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For Parents

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Information 

for parents


We understand the unique challenges faced by parents of children with special needs, and we are here to support you. Our website offers a wealth of information and resources specifically tailored to assist you in navigating the complex world of special education.

To provide you with valuable insights, we offer a collection of Informational Tip Sheets on various topics. These tip sheets can be easily downloaded and printed, allowing you to have a tangible resource at your fingertips. From understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to strategies for promoting positive behavior, our tip sheets cover a wide range of important subjects.

Below you will find a selection of sample letters. These letters are designed to assist parents in effectively communicating their child's needs to educators, administrators, or other relevant individuals. By clicking on the sample letters, you can easily print them and use them as a template, saving you time and effort in crafting your own personalized letter.

Your Compass to Parents' Rights in Special Education preview

Your Compass to Parents’ Rights in Special Education

Ohio’s Procedural Safeguards are essential—but they’re not always easy to understand. This guide helps families navigate evaluations, IEPs, consent, discipline, and dispute resolution using clear, family-friendly language.

Use this companion guide alongside Procedural Safeguards to better understand your rights and participate confidently in your child’s education.

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Tip Sheets

Juvenile Justice

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My Child Is Incarcerated: FAST FACTS ABOUT SCHOOL

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How Can I HELP MY CHILD SUCCEED IN SCHOOL WHILE INCARCERATED?

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Your Child’s Return Home From Juvenile Detention to School and Community

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Latest News

Archived News
OCECD Info Share

OCECD to continue serving as Ohio’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)

We are proud to share that OCECD has officially received a Notice of Award from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to continue serving as Ohio’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)! Since 1984, we’ve been honored to hold this role—supporting families of children and youth with disabilities across Ohio—and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue this vital work.
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New OCECD Tip Sheet

We are pleased to announce the release of our latest Tip Sheet, focusing on the topic of "Medical Diagnosis Vs Educational Eligibility." This resource is designed to provide parents and caregivers with essential insights into navigating the intersection of medical diagnoses and educational support. 
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Now Available On-Demand!

Return to You: How to Avoid Self-Abandonment as a Caregiver and Get Your Own Needs Met
This presentation encourages us to redefine what self-care really means for caregivers while offering practical tools to help us identify and address our own needs. 
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YEP! The Youth Empowerment Project

This video series is focused on youth interviewing other youth about their experiences with self-advocacy and empowerment. 
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Ideas that work, Office of special education programs, U.S. department of education.
The contents of this website were developed in part under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H328M150052. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government or Project Officer, David Emenheiser.