Resources
Quick Reference
| Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Free advocate consultation | CASE: (415) 431-2285 |
| Help understanding rights | Parents Helping Parents: (408) 727-5775 |
| Phone support (English/Spanish/Vietnamese) | SCCOE Warm Line: (408) 453-6651 |
| Legal advocacy | Disability Rights CA: (800) 776-5746 |
| Questions about complaints | CDE Helpline: (800) 926-0648 |
| Behavior documentation | Vanderbilt ABC Chart (PDF) |
| IEP guide with sample letters | NAA IEP Toolkit (PDF) |
Free Advocacy
CASE (Community Alliance for Special Education)
Free 45-minute consultations. 40+ years serving the Bay Area.
Disability Rights California
Statewide legal advocacy. Their SERR manual is a comprehensive guide to California special education law.
Parents Helping Parents (San Jose)
1400 Parkmoor Ave, Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95126
Serves Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.
SCCOE Innovations Collaborative Warm Line
Free phone support in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Filing a Complaint
CDE Complaint Support Helpline (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm)
Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.
Mediation / Due Process
Office of Administrative Hearings
Due process complaints must be filed within two years of the alleged violation.
Free/reduced-cost advocates: OAH maintains a list of self-certified advocates at dgs.ca.gov advocate list.
Behavior Documentation
ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) logs help you document patterns and build your case for services. Keep logs simple — you're more likely to use them consistently.
Recommended: Vanderbilt Kennedy Center ABC Chart — Fillable PDF with completed example. Includes column for pre-existing conditions (sleep, health, stress).
Alternative templates:
- PBIS Vermont — Simple one-page format
- Surrey Place / IDD Toolkit — Another fillable option with example
- Louisiana OCDD — Bare minimum one-pager
Daily communication logs: A Day in Our Shoes has 20 free templates, plus advice on getting logs written into the IEP. Tip: checkboxes and low/med/high scales get completed more consistently than open-ended narrative fields.
Key Laws Explained
These are the federal and California laws that protect your child's rights. You don't need to memorize them—just know they exist and can be referenced.
Federal Law (IDEA)
Child Find — Schools must identify and evaluate all children who may have disabilities, even if they're passing classes. You don't need to wait for the school to notice a problem. CPIR: 10 Basic Steps →
34 CFR § 300.304(c)(4) — Assessment in All Areas — Your child must be assessed in all areas of suspected disability, not just the ones the school chooses. Full text →
34 CFR § 300.321 — Who Can Attend IEP Meetings — You can bring anyone with "knowledge or special expertise" about your child. You decide who qualifies, not the school. Full text →
34 CFR § 300.324 — Behavior Supports — If your child's behavior affects their learning (or others'), the IEP team must consider positive behavior supports. This is the basis for requesting an FBA. Full text →
34 CFR § 300.39 — Specially Designed Instruction — Special education means instruction that's adapted for your child's unique needs—not just classroom accommodations. This is the key difference between an IEP and a 504 plan. Full text →
34 CFR § 300.503 — Prior Written Notice — When the school refuses something you request (or proposes something you didn't), they must explain why in writing. Always ask for this. CPIR explanation →
California Law
CA Education Code § 56321(a) — Parent Referral — You can request an evaluation in writing at any time. The school must respond with an assessment plan within 15 calendar days. DREDF sample letter →
CA Education Code § 56341.1 — Recording IEP Meetings — You can audio record IEP meetings with 24 hours written notice. The school can also record if they give you notice. SERR Manual →
CA Education Code § 56504 — Records Access — You can request copies of all your child's educational records. California requires delivery within 5 business days. SERR Manual →
Key Interpretation
"Educational Performance" Is Broader Than Grades — IDEA's definition of autism includes impacts on "verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction." Courts and agencies have ruled that educational performance includes social skills, communication, and behavior—not just academics. A child doesn't need to be failing to qualify. ASHA guidance →
External Resources
Special Education Law
- Wrightslaw — Comprehensive special education law and advocacy information
- SERR Manual — California special education rights and responsibilities
- CDE Special Education — California Department of Education resources
Parent-Friendly Guides
- Understood.org — Accessible explanations of learning differences and special education
- CPIR — Center for Parent Information and Resources
Autism-Affirming Resources
- ASAN — Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- Therapist Neurodiversity Collective — Neurodiversity-affirming practices
Research
- Research Sources — Studies informing the recommendations on this site