This booklet for Minnesota parents of children with disabilities provides an overview of special education services. Information is provided on: (1) the purpose of special education; (2) disabilities that are covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (3) eligibility age; (4) types of special education and related services; (5) referral; (6) transition evaluation; (7) functional behavioral assessment; (8) independent evaluations; (9) the role parents play in the evaluation process; (10) membership on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team; (11) factors that must be considered in developing an IEP; (12) requirements of the IEP; (13) placement options for special education services; (14) how parents can contribute to IEP planning meetings; (15) IEP evaluation; (16) procedural safeguards; (17) conciliation conferences; (18) mediation; (19) due process hearing; and (20) state complaint procedures. Answers to commonly asked questions about student and parent rights, child advocacy, and parent-teacher communication are provided. A list of disability-related organizations is provided, along with key Web sites. (CR)