A Parent’s Guide to the Special Education Process (Birth to Age 21)
As a speech-language pathologist who has worked in both local private practice clinics and with local public-school districts like Jenks and Broken Arrow, I know how overwhelming it can feel when you're trying to figure out what support your child might need before stepping into the classroom for the first time. If you've ever found yourself Googling “How do I get therapy for for my child in the schools?”, this blog is for you!
Whether your child is just starting to babble or you're helping them navigate grade school, middle school, or beyond, you are not alone. And you don’t need to have all the answers to take the next step.
This guide will walk you through how Special Education services work in Oklahoma, from birth through age 21, so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.
The Laws That Protect Your Child
Before we get into the process, let’s talk about the two important federal laws that guide everything:
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This law ensures that children with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Part C of IDEA covers children birth to age 3 (Early Intervention).
Part B of IDEA covers children and students ages 3 to 21 (School-Aged Special Education).
2. FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
This law gives you the right to access your child’s educational records, request changes, and know who has access to that information. You are always in control of how and when information about your child is shared.
Birth to Age 3: Early Intervention (Part C of IDEA)
If you’re noticing that your baby or toddler isn’t meeting milestones—like talking, walking, playing, or interacting—you can request a free developmental evaluation.
Where to Start:
In Oklahoma, the early intervention program is called SoonerStart. You can make a referral directly, or your pediatrician, childcare provider, or therapist can help you. At Monarch Speech and Language Institute, I am often a supplemental therapy provider, meaning that I provide private practice speech therapy while families are also receiving Soonerstart services.
What Happens Next:
Evaluation – A team assesses your child’s development across five areas: communication, motor, cognitive, social-emotional, and adaptive skills.
Eligibility – Your child may qualify if they have a 25% delay in one or more areas or have a medical condition like Down syndrome, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, or other qualifying diagnoses.
IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) – If your child is eligible, the team (including YOU!) creates a plan with goals and services tailored to your family. These services can include speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and more.
At Monarch, I use this same child-and-family-centered approach during private evaluations and coaching sessions—because you are the expert on your child, and your goals matter most.
Where Services Are Delivered:
Services happen in natural environments—your home, daycare, or a local playgroup. This helps your child learn and grow in familiar spaces.
Transition Planning at Age 2.5
Before your child turns 3, your team will help you transition to services through your local school district (Part B of IDEA). This may include a preschool program or continued therapy support through the school system, or an outside private clinic, like Monarch!
Ages 3 to 21: School-Aged Special Education (Part B of IDEA)
Once your child is 3 years old, special education services shift from the early intervention program to the public school system.
How It Starts:
A teacher, parent, or doctor—shares a concern about your child’s development, behavior, or learning. You can request a special education evaluation in writing at any time. This triggers the school’s timeline and process.
The School Has 45 School Days
Once you give written consent, the school has 45 school days to complete a multidisciplinary evaluation. This includes:
Review of Existing Data (RED) meeting
Parental Consent for Evaluation
Testing in all suspected areas of need (speech/language, cognition, behavior, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, your child must:
Meet criteria for one of 13 disability categories under IDEA
Autism
Deaf-Blindness
Deafness
Developmental Delay (typically for children ages 3–9)
Emotional Disturbance
Hearing Impairment
Intellectual Disability
Multiple Disabilities
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment (OHI) – includes conditions like ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.
Specific Learning Disability (SLD) – includes dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.
Speech or Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
2. Have a disability that adversely impacts their educational performance
3. Need special education services to make progress
The IEP Process
If your child qualifies for services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created. This is a legally binding document that outlines:
Your child’s current levels and needs
Specific goals
Accommodations (like extra time, sensory breaks, etc.)
Services (like speech therapy, OT, academic support)
Where and how services will be provided (the least restrictive environment)
What Happens After the IEP Is Written?
Services begin—in the classroom, in small groups, or in a specialized setting
Progress is reviewed regularly
You’ll meet for an Annual IEP Review and a Triennial Reevaluation every three years (or sooner if needed)
If you're ever unsure whether your child’s current IEP or school services are meeting their needs, Monarch Speech and Language Institute offers private consultations to help you understand your options, review IEP goals, and feel empowered in meetings.
What You Need to Know
You can request an evaluation at any time in writing.
You are a key decision-maker on your child’s team.
Services under IDEA are free in the public school system.
You don’t have to go through the process alone—I’m here to help guide you.
I created Monarch Speech and Language Institute because I believe families deserve clear answers, compassionate care, and someone who will walk beside them through every stage of the special education journey.
Whether you’re navigating SoonerStart, sitting in your first IEP meeting, or just wondering if your toddler’s speech is on track—I’m here for you!
If you have questions or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It would be an honor to support you and your child through this process.
With care,
Eliana Provenzano-Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder, Monarch Speech and Language Institute
Tulsa, Oklahoma
(918) 918-840-0870
www.monarch-tulsa.com
