Every child is unique and learns in different ways. Some children are identified as needing special education services to support his or her learning at school. Parents can play a major role in shaping the services a child receives. This guidebook has been written for parents, guardians, and surrogate parents of a child (ages 3 to 21 or graduation) with disabilities who receives special education services in Minnesota public schools. It will help with understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the importance of parent participation in developing a child's IEP. Parents are a required member of a child's IEP team, and their ideas must always be considered in any decisions the IEP team makes. The following are appended: (1) Definitions; (2) Special Factors in the Development of the IEP; and (3) About PACER Center.