Tools and Information

Los niños se benefician cuando los adultos que forman parte de sus vidas son capaces de observar y describir la mejor parte de ellos o de apreciar lo que es fundamental en su persona.

La primera experiencia escolar de un niño es una ocasión monumental tanto para la familia como para el niño. Uno puede preguntarse: “¿Está mi hijo listo para la escuela?” y, “¿Está la escuela lista para mi hijo?” Si bien no existe una fórmula única para garantizar la “preparación” escolar, existen muchas oportunidades para que las familias y los cuidadores promuevan y apoyen el desarrollo y el aprendizaje de un niño antes de ingresar al jardín de infantes.

La Administración de Servicios es una opción. Si Usted opta por la Administración de Servicios , tendrá un equipo de Administración de Servicios que le ayudará a planificar su atención médica y coordinar los servicios de apoyo que Usted necesita.

El propósito de esta guía de discusión es ayudar a los equipos del IEP (plan educativo individualizado) a tomar decisiones informadas sobre si los servicios de un interventor son apropiados para un estudiante en particular.

Medicaid waivers “waive” certain federal Medicaid requirements, such as income requirements, to allow for people with qualifying disabilities to have access to specialized services and supports that are covered by Medicaid.

NC Medicaid’s new “1915(i) services” help you live more independently in your home and community, and give your caregivers the support they need. These services are for people with serious mental illness, severe substance use disorders, traumatic brain injuries or intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Section 504 is a federal civil rights law, banning disability discrimination in all programs that get federal funding.

Resource document by the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities that provides special education basics, tips for letter writing and sample letters to help parent's better communicate with their child's school.

The focus of this Parent Guide from Children’s Law Clinic -Duke Law School, is the federal special education law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that promises each child with a disability a “free, appropriate, public education.”

Before developing IEPs, all IEP team members, including parents, should become familiar with the general education curriculum, including the state’s academic content standards and the state testing program. In order to make informed decisions about appropriate annual goals, supports and special education needs, the IEP team should consider how your child is performing as compared to the state’s academic content standards for the grade that your child is in.

Family members of children who have received residential services helped prepare this Family Tip Sheet so that you and others can benefit from their experience. Please use this Family Tip Sheet to help you (1) think about what is most important to you and to your child and (2) decide which questions you might want to ask when considering a residential program for your child.

Family members of children who have received residential services helped prepare this Family Tip Sheet so that you and others can benefit from their experience. Please use this Family Tip Sheet to help you (1) think about what is most important to you and to your child and (2) decide which questions you might want to ask when considering a residential program for your child.

About ECAC - What We Believe and What we Do and Do Not Do

Note the student’s response to transition between activities. Is s/he disoriented, distracted, or overwhelmed visually or auditorally when moving or preparing for new activity? Is s/he agitated or anxious during the change? If so, consider these questions in addressing this difficulty.

This form must be completed to be considered for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students who are not already served by NCDVR with an approved Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

ECAC is excited to offer our ACHIEVE Transition Program: Advancing Confidence, Higher Independence, Employment and Vocational Education. (Formerly known as the STAR program, we have introduced a new name and look for the 2024-2025 school year!)

ACHIEVE is a statewide, virtual Pre-ETS program designed for students with disabilities, ages 14 to 21. This program is available to those enrolled in an educational program who are eligible or potentially eligible for EIPD services and have a recognized need for Pre-Employment Transition Services. ACHIEVE is accessible to students in various educational settings, including those who are homeschooled, or enrolled in traditional public schools, charter schools, virtual schools, private schools, early college programs, vocational schools, college courses, or training programs. The ACHIEVE Transition Program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for successful transitions from school to work and into adult life.

This form must be completed to be considered for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). The information is used to verify whether the individual named here is a student with a disability who qualifies for Pre-ETS.

Adaptations and modifications that can be used in the general curriculum, including volume of work, time, support, difficulty, participation, and more.

Guide for actions regarding volume of work, time, support, difficulty, participation

The Air Force Assistance Fund provides support to Air Force families in need (active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and dependents, including surviving spouses). They can help with emergency needs, educational assistanceand family support...and provide comfort and dignity to Air Force and Space Force widows and widowers.

Good special education services are intensive and expensive. Resources are limited. If you have a child with special needs, you will likely need to utilize...

The purpose of this discussion guide is to help IEP teams make informed decisions about whether intervener services are appropriate for a particular student.

Army Emergency Relief provides assistance to soldiers for costs associated with home school and remote education.

