Back-to-School Advocacy: 5 Smart Steps for Navigating California’s 2025–26 Special Education System
As a parent, you’re not just preparing school supplies this month—you’re preparing to advocate for your child- no matter what their “special need” might be. For children with learning differences or disabilities, a smooth school year starts with strong parent advocacy. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) has released its 2025–26 Back-to-School Guide—a free, statewide resource full of IEP tools, legal references, and mental health supports.
But how do you know which resources in this guide to use and where to find them?
This post breaks down the guide into 5 practical advocacy steps—with direct links to each section of the PDF—so you can support your child confidently this school year.
Download the Full 2025–26 SCDD Back-to-School Guide HERE (PDF)
Step One: Learn What Your Child Is Entitled To
Before making requests, get grounded in the laws that protect your child. IDEA, Section 504, and ADA are the pillars of educational equity—but most parents don’t know how they apply.
Find this in the PDF: Go to “General & Special Education Resources” (Page 1 of the SCDD PDF).
In addition to the Back to School Guide take a look at these:
- Special Education Rights & Responsibilities (SERR Manual)
- Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
These guides cover eligibility, timelines, disputes, and more.
Step Two: Make the IEP Work for Your Child
Your child’s IEP is a roadmap to success. Whether you’re new to the process or revisiting goals, use SCDD’s IEP guides to ensure your child gets what they need.
Find this in the PDF: Still under “General & Special Education Resources” (Page 1).
Key Tools:
Don’t forget to register for: SCDD’s Statewide Advocacy Clinics (Aug–Sept 2025) – live support sessions for parents and guardians.
Step Three: Keep Records and Follow Up
Your email log, meeting notes, and follow-ups matter. Having documentation strengthens your position if conflicts arise.
Find this in the PDF: Still in the General & Special Education Resources section (Page 1).
Top Support:
- Use the 17 Advocacy Tips guide to manage records and formalize communication.
Always follow meetings with a written summary and a list of next steps. It’s your paper trail.
Step Four: Demand Real Inclusion
Every child has the right to be in the least restrictive environment (LRE). If your child is being pulled from gen-ed unnecessarily, these tools will help you push back.
Find this in the PDF: Located near the end of General & Special Education Resources (Page 2).
Use These:
Use the language of LRE and inclusion goals to reshape your child’s IEP placement and service options.
Step Five: Monitor Mental Health and Safety
Students with disabilities face higher rates of bullying and discipline. The SCDD PDF arms you with preventative and responsive tools.
Find this in the PDF: Switch to “Health, Safety & Wellness” section (starting on Page 2).
Key Resources:
- Anti-Bullying Toolkit: Enough is Enough
- Youth Mental Health (CalHHS)
- Behavior & Discipline Toolkit
- Report unfair school discipline here:
- CA Discipline Hotline
You don’t need to become a lawyer—you just need to be prepared. This year, empower your advocacy by using the SCDD Back-to-School Guide not just as a resource, but as a roadmap. Together, we can make the 2025–26 school year one of progress, partnership, and possibilities.
