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Parents & Families

You don’t have to navigate this alone.
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Supporting a child with disabilities can feel overwhelming at times, and families should not have to navigate it alone. While the Co-op does not provide direct services or advocacy for parents, we believe families are essential partners in helping students thrive and we are committed to sharing trusted resources, information, and tools that can help families better understand the special education process and available supports.

Featured Resources for Families

Whether you are new to special education or preparing for your child’s transition to adulthood, we hope these resources help you feel more informed, supported, and empowered along the way.
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
DC’s primary agency overseeing special education services, compliance, dispute resolution, transportation, and transition supports.

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Helpful resources include:
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Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education
Provides impartial support to families navigating public education concerns in DC, including issues related to enrollment, attendance, discipline, special education, communication, and school conflict resolution.

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Helpful resources include:

  • Family & Student Support Services
  • Special Education Resources
  • Know Your Rights & School Guidance Resources
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Department on Disability Services (DDS)
Provides transition, employment, vocational rehabilitation, and independent living supports for youth and adults with disabilities.

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Helpful resources include:

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Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE)
A leading DC-based parent advocacy organization that helps families understand and navigate special education systems and supports.

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Helpful resources include:

  • Parent trainings and workshops
  • IEP and advocacy support
  • Family engagement opportunities
  • Educational rights information
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Early Stages
A DC program that helps families identify and access early intervention and special education services for young children ages 2 years, 8 months through age 5.

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Helpful resources include:

  • Developmental screenings
  • Early childhood special education evaluations
  • Preschool special education supports
  • Guidance for families concerned about development or learning
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Understood.org
A trusted national resource that provides family-friendly information about learning differences, ADHD, dyslexia, accommodations, and school supports.

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Helpful resources include:

  • Explanations of IEPs and 504 Plans
  • Strategies for supporting learning at home
  • Transition and self-advocacy resources
  • Parent-friendly articles and tools
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Additional Resources

Advocacy & Family Support

School & Education Agencies

Transition & Postsecondary Resources

A Shared Commitment

Students with disabilities are most successful when schools and families work together. The Co-op is proud to support DC charter schools in building more inclusive, equitable, and student-centered systems—and we recognize the important role families play in helping students grow, advocate for themselves, and prepare for meaningful futures beyond school.
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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Charter Schools and Special Education

Yes! Charter schools are public schools, and are open to any child living in DC. All charters must provide special education and related services for students with disabilities. Charters can’t refuse to enroll a child because he/she has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or disability. If a child is enrolled in a charter school and the IEP team feels it can not meet the student’s needs, the team may request a change in placement, and works with DC’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to find a more appropriate school for the child. Remember, as a parent, YOU are part of the IEP team!

Many charter schools have unique programs that may be a good fit for your child. For example some schools focus on technology, arts, or provide some instruction in another language. Many use an inclusion model for meeting student needs. Call schools and ask about their programs. Consider your child’s interests and strengths and how they fit with the school’s program. Attend open houses where you can meet teachers and visit classrooms.

  • Charter schools in DC
  • Strategies for Choosing a Charter School When Your Child Has a Disability (resource in development)

You can apply through My School DC – the common application and lottery for DC’s public school options. The common application includes most charters and DCPS. However, not ALL charter schools participate; check out this list to see which schools are participating. If you don’t see the one that interests you, contact the school and ask about their application process.

This application process usually opens in December and closes in March (be sure to check My School DC for deadlines). Once your child has been enrolled, share copies of their IEP and evaluation reports. The school cannot require this information until your child is enrolled, and cannot make it a contingency to hold their seat.

For general information about charter schools and a listing of all charters in DC, visit the Public Charter School Board.

Charter schools are public schools and by law can not refuse to enroll a student based on their special education needs. A school may not have every type of special education service in place all the time – they may not have any students who need it! However, charter schools are required to implement IEPs for any student they enroll.

Ja'Vaan Veal Bio

Special Education Advisory Board Member
Director of Compliance, KIPP DC PCS

Ja’Vaan Veal is currently the Director of Compliance of Student Support at KIPP DC. She has worked in special education for 18 years serving in both instructional and administrative roles in the Chicagoland area before beginning at KIPP DC in 2016. Ja’Vaan earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Western IL University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Roosevelt University. Although she feels that her schooling prepped her for her career, she is primarily grateful for her opportunities to work and learn from those who she considers the greats of special education, namely her two mentors, Dr. Joan Gross and Cheryl Clark. Ja’Vaan feels lucky to continue down a path that allows her to serve children and the community while meeting some great people along the way.

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Kenyetta Singleton Bio

Special Education Advisory Board Member
Special Education Manager, AppleTree Early Learning PCS

Kenyetta Singleton is a proud graduate of Howard University and is a certified Speech and Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience working in DC Public and Charter Schools. Currently, she is the Special Education Manager at AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter Schools, which also serves four other Local Education Agencies in DC Charter Schools. Ms. Singleton has been on panels with topics that focused on Special Education for students who are in an urban school district. She enjoys supporting families and ensuring that students receive services so they can be in an inclusive classroom environment.

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Melody Maitland Bio

Special Education Advisory Board Member
Chief of Staff, District of Columbia International School PCS

Melody serves as the Chief of Staff for DC International Public Charter School. Her work focuses on operationalizing processes developed over the school’s seven year history with a focus on achieving strategic plan goals. Prior to this role, Melody served as the founding Director of Student Support Services, managing formal support services (i.e., special education, 504s, and EL services) across all grade levels. She earned her BA in Sociology and Leadership Studies from the University of Denver, her Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver, and her Masters of Education from George Mason University. In her free time, Melody loves watching documentaries, going to fairs and festivals, and eating out!

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