| Would you like to learn about 3 important | | | | help you learn how toadvocate effectively for |
| areas where you needknowledge, to effectively | | | | your child. An organization that gives |
| advocate for your child? Would you | | | | lotsof helpful information is the National |
| likeresources to find more information on | | | | Information Center for Childrenand Youth with |
| these areas? If you are theparent of a child | | | | Disabilities (NICHCY); they can be found at |
| with a disability, you need to have | | | | |
| information inthree different areas to help | | | | Area 3: You must have knowledge about case |
| your child receive an appropriateeducation. | | | | law in special educationthat affects your |
| This article will discuss these three areas, | | | | child. For Example: if you child has |
| as well asgive you easy to use resources. | | | | behavioralissues, you should learn what |
| | | | rulings have already been made in thisarea. |
| Area 1: You must know the educational laws | | | | Case law means due process rulings, court |
| that affect your child'seducation. The laws | | | | rulings from State and |
| are: The Individuals with Disabilities | | | | |
| Education | | | | Federal court, and Supreme Court cases. A |
| | | | wonderful organization thatyou should join is |
| Act (IDEA) which is the federal law governing | | | | the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates |
| education for childrenwith a disability, your | | | | |
| states law that must comply with the | | | | (COPAA). There is a small membership fee, but |
| federallaw IDEA, and No Child Left Behind | | | | it is worth it. COPAAcan be found at COPAA |
| act. IDEA can be downloaded at or can be | | | | has a membership area where youcan find Case |
| purchased on The Webaddress for your states | | | | law, in the area that you are interested in. |
| board of education can be found at The Web | | | | |
| address should allow you to download | | | | By learning these three areas, you will well |
| theregulations, or you can find the address | | | | be on your way to beingan effective advocate |
| and phone number. Informationon No Child Left | | | | for your child. It will take you time to |
| Behind can be found at | | | | learnabout these three areas, but it will be |
| | | | worth it! Remember: Yourchild's life is at |
| Area 2: You must learn advocacy skills to | | | | stake! |