Parents & Families

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Charter Schools and Special Education

If my child has a disability (an IEP or a 504 plan) can they go to a charter school?

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!

How do I choose the right charter school for my child?

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)

How do I apply for or enroll my child in a charter school?

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.

Does every school provide every special education service?

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.