It’s so exciting to be getting ready to bring your new baby home. You’ve been planning for this day and it’s finally here! It may be different than you expected; you may feel worried, a little nervous, or even a little scared. That’s totally natural. Almost every new parent feels like this! We realize you may have a few more things to consider. Here’s a list of questions and resources to help you get organized and feel more comfortable and confident as you head home.

In order to apply for the CAP/C Waiver, view this checklist for step-by-step instructions from Advocates for Medically Fragile Kids NC

A fillable tool for organizing a child's health care information.

Una Herramienta para Organizar la Información de Salud de un Niño

Además de ayudar a las familias a comprender el sistema de educación especial, también nos especializamos en ayudar a las familias a orientarse dentro del sistema de salud de Carolina del Norte.

When making choices or setting goals, it can be helpful to know whom you can count on. Different people maybe helpful in different situations. Use this worksheet to write down the names of people who you know that you can ask for support or help.

Como padre, usted es quien mejor conoce a su hijo. Si tiene alguna inquietud o preocupación sobre cómo se mueve, actúa, habla, juega o sobre su desarrollo en general, es importante que comparta esta información con el pediatra.

Los bebés y niños pequeños con discapacidades o atrasos en el desarrollo que reciben servicios de intervención temprana tienden a desarrollarse y aprender mejor que aquellos que no los reciben.

El compromiso familiar se trata de que las familias, las escuelas y los socios comunitarios trabajen juntos para apoyar y fomentar el aprendizaje, el desarrollo y la salud de los niños. Esto ocurre en muchos lugares, incluyendo el hogar, la escuela y durante otras actividades comunitarias.

You know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you, your child’s teacher, or another care provider is concerned about how your child plays...

Al igual que todos los estudiantes, los niños que viven con discapacidades necesitan aprender diferentes tipos de habilidades en la escuela

A compilation of Current Opportunities in North Carolina to Tell Your Story, Use Your Voice and/or Participate in Leadership Activities

A person who is deaf-blind has a unique experience of the world. For people who can see and hear, the world extends outward as far as his or her eyes and ears can reach. For the young child...

DeafBlind Intervener Technical Assistance Package. What is an Intervener and is one right for your student?

La ley IDEA exige que las escuelas entreguen a los padres de un alumno con discapacidad un aviso que incluya una explicación detallada de las Salvaguardias procesales (derechos legales) disponibles en virtud de la IDEA y de las regulaciones federales complementarias. Es fundamental que los padres de familia comprendan tanto sus derechos como sus responsabilidades en el proceso de educación especial.

If you have any worries or concerns about how your child moves, acts, speaks, plays, or their overall development, it’s important to share this information with your child’s doctor.

Think of all the skills that children have to learn when they come into the world. We expect these skills to emerge naturally over time and know more or less when they should...

Learn the signs of your child’s development and act early if you ever have a concern. To complete a milestone checklist, download CDC’s FREE Milestone Tracker app or visit cdc.gov/Milestones, and talk to your child’s doctor at every well-child...

When there is an unresolved disagreement over identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child with a disability or the provision of free appropriate public education, families have informal and formal options for dispute resolution. This brochure provides information on IEP Facilitation, mediation, formal written complaint, and due process hearings,

The consultants for dispute resolution (disagreements) work with parents, traditional local educational agencies, charter schools, state operated programs and other individuals to resolve disputes. They provide information about facilitated IEP meetings, mediation, formal written complaints and due process hearings. They also investigate formal written complaints.

Para jóvenes con discapacidad documentada, la Division de Servicios para Personas Ciegas (DSB) ofrece una variedad de servicios individualizados que ayudan a preparar y alcanzar metas para empleo integrado competitivo y una vida más independiente.

La División de Servicios para Ciegos (DSB) se asocia con estudiantes, familias, escuelas y otros proveedores de servicios para ofrecer a estudiantes un comienzo temprano en la exploración profesional y la preparación para la vida después de la escuela secundaria.

For youth with a documented disability, the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) provides a variety of individualized services that help them prepare for and achieve goals for competitive integrated employment and more independent living.

The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) partners with students, families, schools and other service providers to give students an early start at career exploration and preparation for life after high school.

Our goal: To provide support to you in understanding dyslexia and how your child can get the resources they may need.

This Topic Brief by the NC Department of Public Instruction's Exceptional Children Division addresses the common myths about dyslexia in NC Schools.

This easy to use comparison chart looks at dispute resolution processes from a variety of perspectives.

