By Lawrence Siegel

The Individualized Education Program, or IEP, determines the nuts and bolts of your child's special education. But it's easy to get lost in the paperwork and bureaucracy.

This book is your map through the IEP process. It provides all the instructions, suggestions, strategies, resources and forms you need to proceed from when you first suspect a problem to when your child completes school. You'll learn to:

• understand special education law
  
• untangle eligibility rules and the role of assessments
  
• collect all school records
  
• become an expert on your child's educational needs
  
• pinpoint specific goals in school
  
• develop a clear blueprint of program and services
  
• research school programs and alternatives
  
• prepare for IEP meetings
  
• resolve disputes with your school district

1. Introduction to Special Education
   
2. Overview of the IEP and Special Education Law
   
3. Getting Started: Tips for All Parents
   
4. Getting Organized
   
5. Developing Your Child's IEP Blueprint
   
6. Evaluations
   
7. Who Is Eligible for Special Education?
   
8. Exploring Your Options and Making Your Case
   
9. Writing Goals
   
10. Preparing for the IEP Meeting
    
11. Attending the IEP Meeting
    
12. Resolving IEP Disputes Through Due Process
    
13. Filing a Complaint for a Legal Violation
    
14. Lawyers and Legal Research
    
15. Parent Organizations and Special Education