Across Nevada, families have been hearing tough news — special education layoffs are happening in multiple school districts, including the Clark County School District (CCSD) and the Washoe County School District (WCSD).

For many parents and kinship caregivers raising children with special needs, this news sparks real concern. If you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or family friend caring for a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you may be wondering:

👉 “Will my child still get their services?”
👉 “What if the teacher or therapist my child trusts isn’t there anymore?”
👉 “How can I make sure my child doesn’t fall behind?”

These are important and very real questions. And you’re not alone in asking them.

At Foster Kinship, we work alongside thousands of kinship families who face moments like this. You are doing extraordinary work raising children through change, and we want you to have clear, reliable information and emotional support to get through it.

💬 1. First and Most Important: Your Child’s Rights Have Not Changed

Even though schools are facing staffing cuts, your child’s rights are still protected by federal law.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every child with an IEP has the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) — no matter what’s happening inside the district.

That means:

• Schools must continue to provide every service and support written in your child’s IEP (for example, speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy).
  
• If services are delayed because of staff shortages, schools must make up the missed time later or find another qualified provider.
  
• Changes to your child’s IEP cannot be made without your consent and an IEP meeting.
  

So while staffing shortages might cause delays or adjustments, your child’s rights and your authority as their caregiver remain exactly the same.

👩‍🏫 2. What You Might See in Schools Right Now

Districts are trying to stretch limited resources. You might notice:

• New or rotating special education teachers or aides.
  
• Group sessions instead of one-on-one time.
  
• Virtual or contract-based service providers (teletherapy, for example).
  
• Shorter or rescheduled sessions due to caseloads.
  

If any of this happens, your child’s school should notify you. You have the right to:

• Ask who is providing the service.
  
• Request a copy of service logs.
  
• Call an IEP meeting if you notice missed or changed services.
  

Advocating doesn’t have to be confrontational; it’s about keeping your child’s plan on track and ensuring communication stays open and respectful.

📝 3. Steps You Can Take to Advocate for Your Child

When systems shift, organization and persistence help. Here’s a practical approach:

1. Review your child’s IEP – Highlight all services and the amount of time per week your child is entitled to.
   
2. Track what’s actually happening – Keep a notebook or file of what services occur (and when they don’t).
   
3. Communicate regularly – Stay in touch with the case manager or special education teacher. Ask for updates in writing when possible.
   
4. Request an IEP meeting – You can request one anytime you believe your child’s needs aren’t being met.
   
5. Ask about compensatory (make-up) services – If services are missed, your child may be entitled to make-up sessions.
   
6. Bring support – You can bring an advocate or trusted person to IEP meetings.
   

Remember: You are your child’s most important advocate. You know them best  and your voice matters deeply.

💛 4. Foster Kinship Is Here to Walk Beside You

Navigating the school system, especially during staffing cuts, can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone.

Our Helpline and Family Advocates can help you:

• Understand your rights as a caregiver under special education law.
  
• Connect to Nevada PEP, IEP Defenders, and local school district family engagement offices.
  
• Join caregiver support groups where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.
  
• Get help preparing questions or documents for your next IEP meeting.
  

📞 Call the Foster Kinship Helpline: 702-546-9988
📧 Email: FamilyAdvocate@FosterKinship.org

🌿 5. Local Nevada Resources

Here are a few key resources to keep handy:

Clark County School District (CCSD)

• Special Education Division: (702) 799-5471
  
• CCSD Special Education Department
  
• Family Engagement Office: (702) 799-0303
  

Washoe County School District (WCSD)

• Special Education Services: (775) 348-3900
  
• WCSD Special Education Services
  

Nevada PEP (Parents Encouraging Parents) – Free statewide special education advocacy and training.

• Southern Nevada: (702) 388-8899
  
• Northern Nevada: (775) 448-9950
  
• www.nvpep.org

IEP Defenders

• 743-437-4357
• https://iepdefenders.com/

Nevada Department of Education – Office of Inclusive Education

• https://doe.nv.gov/Special_Education

Foster Kinship Helpline

• Toll-Free: 844-810-1667
  
• Local (Las Vegas): 702-546-9988
  
• Local (Reno): 775-374-4770
  

🌻 6. A Final Word — You Are the Anchor in Their Story

The truth is, Nevada’s schools are going through a lot of change right now. But children thrive when one thing stays steady — you.

You are the safe, stable, nurturing adult in their life. You are the advocate who shows up to meetings, writes the emails, and keeps pushing for what’s right. And that matters more than you may ever realize.

At Foster Kinship, we see your effort, your strength, and your love. We’ll keep standing with you to ensure every child in kinship care — and every caregiver like you — has the tools, knowledge, and community they need to succeed.

Together, we’ll keep home — and education — in the family. 💛