special education

Advocacy Skills are a Family Affair

Young smiling boy in his room surrounded by books toys keyboard telescope

March 24, 2025

Advocacy Skills are a Family Affair

Reaching out on a busy afternoon led Hope to a wealth of support for her and her son.

March 24, 2025

A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR – SPRING 2025

This edition of Connecting focuses on the power and importance of parent and family advocacy. Now more than ever, the perspectives of parents and family…

white Encircle Families logo on blue background

September 17, 2024

Encircle Families Weighs In on Proposed Changes to High School Transition Planning

Your voice can help shape the future of transition services in Arizona. Comments must be received by Thursday, September 19, 2024 at noon.

September 20, 2023

What You Need To Know About School Discipline

Parents might think their children won’t be disciplined, suspended or expelled if they receive services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan,…

June 22, 2023

Prepping for Preschool

“Like many parents, Teresa Banas felt nervous when it was time to send her children to preschool. Her son didn’t speak as much as his…

June 22, 2023

Encircle Families Gave Me Tools To Advocate

As Cristina Renteria prepared to send her son Atlas to developmental preschool, she ran into difficulties regarding his medical complexities.

September 29, 2022

The ABCs of 504 Plans

To qualify for a 504 plan, a student needs to meet a definition set out by law which has three parts. The student must have…

March 14, 2022

ADE Invites Public Comment on the IDEA Part B State Application and Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Transition Policy and Procedures

Federal Fiscal Year 2022 IDEA Part B State Application The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) will apply soon for federal funding under the Individuals with…

teacher in elementary classroom full of students

January 12, 2022

What is Informal Discipline?

Informal discipline may be familiar to families with children with challenging behaviors at school.

September 27, 2021

It’s Here! Your Chance To Provide Input on Current & Future Education Initiatives for Arizona Students With Disabilities

Join Encircle Families and the Arizona Department of Education Exceptional Student Services to learn more about the SPP/APR and to share your ideas for…

five young adult students with backpacks walking toward school building seen from behind

September 3, 2021

No One Left Behind: School Emergency Planning & Students Who Have Disabilities

The ADDPC a new report that includes current Arizona Emergency Operations Plan laws, and the need for - and examples that support - Inclusive School…

September 3, 2021

A One-Stop Shop Of Support

Moving to a new country with a child who has significant disabilities and medical issues can be even more overwhelming! When Carla Dassie and her…