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