Clear answers for the road ahead
Plain-language guides, real preparation, and honest stories — written for parents fighting for their child's plan, not for lawyers.
Know your rights
Know your rightsFive Parent Rights That Change the Whole Conversation
You hold more power in the special education process than most parents realize. These five rights, used calmly and in writing, level the table.
Know your rightsCompensatory Education: Making Up the Services Your Child Missed
When a school fails to deliver the services in the IEP, your child may be owed make-up support called compensatory education. Here's what it is and how to raise it calmly.
Know your rightsIEP and Private School: What Services Your Child Can Still Get
If you place your child in private school, special education doesn't simply disappear — but it does change. Here's an honest look at IEP services and private school.
Know your rightsParental Consent in Special Education: When It's Required and What It Means
Parental consent is the hinge the special education process turns on — required at key moments, always voluntary, and revocable. Here's what parental consent in special education really controls.
Know your rightsHow to Request an IEP Evaluation (and What to Put in the Letter)
Everything starts with a written request. Here's how to ask the school to evaluate your child — and exactly what your letter should say.
Know your rightsChild Find: The School's Duty to Look for Kids Who Need Help
Child Find is a duty most parents have never heard of: schools must actively identify and evaluate children with suspected disabilities. Here's what child find in special education means for you.
Know your rightsIndependent Educational Evaluation (IEE): Your Right to a Second Opinion
If you disagree with the school's testing, you may have the right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense. Here's what that means and how to ask for one.
Know your rightsManifestation Determination: Your Child's Protection Against Unfair Discipline
When a student with an IEP faces a long removal for behavior, the school must hold a manifestation determination meeting first. Here's what it asks, and why it protects your child.
Know your rightsWhat to Do When the School Isn't Following the IEP
The plan is signed, but the services aren't happening. Here's a calm, step-by-step way to get your child's IEP back on track.
Know your rightsWhat to Do When the School Refuses to Evaluate Your Child
When a school refuses to evaluate your child, that 'no' isn't the end — it triggers rights and written explanations. Here are your options when the school refuses to evaluate.
Know your rightsStay Put: The Right That Keeps Your Child's Placement During a Dispute
If you formally challenge a change to your child's IEP, a rule called "stay put" keeps them in their current placement while the dispute plays out. Here's what stay put in special education does and doesn't cover.
Know your rightsCan the School Hold an IEP Meeting Without the Parent?
Can a school hold an IEP meeting without the parent there? Only in narrow circumstances, and only after real effort to include you. Here's what the law requires — and your rights.
Know your rightsDue Process vs. Mediation vs. State Complaint in Special Education
When talking it out isn't enough, special education gives you three formal paths. Here's due process vs. mediation vs. a state complaint — what each is, and when each one fits.
Know your rightsPrior Written Notice: The Right Most Parents Have Never Heard Of
When the school decides something about your child, it has to tell you in writing — what, why, and what it considered. Here's how to use that right.
Know your rightsWhat to Do When You Disagree With the IEP
You don't have to sign an IEP you disagree with, and you have more options than "accept it" or "go to court." Here's the calm ladder of steps to take when you disagree with the IEP.
Know your rightsYou Can Request an IEP Meeting Any Time — Not Just Once a Year
The annual review isn't your only chance. As a parent you can request an IEP meeting any time the plan stops working — here's how to ask, in writing.
You've got this. We've got you.
IEP Path decodes your child's plan, flags what's weak, and drafts the letters you need — so you walk into every meeting prepared.