Special education: guidance for families

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

Last checked Nov 11, 2026

The state education agency's plain-language guide to special education in Washington public schools. It explains what special education is and how it works, and covers making a referral, evaluations, eligibility, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), placement, behavior and discipline, transition services for older students, parent and student rights, and what to do when you disagree with a school. The Special Education team can be contacted with questions.

Go to the official page for Special education: guidance for families (opens in a new tab)

Where it applies: Washington State
Who it is for: The source does not publish eligibility in a form we can summarize. Please check the official page.
Contact: 360-725-6075speced@k12.wa.us

Sources

Family Engagement and Guidance
Washington OSPI · Government · Read Nov 11, 2026
https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/family-engagement-and-guidance

Please confirm with the official source

This is a plain-language summary written by NeuroPath Kids, drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a person, from the sources above. We are not the program and cannot decide eligibility. If something here differs from the official page, the official page is right.