Encircle Families
special education
March 31, 2026
A New School, A New Start
Kim and her family live in the East Valley, where their neighborhood school recently underwent changes that affected where students would attend. The school her…
October 13, 2025
Position Statement from the Disability Advocacy and Policy Alliance (DAPA) on the Federal Reduction in Force (RIF) Affecting OSERS and OSEP
The Arizona Disability Advocacy and Policy Alliance (DAPA) expresses deep concern regarding the recent Reduction in Force (RIF) notices issued to nearly all federal staff…
March 24, 2025
Advocacy Skills Are a Family Affair
With guidance from Encircle Families, Susie Turrey and her son Levi learned to speak up for the supports he needed—transforming his education and building confidence…
March 24, 2025
A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR – SPRING 2025
This edition of Connecting focuses on the power and importance of parent and family advocacy. Now more than ever, the perspectives of parents and family…
September 17, 2024
RSK Weighs In on Proposed Changes to High School Transition Planning
Your voice can help shape the future of transition services in Arizona. Comments must be received by Thursday, September 19, 2024 at noon.
September 20, 2023
What You Need To Know About School Discipline
Parents might think their children won’t be disciplined, suspended or expelled if they receive services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan,…
June 22, 2023
Prepping for Preschool
“Like many parents, Teresa Banas felt nervous when it was time to send her children to preschool. Her son didn’t speak as much as his…
June 22, 2023
From Rough Start to Remarkable Progress
With guidance from Encircle Families, Cristina Renteria gained the confidence and knowledge to advocate for her son Atlas and work with his school team to…
September 29, 2022
The ABCs of 504 Plans
To qualify for a 504 plan, a student needs to meet a definition set out by law which has three parts. The student must have…
March 14, 2022
ADE Invites Public Comment on the IDEA Part B State Application and Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Transition Policy and Procedures
Federal Fiscal Year 2022 IDEA Part B State Application The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) will apply soon for federal funding under the Individuals with…
January 12, 2022
What is Informal Discipline?
Informal discipline may be familiar to families with children with challenging behaviors at school.