Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities

Overview

This page provides access to resources for families and caregivers of children with disabilities, as they support their children.

Disclaimer

The below resources are offered for consideration.  This list is not comprehensive of all possible resources. The listed resources are provided for information only. The Colorado Department of Education does not endorse, represent, or warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information, content, services, or other materials provided by these educational service providers. Any reliance upon any information, content, materials, products, services, or vendors included on or found through this listing shall be at the discretion of the user.

Helping your Student at Home

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Special Education Process

Parent/Family FAQ's

The Parent and Family Frequently Asked Questions is a guide for Parents and Family Members of Students on IEPs. 

Special Education Facilitation Meeting

The CDE continues to offer IEP Facilitation during this time.  During COVID-19 we have moved our facilitation services online using a tele-facilitation model. This model continues to encourage the same principles of traditional IEP Facilitation to promote effective communication and assist an IEP team in developing an IEP based on the student’s needs. During this time our neutral facilitators are using a tele-facilitation approach using meeting guidelines and a variety of communication strategies throughout a meeting.

If you are interested in obtaining a facilitator for your virtual IEP meeting, please complete the Special Education Facilitation request form. After gaining agreement from the other party, a facilitator will be in touch to develop an agenda.  

Clear communication is essential within every IEP meeting.  Strategies and tools help us work with teams, especially when talking about a child.  

• Paraphrase, Mirror, and Reframe - These strategies are helpful in ensuring we understand what everyone at the table is saying. 
• Effective Questions - These questioning techniques are helpful in ensuring we have enough information to make decisions.  We start with open-ended questions when needing more information, then move towards problem-solving questions when needing solutions.  Asking questions is an excellent way to gain information, as well as for preventing defensiveness.
• Parent Input - Make notes regarding your child’s strengths, behavioral performance, social interaction, and concerns you may have regarding your child’s education.  Share from this form during your child’s IEP meeting. Perhaps, utilize a parent input form (opens in a new window). 

Visit the Alternative Dispute Resolution and Tele-Facilitation & ADR pages for more information. 

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Questions about Special Education or the Special Education process, please contact:

Beth Donahue
Family Engagement Specialist
Phone:  720-926-1453
Email: Parents_ESSUquestions@cde.state.co.us