There are a variety of resources available for families of children with special needs, including those with chronic health issues or disabilities. The following resources can assist parents in making informed decisions by giving them ideas and options.
Services for Children
- Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services for children ages birth-3 years — provides evaluations, at no cost to families, to determine eligibility and the need for services
- Texas Education Agency (TEA) Services for children ages 3-5 years — eligible children with disabilities ages 3-5 may receive special education and related services provided by the school district
Support for Parents
- Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) — connects parents to their state’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRC) who work with families of children birth to 26, help parents participate effectively in their child’s education and development, and partner with professionals and policy makers to improve outcomes for all children with disabilities.
- Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) – ECTA offers resources for families and child care programs who are seeking support and guidance to ensure the best, most positive incomes possible for children in their lives who have, or are at-risk for, developmental delays or disabilities across a variety of early childhood settings. Spanish guides are available.
- Navigate Life Texas — resources and support for families raising children with disabilities.
- Parent Companion — En Español— a guide for Texas parents and caregivers of children with diagnosed or suspected disabilities from birth through 5 years of age.
- Texas Parent to Parent — En Español— provides support and information for families and children with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions, and other health care needs.
- Understanding Developmental Screening & Early Intervention — resources (including videos) for parents highlighting developmental milestones, developmental screening, and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services available to families of young children.
Early Childhood Inclusion
- Commonly asked questions about childcare and the Americans with Disabilities Act — U.S. Department of Justice answers the most frequently asked questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act in regard to child care centers
- Head Start Center for Inclusion — provides resources for families of young children with disabilities participating in Head Start and Early Head Start
- SpecialQuest — provides free training sessions to help support families’ need for high-quality inclusion
Special Education
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) — the collection of federal regulations for special education that ensures a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities that attend public schools
- Texas Project First – information, resources, support, and training to parents and families of students with disabilities
- Special Education in Texas A-Z Index — a list provided by Texas Education Agency
Children with Special Health Care Needs
- Cerebral Palsy Guidance – comprehensive informational website on cerebral palsy
- Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Services Program — connects parents with community resources and support for children with special health care needs
- Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) Provider Resources — connects parents with community resources and support for children with special health care needs
- STAR Kids – health insurance for children with disabilities, special needs or chronic conditions who are age 20 or younger