There are a variety of resources available for children with special needs to include chronic health issues or disabilities. The following resources assist parents in making informed decisions by giving them ideas and options.
- Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) — connects parents to their state’s resource centers so that parents can find local information about disabilities, early intervention (for babies and toddlers), school services (for school-aged children), therapy, policies and transportation
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Head Start Center for Inclusion — provides resources for families of young children with disabilities participating in Head Start and Early Head Start
- 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
- Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) Provider Resources — connects parents with community resources and support for children with special health care needs
- Navigate Life Texas — resources for kids with disabilities and special health care needs
- 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
- Special Education in Texas A-Z Index — a list provided by Texas Education Agency
- SpecialQuest — provides free training sessions to help support families’ need for high-quality inclusion
- STAR Kids – health insurance for children with disabilities, special needs or chronic conditions who are age 20 or younger
- 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
- Texas Parent to Parent — En Español— provides support and information for families and children with disabilities, chronic illness and other special needs
- Texas Project First – information, resources, support, and training to parents and families of students with disabilities
- Understanding Child Development and Developmental Screening — resources (including videos) for parents highlighting developmental milestones, developmental screening, and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services available to families of young children