Designed to assist parents and teachers in understanding the complex procedures of special education, this book describes the process for obtaining school services for children with disabilities. An introduction reviews six major provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that relate to children's rights to a free, appropriate public education and parent involvement in decision-making. The following chapters address: (1) the special education planning cycle and key people in the process; (2) ways for parents to develop and provide critical information to professionals working with their child; (3) referral and evaluation; (4) school records and reports; (5) eligibility decisions; (6) Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); (7) IEP meetings; (8) early intervention; (9) transition from school; (10) due process procedures, with examples of conflicts resolved in due process hearings provided; (11) nondiscrimination protection; and (12) monitoring the services provided and checkpoints for progress. Most chapters include blank forms and exercises for parents. A glossary provides definitions of special education terms mentioned in the text. Appendices include a list of regional parent training and information programs, special education state offices, national organizations serving persons with disabilities, and publications relating to special education and a variety of disability issues. (CR)