Free parent resources
Parent guides for special education and early intervention in Illinois
Step-by-step, plain-language guides built from Illinois and federal law and agency guidance, each with its sources listed.
How to get an IEP in Illinois: steps, timelines and your rights
To get an IEP in Illinois, ask your child's school district in writing for a full special education evaluation. The district has 14 school days to…
Early Intervention in Illinois (birth to 3): how to get your child evaluated
Any parent in Illinois can refer a child under 3 to Early Intervention (EI) by calling one of the state's 25 Child and Family Connections (CFC)…
What happens at an Illinois special-education due-process hearing
A due process hearing is a formal, court-like hearing before an impartial hearing officer appointed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).…
Restraint and seclusion in Illinois schools: what the law allows now
Illinois schools may use physical restraint, time out or isolated time out only when a student's behavior presents an imminent danger of serious…
Illinois due-process decisions, decoded
Who wins special-education hearings in Illinois, and over what issues.
Restraint & seclusion in Illinois schools
What the law allows now, and district-level data.
Therapy explainers
Eleven pediatric therapies, with the honest evidence.
Insurance coverage benchmark
Which plans Illinois pediatric clinics accept.