In your role as a parent you are an advocate and leader in the everyday life of your family. This survey asks you to think about what you already do and any additional skills you would like to develop.

It may sound silly or even a little confusing to think about “literacy” and your little one. But would it help to know that literacy for a very young child does not mean teaching infants and toddlers how to read? Whew!

The first three years of your infant or toddler’s life is a very exciting time for you and your family. Each day will bring new opportunities for your child to grow, learn and gain new skills.

The first three years of your infant or toddler’s life is an exciting time for you and a very important time for your child’s growth and development.

North Carolina's parent center, serving families with children (birth to 26) with disabilities or special health care needs

Centro de Capacitación e Información para Padres de Carolina del Norte (PTI)

La colaboración entre los padres y las escuelas es clave para apoyar el éxito académico y el bienestar general de los estudiantes. Las preguntas a continuación pueden ayudarlos a guiar sus conversaciones de regreso a clases con los maestros y otro personal escolar, respaldar el desarrollo de su colaboración, y ayudar a sentar las bases para el éxito de sus hijos. Estas preguntas se enfocan en construir relaciones sólidas con su escuela, mantener una comunicación bidireccional y estructurar el apoyo para sus hijos entre el hogar y la escuela.

Las exenciones de Medicaid "eximen" ciertos requisitos federales de Medicaid, como los requisitos de ingresos familiares, para permitir que las personas con discapacidades calificadas tengan acceso a servicios y apoyos especializados que están cubiertos por Medicaid.

New guidance from the US Department of Education on discipline for students with disabilities.

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) is the federal law (44 CFR Subpart B) that states that Medicaid must provide all medically necessary health care services to Medicaid-eligible children under the age of 21. Even if a service is not covered under the NC Medicaid State Plan, it can be covered for beneficiaries under 21 years of age if the service is listed in 1905(a) of the Social Security Act and if all EPSDT criteria are met.

Many people go through short periods when they feel sad or unlike their usual selves. Sometimes, these mood changes begin and end when the seasons change. Many people feel “down” or have the “winter blues” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter and feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI)

Tailored Care Management (TCM) is a new care management model that began Dec. 1, 2022, for eligible NC Medicaid beneficiaries. With TCM, eligible beneficiaries have a single designated care manager, supported by a multidisciplinary team, to provide integrated care management to address the beneficiary’s whole-person health needs.

Family engagement is about families, schools and community partners working together to support and boost children's learning, development, and health. It happens in many places, including at home, in school, and during other community activities. Research shows that meaningful family engagement results in better outcomes for students, for families, for schools, and for their communities.

A Body of Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions for Family- Facing Professionals

This tool can be used by professionals as a self- assessment to reflect on their interactions with families.

Checklist to help you evaluate whether a leadership opportunity is right for you.

The online magazine was developed in collaboration with family leaders from across the country and is available in Spanish and English. Learn from families like yours who are making a difference in their communities for children and youth with special health care needs. La revista en línea ha sido creada en colaboración con líderes familiares de todo el país y está disponible en español e inglés. Conozca otras familias como la suya quienes hacen la diferencia trabajando en sus comunidades con las familias de niños y jóvenes con necesidades especiales de la salud.

This checklist is designed to support families to develop policies that will help make their vision of educational equity a reality.

In addition to helping families navigate the special education system, ECAC also specializes in helping families navigate health related systems in NC.

Start by knowing you are an equal partner in your infant or toddler’s development, medical care and education!

This guide is intended to provide parents with practical information about guardianship to help them make an informed decision.

¿Cómo puede esta guía ayudarle? Participar en la educación de su hijo puede conducir a mejores resultados de aprendizaje. Esta “Guía de aprendizaje digital para padres y familias” le dirá cómo supervisar el progreso de su hijo según accede y utiliza la tecnología de aprendizaje. Esta guía tiene como objetivo ayudar a todos los padres y cuidadores, incluidos aquellos que tienen experiencia limitada con herramientas digitales, aquellos que son expertos en estas herramientas y los de conocimiento intermedio. Cada sección comienza con lo básico y se desarrolla a partir de ahí.

Got Transition, su Grupo Asesor Nacional Familiar y la colaboración de padres líderes de habla hispana de Family Voices, han desarrollado un conjunto de herramientas para ayudar y guiar a las familias en la transición de sus jóvenes en los servicios de salud pediátricos a los de adulto. Esta guía es para familias e incluye recursos en español fáciles de usar para ayudar a jóvenes y familias a ser más independientes en su cuidado de su salud y el uso de los servicios de salud. Los recursos incluyen un programa de transición, preguntas para hacerle a su proveedor, lo que significa cumplir 18 años para su salud y más.

