This guide was developed to help parents and other interested persons to understand their rights and responsibilities, the child’s rights, and the school’s responsibilities to meet the special needs of a child with a disability. It includes a description of the special education process and what is required of the parent and the school during each step of that process. Important timelines are highlighted in each section. It was written to be a companion document to the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia, effective January 25, 2010. The guide is not a substitute for the state’s special education regulations.