Support & Advocacy
Helping You Advocate for Your Child
No one knows your child better than you do.
If you have concerns about your child's learning, development, behavior, communication, or physical abilities, it's okay to ask questions. Seeking answers and learning about your options is often the first step toward getting the support your child needs.
Learning Locker provides educational information and shares trusted resources from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational experts to help families better understand their options and navigate their child's educational journey.
Parent Resources
Learning Differences & Disabilities
Learn more about common learning differences and developmental disabilities, including:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADHD
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Developmental Delays
Speech & Language Disorders
Sensory Processing Differences
Physical Disabilities
Gifted & Twice-Exceptional (2e)
Helpful Resources
Understood.org
https://www.understood.org
Articles, learning differences, school accommodations, and parent guides.
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
https://www.ncld.org
Information about learning disabilities, educational rights, and family resources.
CDC Developmental Milestones
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
Developmental milestones and guidance on when to seek an evaluation.
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) provides specialized instruction and related services for eligible students with disabilities attending public schools.
Learn About
Who qualifies for an IEP
How to request an evaluation
Evaluation timelines
IEP meetings
Parent rights
Annual reviews
Helpful Resources
California Department of Education – Family Involvement & Partnerships
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/familyinvolvement.asp
Resources for families, parent rights, procedural safeguards, and special education support.
California Parents' Rights (Procedural Safeguards)
https://www.cde.ca.gov/Sp/se/qa/pssummary.asp
Overview of parents' rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Wrightslaw
https://www.wrightslaw.com
National resource explaining special education law, IEPs, evaluations, and advocacy.
Section 504 Plans
Section 504 Plans provide accommodations that help students with disabilities access their education.
Learn About
Eligibility
Accommodations
Requesting a 504 evaluation
Parent rights
Helpful Resources
U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights
https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws
Information about Section 504 protections.
Understood.org
https://www.understood.org
Parent-friendly explanations of 504 Plans.
California Regional Centers
California Regional Centers provide services and support for eligible individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Services may include early intervention, respite care, family support, service coordination, and more.
Helpful Resources
Find Your Regional Center
https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/information-about-regional-centers/
California Department of Developmental Services
Early Start Program (Birth to Age 3)
https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/early-start/
California Special Education
Learn about California's special education process, evaluations, parent rights, dispute resolution, and available services.
Helpful Resources
California Department of Education – Special Education
California Family Involvement & Partnerships
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/familyinvolvement.asp
Special Education Dispute Resolution
https://www.cde.ca.gov/SP/se/dr/
Information about mediation, due process, compliance complaints, and procedural safeguards.
Autism Resources
Autism Society of America
https://autismsociety.org
Autism Speaks Resource Guide
https://www.autismspeaks.org
ADHD Resources
CHADD
https://chadd.org
ADDitude Magazine
https://www.additudemag.com
Dyslexia Resources
International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org
Parent Support & Advocacy
These organizations help families understand educational rights and available supports.
Center for Parent Information & Resources
https://www.parentcenterhub.org
PACER Center
Wrightslaw
Financial Assistance & Disability Benefits
Explore programs that may help cover services, equipment, therapies, and supports.
California Resources
California Department of Developmental Services
https://www.dds.ca.gov
California Department of Rehabilitation
https://www.dor.ca.gov
California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE)
https://calable.ca.gov
Federal Employee & Military Family Resources
If you are a federal employee, active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran, or an eligible family member, you may have access to additional support through your employer or military benefits. These programs can provide educational resources, counseling, caregiver support, legal and financial services, and assistance for families raising children with disabilities or special needs.
Magellan Federal
Many federal agencies partner with Magellan Federal to provide Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work-Life services. Available benefits vary by agency and may include:
Parenting resources
Special needs support
Autism resources
Mental health counseling
Caregiver support
Legal consultations
Financial counseling
Childcare and eldercare referrals
Community resource referrals
https://www.magellanfederal.com
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management provides information about Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) available to many federal employees. Contact your agency's Human Resources office to learn what benefits are available through your employer.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource provides free resources for active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, and their families.
Services include:
Special needs consultations
Parenting support
Educational resources
Confidential counseling
Financial counseling
Childcare resources
Military family support
https://www.militaryonesource.mil
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) connects military families with resources for dependents who have medical or educational needs.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/
TRICARE
TRICARE offers healthcare benefits for eligible military families, including services that may support children with disabilities or developmental differences.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
The VA Caregiver Support Program offers education, resources, and support for eligible veterans and their caregivers.
Assistive Technology
Explore tools that support communication, reading, writing, organization, mobility, and independent learning.
Helpful Resources
Center on Technology and Disability
Understood.org Technology Resources
Disclaimer
Learning Locker provides educational information and links to third-party organizations for informational purposes only. We do not provide legal, medical, educational, or therapeutic advice, nor do we provide advocacy services. Always consult qualified professionals regarding diagnosis, treatment, educational planning, and available services for your child.