GUÍA PARA PADRES SOBRE LA EDUCACIÓN ESPECIAL EN CAROLINA DEL - Glosario y acrónimos

La Guía se centra en la ley federal de educación especial conocida como Ley de Educación para Individuos con Discapacidades (IDEA, por sus siglas en inglés), que garantiza a todos los niños con discapacidades una "educación pública, gratuita y apropiada".

Brought to you by ECAC and NC's Family-to-Family (F2F) Health Information Center

A newsletter from ECAC, North Carolina's Family-to-Family (F2F) Health Information Center

A newsletter from ECAC, North Carolina's Family-to-Family (F2F) Health Information Center

Questions that may assist the team to establish a review of IEP goals and objectives

Estas preguntas son a menudo utilizadas por el personal de ECAC cuando se habla con familias y profesionales. Proporcionan formas efectivas de solicitar aclaraciones en cualquier situación.

Una Guia Para Cuidadores Y Estudiantes

Individualized support is available to families of children with DeafBlindness from birth through 21 years of age.

Activities to help Children Develop Leadership skills.

5 Quick Guides for Parents of Children & Youth

This fact sheet provides an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA).

Check out these tips to prepare for your next IEP meeting!

IEP MAPA DE LA TRAVESÍA - Para las familias

IEP Cuaderno Su participación en el desarrollo de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP por sus siglas en inglés) que sea efectivo y adecuado es esencial para el éxito de su hijo(a). Aunque el típico IEP normalmente cubre un período de 12 meses, cada IEP ayuda a consolidar la base para el futuro en la vida de su hijo. Piense en el adulto en el que su hijo se convertirá. Al planear, piense más allá de estos doce meses por venir. Considere su participación como un proceso de tres pasos.

A guide featuring the North Carolina IEP forms and useful tips for parents along the way.

This tip sheet from PROGRESS Center reviews the elements of the individualized education program (IEP) and the IEP development process.

A great tool full of suggested accommodations for specific areas of difficulty.

NC Medicaid now covers people ages 19 through 64 with higher incomes. You may be able to get health care coverage through Medicaid even if you did not qualify before. Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, dental care, mental health and more – at little or no cost to you.

Inclusion is an attitude and value system that encourages students to receive an appropriate and quality education in the company of their peers...

Like all students, students who experience disabilities need to learn many types of ‘skills’ in school. These include: habits of mind, basic academic skills, other content areas and functional skills.

Starting residential treatment can be hard, but knowing what to expect can help. Those of us who wrote “Your Life – Your Future” have all been where you are right now. Sometimes we felt lost and like we were thrown into a difficult situation. We put this information together to help you (1) understand what to expect and (2) to get what you need to take charge of your recovery. If you have difficulty getting answers to your questions, make sure you tell your family or guardians and your care coordinator.

Starting residential treatment can be hard, so knowing what to expect can help. You might feel alone or angry or scared, and you may be concerned that no one will listen to you and your concerns. We have been right where you are now. We put this information together to help you benefit from our experience.

Intellectual disability is a term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communication, self-care, and social skills...

Intervener Services for Students Who Are DeafBlind.

This document provides the various roles and responsibilities of some of the professionals who may support students with DeafBlindness.

ECAC recognizes the power and value of the voice and ideas of young people. ECAC has launched a Junior Youth Advisory Team (JYAT) to help us design projects, programs, and resources that are created for youth, by youth. ECAC will work in partnership with the group to coordinate opportunities and trainings that support the interests and personal development of the YAT members

Los salones de clase son lugares muy ajetreados donde todo pasa muy de prisa. Regularmente a los maestros y demás personal de la escuela, les lleva tiempo conocer y entender las necesidades especiales de su hijo. “La Instantánea del Estudiante” que ECAC ha preparado es una excelente forma de compartir con la escuela lo que a usted le ha tomado tiempo aprender de su hijo y le ayuda a comunicar al misno tiempo las áreas que le preocupan y en donde su niño pueda necesitar más ayuda.

El camino hacia la edad adulta

El camino hacia la edad adulta

This resource from the Office of Early Learning, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is designed to support families and caregivers as they initiate the process of transitioning to kindergarten. It can best be utilized when provided at the onset of the Pre-K year.

This toolkit is designed to provide tips and resources for interacting with families as essential building blocks for LICCs