The California Department of Education's vision of "one coherent system of education" emphasizes the comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This comprehensive framework is designed to address the diverse academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of every student with and without a disability.

Prior to making a referral for a special education, it is important to consider the student’s background and/or experiences that may influence their performance beyond that of a disability.

Explore the history of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the growing support to states and localities in protecting the rights of infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families.

Learn more about the concepts of FAPE, LRE and educational benefit - all of which are central to IDEA.

Following federal law, learn about the specific elements required in the IEP.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines the required members of the IEP team.

In support of our families and fellow educators, It is important that we are familiar with procedural safeguards and stand ready and willing to answer questions regarding them as needed.

Special Education Timeline Resource

The breaking down of barriers in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process starts with teamwork and shared understanding. This resource aims to enhance collaboration within the IEP process by helping educators and families identify and address common barriers.

Discover the essence of true engagement and learn how to foster meaningful participation with families and students, enriching their involvement throughout the IEP journey.

This module addresses the importance of engaging the families of students with disabilities in their child’s education. It highlights some of the key factors that affect these families and outlines some practical ways to build relationships and create opportunities for involvement (est. completion time: 1 hour).

Family Empowerment Centers (FECs) provide training and information to families of children and young adults with disabilities, between the ages of 3 and 22 in California. These nonprofit organizations offer specialized training, peer-to-peer support, information and referral services. They aim to assist parents to better understand their child’s educational and developmental needs, effectively communicate with service providers, serve as a resource for the IEP process, participate in school reform and improvement activities, promote alternative dispute resolution, and support positive relationships between parents and professionals.

We invite you to walk through the following activities to strengthen your sense of self-awareness and deepen your understanding of how you present yourself as an educator and how you perceive others. This understanding is essential for meeting the human needs of our students, staff, and families, ultimately fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

This educator resource supports meaningful conversations about disability, empathy, and inclusion in elementary classrooms. It offers practical discussion prompts, sample responses to common student questions, inclusive teaching practices grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and curated book lists for students and teachers. Curious Minds, Kind Hearts helps educators build a classroom culture where differences are understood, respected, and celebrated—because everyone deserves to belong.

This guide helps educators create thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations about disability, access, and inclusion with middle school students. It includes key discussion prompts, inclusive teaching practices grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and curated book lists for both students and educators. Curious Minds, Kind Hearts empowers teachers to challenge stereotypes, normalize disability as part of human diversity, and foster classrooms where all students feel seen, valued, and included.

This resource supports high school educators in fostering open, respectful conversations about disability as a vital part of human diversity and social justice. It offers guidance, discussion prompts, and inclusive practices to help students recognize ableism, build empathy, and advocate for access and belonging in their school community. The resource also provides curated books, media, and tools to deepen understanding and elevate the voices and leadership of people with disabilities.

General education teachers play a key role in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, offering essential insight into how a student learns and participates in the classroom, and helping to ensure the IEP is both practical and inclusive within the general education setting.