School Age Kids
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Looking for guidance for your school age child? You’re in the right place. This section of the EFRC Learning Library is designed for families of children ages 6 to 15. Whether your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 Plan, or is navigating challenges without a formal plan, we’ve gathered trusted resources to help you understand your options and advocate effectively.
During the elementary and middle school years, children face increasing academic, social, and emotional demands. This library offers information about school-based supports, how to build strong partnerships with providers and educators, and parenting tips from the trenches.
Every child’s path is unique—and families play a critical role in helping them thrive — in the community, at school, and at home. We’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. Not only do we have professional training in disability service navigation, but all of us who support families directly are ourselves parents of children or adults with disabilities. We have walked a similar road. You are not alone.
Links | School Age
- Behavior support at school (Disability Rights California)
- YMCA Behavioral Consultation (up to age 8)
- Jewish Family Services Positive Parenting Program (open to all faiths, up to age 16)
- IEP Basics | EFRC training
- Special Education Rights and Responsibilities (a manual by Disability Rights CA)
- How to request an assessment from the school district
- Alternative Payment Program (childcare subsidy for low to moderate income families — up to age 12 under ordinary circumstances and up to age 21 in cases of documented exceptional needs)
- YMCA Enhanced Childcare Referral Service
- Regional Center Eligibility (ages 3+) (overview by Disability Rights CA)
- Self-Determination versus traditional Regional Center services
- Medi-Cal disability waiver (overview by Disability Rights CA)
- In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for children
- Social Security Income (SSI) for children
- California Children’s Services (CCS) San Diego County or Imperial
- Social recreation funding through the Regional Center
- Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) | activities and events for children and adults with disabilities.
- Sports for Exceptional Athletes | San Diego-based sports program serving individuals ages 5-adult.
Get Support
IEP Training
Learning Library Resources | Ages 6-15
Smart Spaces: Making Your Home Fun & Functional
Learn how to design safe, sensory-friendly, and functional spaces for children with disabilities—on any budget—with artist and advocate Emily Dolton.
Water Safety
Expert swim coach shares practical water safety and swim lesson tips for children with disabilities, with San Diego and Imperial County resources.
Managing Holiday Stressors
A supportive conversation to reframe holiday stress and offer parents a compassionate path toward rest, connection, and emotional balance.
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
Learn family-friendly strategies from UCSD’s Dr. Dawn Eichen on healthy eating, picky eating, and weight management—including tailored tips for children with autism.
Will There Be an Interpreter at Your Child’s IEP Meeting?
Learn how to work with professional interpreters in IEP meetings to ensure your voice is heard and your child’s needs are clearly understood.
Managing School Transitions
Learn how to create a portable IEP that ensures your child’s services continue smoothly when changing schools, with practical tips for every step of the move.
Air Travel Tips
TSA shares tips with EFRC families who will be traveling with individuals with disabilities. Topics include how to request support, navigate security smoothly, and use TSA PreCheck.
Neurodiversity in Children’s Literature
Children’s author Sally J. Pla shares empowering books that center autistic and neurodivergent kids, plus tips for choosing inclusive, authentic stories.
Applying to SSI: Tips from Disability Rights California
Learn how the SSI process works for children and adults with disabilities, what information to include, and how to clearly document real limitations to support an accurate eligibility decision.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Basics
Learn how to become a confident IEP team member. This foundational training covers special education law, evaluations, eligibility, and how to meaningfully participate in IEP meetings.
Would an OT Assessment Benefit My Child?
How to tell if your child may benefit from occupational therapy—signs to watch for and what to do next.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): What to Know (Spanish available)
A plain-language video guide on In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for families in San Diego and Imperial Counties—what it is, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to get the right support at home.
Procedural Safeguards: What to Know
Learn what your special education rights really mean—and how to use them when it matters most. This parent-friendly training covers procedural safeguards, dispute resolution options, and practical tips for navigating IEP challenges in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
All About CalABLE (Spanish available)
Learn how CalABLE empowers Californians with disabilities to save and invest without losing SSI or Medi-Cal benefits.
Beyond the Basics of IEPs (Poway Unified School District)
Get a parent-friendly walk-through of Poway Unified’s IEP form—demystifying common IEP provisions one section at a time — so you can participate with clarity and confidence.
Combating Needle Fear: Tips from a Child Life Specialist (Spanish available)
Support for kids with sensory needs and needle fear. Learn calming strategies for shots and blood draws—especially helpful for children with disabilities or autism.
Pill Swallowing: Tips from a Child Life Specialist (Available in Spanish)
Learn fun, kid-friendly techniques for teaching children to swallow pills with confidence—using candy, creativity, and calm encouragement.
Tackling sleep issues
Tired of bedtime battles? This video shares simple, realistic sleep strategies for families of children with disabilities—because better sleep helps everyone.
Stuck on a waiting list?
Waiting for an evaluation, diagnosis, or therapy can feel like everything is on hold. But there are still things you can do. From checking for cancellations to exploring community-based programs and building supportive connections, there are steps you can take now.
Requesting an Assessment for Special Education
If your child is having a hard time in school—whether it’s focusing, learning, or connecting with others—you might be wondering if there’s something more going on. Asking the school for a special education evaluation can be a powerful first step.
Has your child been found ineligible for Regional Center services?
Getting a “not eligible” letter from the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) can feel discouraging—especially when you know your child has real needs. But this isn’t the end of the road.
Applying for Regional Center services after age 3
If you’re noticing delays or facing a new diagnosis, understanding the Regional Center process after age 3 can be confusing. This guide explains what to expect, what to prepare, and how to get support—so you’re not navigating it alone.