Virginia Department of Education
- Special Education -
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) provides statewide guidance, protections, and resources to support students with disabilities and their families. These resources help families understand their rights, the special education process, dispute resolution options, and available supports across the Commonwealth.
This page brings together key VDOE special education links, including parent guides, procedural safeguards, dispute resolution services, and state-level supports. These tools can help families better understand evaluations, IEPs, services, and how to advocate effectively for their child.
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Special Education Resources
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) provides official guidance, protections, and tools to help families understand and navigate special education rights, processes, and statewide supports.
📘 Your Family’s Guide to Special Education
A comprehensive overview of the special education process in Virginia — from referral and evaluation to IEPs, services, and parent rights. 🔗 https://vafamilysped.org/state (links to The Virginia Family’s Guide to Special Education in multiple languages)
🧾 Your Family’s Special Education Rights – Procedural Safeguards Notice
Explains families’ legal rights under IDEA and Virginia regulations, including consent, evaluations, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. 🔗 https://vafamilysped.org/state (Procedural Safeguards Notice available in English and multiple languages)
🤝 Parent Ombudsman for Special Education
Connects families to a neutral VDOE staff member who provides confidential information, referrals, and support to resolve non-legal special education questions. 🔗 https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/for-parents/parents-ombudsman
🛠️ Resolving Disputes & Complaints
Details options for families when disagreements arise with local school divisions, including mediation, state complaints, facilitated IEPs, and due process. 🔗 https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/resolving-disputes
🧒 Early Childhood Special Education & Child Find
Guidance on identification and support for children birth through preschool, including transition from Part C early intervention to Part B services. 🔗 https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/information-for-families (scroll to early childhood resources)
📄 Special Education Regulations & State Guidance
Direct access to official special education laws, regulations, guidance documents, and interpretive materials used by VDOE and school divisions. 🔗 https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/regulations-laws-policies
🎓 Secondary Transition & Postsecondary Supports
Resources to help families plan for life after high school, including transition planning and employment/independent living supports. 🔗 https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/iep-instruction (scroll to transition planning)
💡 Additional Family Resources & Engagement Tools
VDOE’s broader set of family support materials, including decision-making charts, disability-specific guides, and family engagement resources. 🔗 https://vafamilysped.org/state (family connection hub with multiple tools)
Family Navigation Flow Chart
Use this guide to help families understand where to start and what comes next:
1. Have a concern about development/learning?
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Request a referral to Child Find or your school division’s Special Education office.
2. School evaluates your child.
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If eligible, IEP meeting is scheduled.
3. Review and participate in the IEP.
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Ask questions — you have rights! Procedural Safeguards explain what they are.
4. If you agree with everything:
✔︎ Consent and services begin.
5. If you disagree or have concerns:
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Explore local resolution first →
* Facilitated IEP Mediation
* Parent Ombudsman for guidance
* State complaint or due process
6. Need state-level support?
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Use VDOE resources:
* Procedural Safeguards Notice
* Parent Ombudsman
* Dispute Resolution options
7. Planning for the future?
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Access transition resources and other VDOE supports.
Need additional help?
At ASNV, we believe that the best outcomes occur when schools and families work together. If you need advice on what resources are available, please us via email info@asnv.org or use our Contact Form below.