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Other Helpful Resources

  • Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE): The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges. PDE also oversees policies related to public, academic, and school libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.  Click this link for information and resources on a broad range of topics covering preschool, K-12, and adult students in regular, special, and post-secondary education programs.
  • Bureau of Special Education (BSE): Click this link for information and resources on a broad range of topics specific to children and young adults with special needs including voter registration, accommodations on statewide assessments, federal special education policies and procedures, and how to file a complaint with the Bureau of Special Education if your child’s special education program is not working.
  • Basic Education Circulars (BECs): A Basic Education Circular (BEC) provides the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidance on the implementation of law, regulation and policy.  Click this link to see the full list of BECs available on a broad range of regular and special education topics.
  • Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN): The mission of the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network is to support the efforts and initiatives of the Bureau of Special Education, and to build the capacity of local educational agencies to serve students who receive special education services. PaTTAN provides a full array of professional development and technical assistance targeted to improving student results. Parents, educators, students, and administrators can find information regarding a variety of topics by going to Educational Initiatives.
  • Parent Resources: This link contains a list of PaTTAN publications to support you as you participate in educational decision-making for your child.
  • United States Department of Education, IDEA Website: Click here to access information about the IDEA, including the full text of the statute and regulations, along with regulatory guidance / policy letters and other resources from the Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), and Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
  • United States Department of Education, FERPA Website: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of student educational records. This website provides basic information about FERPA. Additional information about how to file a FERPA complaint along with informative videos, guidance, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at the Department of Education’s Protecting Student Privacy Website.
  • Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT): Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) strives to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families, through access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services, which allow for choice, control and independence at home, work, school, play, and in their neighborhoods.  This is done through a variety of activities, including device demonstrations and device loans. Click this link for more information about how PIAT can help identify and support your child’s assistive technology needs.
  • Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library: Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library is a free service that loans assistive technology devices to people with disabilities. It’s available to Pennsylvanians of all ages and disabilities. Click this link for more information including frequently asked questions and answers.
  • PEAL Center:  The PEAL Center is an organization of parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs who educate and guide families of children and youth, ages birth to 26, who have disabilities and/or special health care needs, professionals and others who work with children and youth who have disabilities and/or special health care needs, and youth and young adults up to age 26 who have disabilities and/or special health care needs.