC) discusses conflicts that may come up, communication, and resolution.
Category: RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
A child who has been identified with a disability has protections under the federal law entitled the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This law ensures Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is provided. Understanding your rights as a parent is important in ensuring that your child is given the right instruction and supports to achieve success. This toolkit provides important links to laws, regulation, and guidance from the federal to state level.
PIC Fact Sheets
Part C to Part B http://www.pic2017.staging.wpengine.com/images/PDF/SpecialEd-Law-Toolkit/lawstoolkit.2.pdf
Section 504 http://www.pic2017.staging.wpengine.com/images/PDF/SpecialEd-Law-Toolkit/lawstoolkit.1.pdf
Due Process http://www.pic2017.staging.wpengine.com/images/PDF/SpecialEd-Law-Toolkit/lawstoolkit.3.pdf
Publications
Parents Are the Key http://www.pic2017.staging.wpengine.com/images/PDF/ParentsAreTheKey.pdf(Parent Information Center of Delaware)
Procedural Safeguard Forms http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/students_family/specialed/procsafe.shtml (Delaware Department of Education)
Please visit the Online Resource Center http://www.pic2017.staging.wpengine.com/information-resources/online-resource-center-mosets.html?view=home for more links to literacy and reading topics.
Category: FACT SHEETS, SPECIAL EDUCATION, RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS
This resource from SAMHSA provides tips for social distancing while maintaining balance and our emotional and mental health.
Category: TRAUMA RESOURCES, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
Portrait of young woman talking with someone using cell phone. Indoors
Mother talking with her daughter.
Category: TRAUMA RESOURCES
Includes a variety of resources for families, educators, professionals and communities serving and/or interacting with children
Category: TRAUMA RESOURCES
This resource, developed by the Massachusetts Advocates for Children in collaboration with Harvard Law School and The Task Force on Children Affected by Domestic Violence, includes research on the impact of trauma on learning in school, and includes policy recommendations that help create supportive environments to children and families impacted by trauma.
Category: TRAUMA RESOURCES
PRESENTER: Lydia C. DeBiase MSW, LCSW
Ms. DeBiase is an alumna of Widener University and a full time faculty member since 2013. She has worked in the field of child welfare for 17 years as a case worker, supervisor, and manager. Additionally, she has been an outpatient and drug and alcohol therapist and conducted forensic substance use assessments at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center.
The beginning of the year can be a wonderful time of growth and change for many people, but it also can be a time of stress and trauma.
What does stress and trauma do to the body? How can you be proactive if you know you are entering into a stressful time of year? What are some resources at home and in school for your children after experiencing trauma.
This webinar will explore the standard definitions of trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how they affect lifelong health, and how early childhood trauma impacts infant/child brain development.
TOPICS COVERED
Category: TRAUMA RESOURCES
Welcome to Delaware!
Here you will find general and special education information for military-connected families new to Delaware.
Category: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, RESOURCES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
A number of resources, publications, fact sheets and videos on education, transition, deployment and family separation, for military connected students and families.
Happy family posing together at park
happy american soldier reunited with family outside their home
Category: RESOURCES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
This fact sheet offers tips for families to help reduce some of the anxieties associated with transitioning to a new school.
Category: RESOURCES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
This fact sheet provides some answers to frequently ask questions about the special education evaluation process.
Category: FACT SHEETS, SPECIAL EDUCATION, INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD, SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW & REGULATIONS, FACT SHEETS
Early intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention focuses on helping eligible babies and toddlers learn the basic and brand-new skills that typically develop during the first three years of life, such as:
If an infant or toddler has a disability or a developmental delay in one or more of these developmental areas, that child will likely be eligible for early intervention services. Those services will be tailored to meet the child’s individual needs and may include:
Category: FACT SHEETS, INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD
The Backpack connection series was created to provide a way for teachers and parents/caregivers to work together to help young children develop social emotional skills and reduce challenging behavior. This resource is available on the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations website. https://challengingbehavior.cbcs.usf.edu/index.html
Category: INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD, EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION K-12
Infants and toddlers with disabilities, aged birth to three, may be eligible to receive early intervention supports and services to address their unique developmental needs. Their families can also receive early intervention supports and services so they can build their abilities to support their child’s development and advocate for services to meet their child’s unique needs.
Category: SPECIAL EDUCATION, INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD
This resource provides some insight on how to prevent and address bullying.
Category: BULLYING RESOURCES
This link will provide some additional resources about bullying.
Category: BULLYING RESOURCES
This resource includes tips and sample letter when notifying the school of bullying.
Category: BULLYING RESOURCES, BULLYING RESOURCES
This resource defines the different types of bullying and steps families can take when bullying occurs in school.
Category: BULLYING RESOURCES, BULLYING RESOURCES
Presentation by Debby Boyer of Centers for Disabilities Studies – University of Delaware on how social skills can be used to address bullying.
Category: BULLYING RESOURCES
This fact sheet provides information on the US Supreme Court Decision, in one the most important court decisions ever regarding special education.
Category: FACT SHEETS, ENDREW F CASE
Both the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Delaware State law require that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) be made available to all eligible children with disabilities. FAPE is an individualized program of special education and related services that are provided, at no cost to the parents, to a child with a disability according to that child’s IEP (individualized education program).
The IEP is the written “blueprint” for each child with a disability that includes detailed information about the special education and related services the child will receive, including:
In its 1982 Rowley decision, the United States Supreme Court decided that a child would receive FAPE if the child’s IEP was “reasonably calculated to enable the child to achieve educational benefits.” Since that time, many courts have interpreted the IDEA to require that this requirement is met if a child receives only more than “de minimis” (a little more than none) educational benefit.
In its March 2017 decision in the Endrew F case, the Supreme Court went much further. The Court stated that, “a student offered an educational program providing merely more than “de minimis” progress from year to year can hardly be said to have been offered an education at all. The IDEA demands more.” The Court’s decision means that the educational program for each child with a disability must be appropriately ambitious in light of his or her circumstances and every child should have the chance to meet challenging objectives.
In developing a child’s IEP, the IEP team must consider what services and opportunities the child has been provided in the past, what progress the child has made in the past, and what changes are needed in services and learning opportunities offered to the child. This requirement must be read in light of the IDEA’s requirement that the IEP must address how the child will be involved and progress in the general education curriculum.
PIC Presentation – United States Supreme Court Decision – Endrew F
Survey for Endrew F presentation – Please complete after viewing the webinar.
Category: ENDREW F CASE
The Parent Information Center of Delaware is committed to providing access to our web pages for individuals with disabilities. The content of this site has been tested for usability and accessibility using a combination of standards-based, automated procedures and accepted heuristic methods. We make every effort to comply with the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Compliance is an ongoing process and we encourage notification when information on our website is inaccessible. If for any reason you are having difficulty accessing any of our resources please call us at (302) 999-7394 or email us at picofdel@picofdel.org.