Once your child is established in elementary school, it’s important to start planning for the changes and challenges that lie ahead as your child transitions to middle school, high school and beyond. Understanding the educational and service systems will be important, but equally important is getting connected to other families and broader local community supports.

Puberty can be a stressful and confusing time, especially for you and your son with an Intellectual
and/or Developmental Disability (I/DD). This could help.

In spite of delays in other areas, children with I/DD usually enter puberty around the same time as other children their age.

Information on IEPs, resources, services, checklist to prepare for transition, advocacy, education, and much more.

A self-directed questionnaire for every stage of life. For ages 6-13: "I am ready to take on responsibilities that will help me later in life, and that includes having choices and making decisions, even if it means I will make mistakes. Let’s work together to plan a future that builds on my abilities and interests at school, in the community and at home. As I get older, please include me in answering the questions."

Information in our Resource Guide is for families who have a child with a medical, developmental, mental health or behavioral health condition.

What's the difference between a friend and an acquaintance? Who are people in my life that are friends? Who are not? What makes any relationship healthy or unhealthy? These questions and more are addressed in the "Healthy Relationships" curriculum developed by Theresa Fears, MSW.

Watch this 30 minute video overview with 17 local agency representatives. Available in English & Spanish.

OEO (Office of Education Ombuds) works with families, communities, and schools to navigate educational challenges and increase collaborative problem-solving so that every student can fully participate in and benefit from public K-12 education in Washington.