Finding the right support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are not sure where to begin. This page brings together resources that can help families learn about services, understand special education, connect with other parents, and find support for their child.
Know Your Resources
When our son, Robbie was a baby, I began expressing concerns about his hearing at just four months old, but we were repeatedly told to wait. It wasn’t until we learned about our local Child Find program in Iowa that he was tested and, at 15 months, we discovered he could not hear. He eventually caught up with years of speech therapy, but that experience taught me how important it is for families to know what resources are available and to keep asking questions when they have concerns.
Learn the Signs and Act Early
Start with Your Child’s School or District
Begin with your child’s teacher, ESE team, or school counselor. They can connect you with evaluations, IEP services, and local support. You can search online to find your school district website and parent resources. Here is the link for Nassau County, Florida, but every state has online resources for parents and children.
Developmental Screenings & Child Find
If you suspect your child has a delay, free developmental evaluations are available without a doctor’s referral or insurance.
For Information on Child Find in Fl →
State Departments of Special Education
Each State Department of Education has resources for parents navigating special education, IEPs, and student rights. You can search your state and department of special education to find resources for your area.