Special Education Resources for Families and Those Who Support Them

Introducing the latest versions of our Parent’s Guide to Special Education! These comprehensive guides are designed to arm parents with key information, guiding you from initial identification and qualification through to program exit. Inside, you’ll find resources like a 504 Plan Request Template, a Teacher Conference Guide, and practical forms for creating SMART IEP goals, tracking progress, and documenting what’s working at home. We’ve included checklists for Annual Plan Reviews, strategies for collecting work samples, and questions to ask before important meetings so you can walk in feeling prepared and confident. 

Each regional guide (Fresno | Oakland | West Contra Costa) combines this universal content with local resources and contacts so you know exactly where to turn in your home community.

Fresno: English | Spanish

Oakland: English | Spanish

WCC: English | Spanish

If you work with families, as an educator, social worker, therapist, or community advocate, this guide can help you connect them to the right resources faster and give them practical steps to take along the journey.

Build Your Leadership with Other Special Education Families!

At GO Public Schools, we believe change begins when families lead. Starting next month we will be offering a 6-session virtual program designed to empower Special Education Families. We’ll explore what’s possible when families come together to learn, connect, and organize for equity. Together we’ll:

  • Examine Special Education student outcomes and data.
  • Learn how school and SELPA governance systems impact opportunities for Special Education students and families. 
  • Strengthen our individual and collective advocacy and leadership. 
  • Build a community rooted in shared purpose and power.

Also coming up: On October 7, join us for Your Voice at the Table: Family-Led Conferences for Literacy Success, a workshop to help families prepare for conversations about their child’s reading and create a clear action plan with their teacher. 

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