Family Engagement

• Link Between School and Family: The Family Engagement Specialist can facilitate communication and understanding between families and the school, helping to address any concerns or issues that may arise.
• Connecting with Outside Agencies: The Family Engagement Specialist can  help families access additional resources and services outside of the school system, which can be crucial for addressing specific needs.
• Transition Planning: The Family Engagement Specialist can provide guidance and information on planning for transitions, whether they are between grade levels, from elementary to middle school, or from school to adulthood.
• ARD Process/IEPs: The Family Engagement Specialist can assist families in understanding the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring they are informed and involved in their child’s education plan.
• District Services Information: The Family Engagement Specialist can  provide details on the various services and supports available within the district, helping families navigate these options.
• Link with District Central Office and Campus Special Education Staff: The Family Engagement Specialist can act as a liaison, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration between central office personnel and campus-level special education staff.
• Knowledge of ECI to 18+: The Family Engagement Specialist has expertise that spans from Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) through to programs for young adults aged 18 and older, providing continuity and comprehensive support throughout different stages of a child’s development.
• Training Sessions: The Family Engagement Specialist will organize formal and informal training opportunities to educate families about various aspects of special education and available resources.
• Family Connections: The Family Engagement Specialist will create opportunities for families to connect with one another, which can provide support, share experiences, and build a community.
• Parent Consultation Meetings: The Family Engagement Specialist offers one-on-one consultations with parents to address specific concerns or questions they may have regarding their child’s education.

Medicaid Waivers can provide support for individuals with disabilities throughout their life to help ensure they can live as independently as possible. Your child does not need to be on Medicaid to sign up for the waiver. The waivers have a 20+  year interest lists so sign up as soon as possible in case your child will need the services as an adult. You can always decline if not needed.

Waiver Handout for Parents 

Medicaid Waivers English 

Medicaid Waivers Spanish 

Medicaid Waivers Vietnamese 

The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) grant is a special education funding program in Texas that provides a one-time $1,500 grant to parents or guardians of eligible students who are enrolled in a Texas public school and receive special education services through an IEP (Individualized Education Program). The purpose of the grant is to give families flexible funds they can use to purchase educational materials, instructional resources, technology, or additional services (such as tutoring or therapy) that support their child’s educational needs through an approved online marketplace.

Key Points about the PDSES Grant

🎯 Who’s eligible?
To qualify for a PDSES grant:

• The student must be enrolled in a Texas public school (Pre-K through 12th grade).

• The student must be receiving special education services under an IEP.

• The student must not have already received a PDSES or Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) grant in the past (it’s only available once per student).

💰 How much is the grant?
Eligible families receive $1,500 to spend on approved educational goods and services through the PDSES online marketplace.

🗓️ Application Window (2025–2026 school year)
The application for the 2025–2026 PDSES grant opens on April 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. CST and will remain open until April 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST.

📝 How to apply:
Parents must have or create a My SPEDTex account before the application opens. Once the application window is open, parents log in to the account, add eligible student information, and submit the application during that window. https://my.spedtex.org/ords/f?p=myspedtexaccount:login 

https://pdses.tea.texas.gov/

https://pdses.tea.texas.gov/spanish.html 

Family Digital Resource Center 

Parent-Directed Special Education Services (Grants for Families)

Pflugerville ISD Special Education Department

Special Education Operating Guidelines Website

Destination Life Website

Special Education Scoop Previous Newsletters

SpedTex

Legal Framework

Mental Health Support at School

Autism Training Videos

Autism Circuit

Accommodation Central

Parent Guide to the ARD Process

Procedural Safeguards

STAR Autism Support

Texas Parent2Parent

Medicaid Waiver Program - English

Medicaid Waiver Program - Español

Medicaid Waiver Program - Vietnamese

Think College Information - IDD

People With Down Syndrome Resource Page

Texas Driving with a Disability Information

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