UT-UCS encourages parents to participate in ARD meetings, ask questions, and work closely with their child’s teacher and school staff. Do to the nature of some of our school settings, out of town / state parents often participate in ARD meetings by phone or during scheduled visits. A student support team on each campus meets to consider options when a student is struggling either behaviorally or academically. Please contact your child’s school if you have a concern.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) Office of Legal Services and Division of Federal and State Education Policy recently revised the Special Education Dispute Resolution Systems Handbook. The handbook is designed to assist parents, school districts, and other interested parties in understanding and  utilizing the available   dispute resolution processes. It is available at  Office of Legal Services.

TEA also routinely  provides copies to parents who have filed due process hearing requests, as well
as to anyone who may find the handbook useful.

The Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Process is a template in an electronic format that summarizes state and federal requirements for special education by topic. Parents and schools may use the Legal Framework as a reference in managing the special education system’s procedures and records to ensure accountability that each student is provided the benefits of a free appropriate public education and that relevant special education data is accessible and used in managing system change for continuous student performance and program improvement. The Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Process is a Texas education Agency project under the state leadership of Region 18 Education Service Center with the support and staff participation from each of the other regional ESCs.

The Notice of Procedural Safeguards: Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities explains the specific rights and responsibilities of the parent in the special education process. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004 (IDEA 2004) requires school districts to give parents the Procedural Safeguards only one time a year, except upon: initial referral or on request for evaluation; the first occurrence of the filing of a due process hearing complaint; or upon request by a parent. It is available in both English and Spanish and can also be downloaded from our site – see bottom of page.

The purpose of this guidance is to assist educators, parents, and state and local educational agencies in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children and disabilities, including preschool-aged children. This guide does not address the development of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) for infants and toddlers.

Texas Education Parent Information Line – 1-800-252-9668 (toll free)

This toll free message line is reserved for parents and other family members who have questions about student or parent rights and regulatory requirements as they relate to special education complaint investigations, medications, and due process hearings. Calls are returned by trained professional during normal business hours.

Texas Project FIRST –

Texas Project FIRST (Families Information Resources Support and Training) is a project of the Texas Education Agency and is committed to providing accurate and consistent information to parents and families of students with disabilities.

The Partners Resource Network –

Family to Family Network offers families of children with disabilities the opportunity to network with other families in order to learn from and help one another. By working together, we can create communities where ALL children belong and excel.

Texas Parent to Parent –

Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is committed to improving the lives of Texas children who have disabilities, chronic illness, and/or special health care needs. TxP2P empowers families to be strong advocates through parent-to-parent support, resource referral, and education. In addition, TxP2P educates professionals about the unique needs of our children with the goal of improving care and opportunities for our children. Lastly, TxP2P is dedicated to championing the efforts of a diverse set of parent support groups and advocacy on behalf of our children’s well-being. The heart of TxP2P is the parent-to-parent peer support model–parents volunteering to provide support and information to other parents. The parent-to-parent model has been developed by and for parents to address the powerful emotions, new responsibilities, stress and isolation that parents and families face in caring for a child with special health care needs. Parent-to-parent support sustains parents as they develop the skills to manage the new demands on their families and themselves and to advocate effectively for their children. TxP2P also provides an on-line Resource Directory organized by counties.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities –

NICHCY offers a wealth of information on disabilities. They serve the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Here, you’ll also find easy-to-read information on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education. Their State Resource Sheets will help you connect with the disability agencies and organizations in your state.

Pat Alvarez is the Regional Coordinator for The PATH Project in our Region.

Pat Alvarez

512-944-2104