Patient and Family Resources

Advocacy Resources

Students and their caregivers may use these resources to help advocate for their child’s school supports.

• Washington Education Ombuds assists students and parents/gaurdians who have questions or concerns about Washington’s K-12 public schools.
• Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) works with parents/guardians and school districts to resolve disagreements about a student’s special education program.
• PAVE offers support, information and training to families on topics including school supports.
• The Arc of Washington State supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families on issues including school supports.
• Sound Options Group supports families through special education facilitation services.

Below is a list of links that discuss common school-related advocacy issues.

Requesting a 504 plan or IEP

• Understood.org: What is a 504 plan?
• Understood.org: What is an IEP?
• How to Request Special Education (PDF)
• Education Ombuds: How Does a Student Get Started With Special Education?
• PAVE: Student Rights, IEP, Section 504 and More 

Behavior and discipline

• Education Ombuds: Discipline, Suspensions, and Expulsions
• Understood.org: What is a functional behavior analysis?
• Understood.org: What is a behavior intervention plan?
• PAVE: Discipline and Disability Rights: What to do if your child is being sent home 

School avoidance

• Going Back to School After Your Child’s Hospital Stay (PDF) (Spanish)
• School avoidance: Help! I can’t get my child to go to school (PDF)
• Seattle Children’s School Avoidance Group (PDF)

Bullying

• Education Ombuds: Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation
• Education Ombuds: Safety Plans
• PACER: Bullying Prevention 101 Quick Guides 

Alternative school options

• Alternative Schooling Options (PDF) (Spanish)
• OSPI: Learning Alternatives
• OSPI: Approved Online School Programs
• Education Ombuds: School Choice/Transfers

Learning Resources

Below is a list of resources to support your child’s curriculum.

• Khan Academy is a free learning resource for all grades and major subjects. Activities include video presentations, quizzes and practice exercises.
• Discovery K-12 features a free online homeschool curriculum. This site includes worksheets and daily lesson plans.
• CK-12 provides a library of free online textbooks for all grades.
• UnboundEd offers free K-12 curriculum resources with a focus on cultural responsiveness. The site includes lesson plans for all grades.