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Who Does What? Special Ed Edition 👩‍🏫📚

Writer's picture: Sophia WhitehouseSophia Whitehouse

Updated: Feb 7


Who’s Who in Your Child’s Special Education Team? 🤔🏫

Walking into a school meeting with a table full of unfamiliar professionals can feel intimidating. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by acronyms, legal jargon, and people whose names you don’t even know.


🚨 Good news: You’re not alone! Knowing who’s who and what each person actually does will help you feel more prepared and confident as you advocate for your child.


Here’s a rundown of key special education team members and their roles.


📌 Parent/Guardian (That’s YOU!)

Role: The #1 advocate for your child.

What you do:

  • Speak up about your child’s needs—no one knows them better than you!

  • Share concerns, insights, and what works at home.

  • Ask questions and challenge decisions if needed.


💡 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to disagree! You are an equal team member and have legal rights in this process.


📌 District Representative (a.k.a. The Decision-Maker)

Who it is: Usually the principal or assistant principal.

What they do:

  • Has the final say on what services the district provides.

  • Oversees IEP/504 decisions and funding.

  • Steps in if there’s a disagreement between parents and staff.


💡 If your child has a complex case, a Special Education Coordinator or Director may also be involved.


📌 School Psychologist 🧠

What they do:

  • Administer, score, and interpret psychoeducational evaluations.

  • Lead meetings to determine if a student qualifies for special education.

  • Write the Evaluation Team Report (ETR).


💡 Some school psychologists also help with intervention planning (MTSS/IAT/RTI).


📌 Intervention Specialist (Special Education Teacher) 👩‍🏫

What they do:

  • Write & manage the IEP (if your child qualifies).

  • Provide direct instruction in small groups or co-teach in general education.

  • Monitor progress on IEP goals and send home quarterly reports.

  • Help students stay organized, study for tests, and complete assignments.


💡 If your child qualifies for an IEP, they’ll have an assigned Intervention Specialist as their Case Manager.


📌 General Education Teacher (Your Child’s Primary Teacher) 🍎

What they do:

  • Provide input on classroom performance and progress toward academic benchmarks.

  • Implement accommodations and modifications in general education.

  • Track progress and help with intervention plans.


💡 In elementary school, your child’s classroom teacher will know them best. Their input is crucial in intervention and IEP planning!


📌 Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) 🗣️

What they do:

  • Assess and provide therapy for speech and language delays.

  • Help with articulation, stuttering, social communication, and more.

  • Provide services on an IEP, 504, or intervention plan.


💡 SLPs often work with students who struggle with expressive/receptive language, processing, or social communication.


📌 Occupational Therapist (OT) ✋

What they do:

  • Assess and support fine motor skills & sensory processing.

  • Help with handwriting, grasping, self-care skills, and sensory needs.

  • Provide therapy through IEP, 504, or intervention plans.


💡 If your child struggles with tasks like writing, cutting, tying shoes, or sensory overload, an OT can help!


📌 Physical Therapist (PT) 🏃‍♂️

What they do:

  • Help students with mobility, balance, and strength issues.

  • Work with students who have difficulty navigating the school environment.

  • Provide therapy through an IEP, 504, or intervention plan.


💡 PTs usually support students with physical disabilities, orthopedic concerns, or mobility challenges.


📌 Adaptive Physical Education (APE) Teacher 🏋️‍♀️

What they do:

  • Provide modified PE instruction for students who can’t participate in traditional gym class.

  • Assess and support gross motor skills and coordination.

  • Services are typically only available through an IEP.


💡 APE teachers work with students who have significant physical disabilities or motor coordination difficulties.


📌 School Nurse 🏥

What they do:

  • Conduct vision & hearing screenings as part of evaluations.

  • Help create IEP/504 plans for students with medical needs.

  • Train staff on medical conditions, medications, and emergencies.


💡 If your child has a medical condition that affects learning (like diabetes, epilepsy, or severe allergies), the school nurse will be involved in their plan.


How to Use This Info to Advocate for Your Child 🗣️

Know who to ask for what.

Don’t be afraid to question decisions.

Use your voice—it matters!


🚀 Have questions? Drop them in the comments! 👇


📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466


People sit attentively at a conference table, listening intently. Background is neutral. Attire varies, suggesting a professional setting.

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