Guides
Guides for New Jersey families
Organized by topic, not by date. Every guide includes questions to ask and a clear next step.
School & IEP
Special education processes, plans and meetings.
Topics: Evaluations • IEPs • 504 Plans • Child Study Teams • IEP Meetings • Special Education
- IEP MeetingsPreparing for an IEP Meeting in New JerseyHow to prepare for an IEP meeting in New Jersey: what to review, checklists, questions to ask, and what to do afterward.Open
- 504 PlansUnderstanding the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 PlanA plain-language comparison of an IEP and a 504 plan in New Jersey: the laws, eligibility, what each includes, goals and review.Open
- Special EducationI Think My Child Needs Help at School — Where Do I Start?First steps for New Jersey families when a child is struggling academically, behaviorally, socially or developmentally at school.Open
- EvaluationsHow to Request a Special Education Evaluation in NJHow New Jersey families put a special education evaluation request in writing, including a sample letter and what happens next.Open
- IEPsIEP Basics: What Is Actually in an IEP?A plain-language walk through the parts of an IEP and how to read your child's plan without getting lost.Open
- Child Study TeamsWhat Is a Child Study Team?Who is on a New Jersey child study team, what they do, and how to work with your child's case manager.Open
- Special EducationWhat to Do When You Disagree With the SchoolInformal and formal options New Jersey families have when they disagree with a school decision, and where to get free help.Open
- Special EducationBehavior Supports at School in New JerseyHow families ask schools to look at behavior systematically, including functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans.Open