This guide is intended to help parents understand how a child becomes eligible for special education and related services and how to use letter writing to effectively communicate with the school when necessary. Initial information is presented in question-and-answer format and covers parental rights, parental responsibilities, and using letters to request services. Sample letters are offered for the parent who wants to: (1) discuss a problem, (2) request an initial evaluation for special education services, (3) request a meeting to review the Individualized Education Program, (4) request a change of placement, (5) request records, (6) request an independent evaluation, (7) request a due process hearing, (8) follow up on a previous letter, and (9) give positive feedback. An attachment presents a flow chart of the special education process from initial referral through evaluation, meetings, and final agreement. (DB)