My child is struggling 
Now that my child has 
NCLD has created the IDEA Parent Guide to help you become an informed and effective partner with school personnel in supporting your child's special learning and behavioral needs. Use this Guide to understand:- How the federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), generally works in most states;
- What the law requires to determine whether your child has a learning disability;
- What is new to IDEA since Congress last updated the law in 2004;
- What questions you should ask and what information you should prepare in order to be a full and active advocate for your child, and
- What resources are available to you.
In developing the IDEA Parent Guide, we worked with parents of students with learning disabilities from around the country. NCLD is thankful to these parents for their invaluable input. Together, we have tried to address the questions, challenges and barriers parents face as they navigate their way through the special education process. Parents have also contributed their own personal stories so that you can hear firsthand that you are not alone in this journey.
Download your FREE copy of The IDEA 2004 Parent Guide today!
Note: The IDEA Parent Guide was created to provide a basic understanding of the key requirements of the federal law under IDEA. The information presented here is not legal advice and should not be used as a legal resource.
Additional Resources
- Making the 'No Child Left Behind Act' Work for Children Who Struggle to Learn: A Parent's Guide
- LD Advocate's Guide
- Recent amendments to the IDEA 2004 include revisions to the requirements for transition planning. Read more on "Improving Transition Planning & Results."
- The 2004 update of the IDEA 2004 made significant changes to the Individualized Education Program (IEP). See "IDEA 2004 Close Up: The Individualized Education Program (IEP)."
