Special Education Information and Advocacy Resources
Enhance Learning
At STAR NET, we believe that access to high-quality resources empowers educators, caregivers, and families to support young children in reaching their fullest potential. Search our Recommended Resources for more.
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
The state office for providing information to parents and professionals regarding the provision of education to all children in Illinois.
Illinois State Board of Education-Special Education Services Department
Information about special education programming and services in Illinois.
Illinois State Board of Education-Special Education Services Department
The Illinois State Board of Education partners with school districts to provide programs and services for students with specialized educational needs. Special Education Services assures that these programs and services meet state and federal requirements. This involves both compliance and technical assistance functions. Compliance functions include monitoring least restrictive environment compliance, administering due process system, providing mediation services, conducting complaint investigations, approving policies and procedures, conducting focused and comprehensive reviews and approving nonpublic special education facilities. Technical assistance functions involve providing information and guidance on promising practices in educating students with disabilities, including the operation of numerous statewide training and technical assistance initiatives, administering the comprehensive system of personnel development for special education and management of grant programs to schools for special education service delivery.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts.
Paula Kluth’s Inclusion Rules
The purpose of this site is to promote inclusive schooling, and offer many ideas and content that is thought-provoking and helpful for self-advocate/advocates, educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and parents, working hard to create classrooms for all.
The Parent Guide- Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois
This guide is written for parents of children who receive or are suspected of needing special education and related services, teachers, education administrators and professionals, and service providers. Special education and related services are supports and services provided to children with disabilities. Certain procedures must be followed to determine if a child is eligible to receive special education services. Those procedures are written in federal and state laws. Special education laws and procedures can be complicated. This guide explains the requirements in a way that relates to all groups—parents, school professionals, and others.
Searchable online by chapter. Available in English and Spanish
Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Education
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) website provides information and resources on this transition from early intervention services to early childhood education. ISBE transition information is found on their website under Indicator 12-Early Childhood Transition. Resources for families and professionals can be found on this page. All children who have been receiving services through Early Intervention and referred to an Local Education Agency (school district) for Early Childhood Special Education must have eligibility for services determined by their third birthday, and if found eligible, have an Individualized Education Program developed to provide special education services by their third birthday.
Wrights Law
Peter Wright, Esq. special education attorney provides easy to understand information on the federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004, (IDEA ) which governs both early intervention and special education services. Wright’s law is a great resource for parents and professionals who want to better understand the law behind special education services and what it means for their child. Wright’s law also offers a free e-newsletter. Also in Spanish