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Which tools can I use?
Every tool is free: personalized lessons, school-year planning, progress reports, family organizers, printable materials, and all games. Create your own work or explore the matching fictional examples. No account or payment is needed.
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There are no fees or timed access limits for using these tools. They run in your browser without paid AI calls. Optional natural read-aloud downloads voice files once and then reads on your device. Internet and device data charges may still apply.
Are these personal therapy or consulting services?
These are self-guided planning and recordkeeping tools. They do not include appointments, personal IEP reviews, clinical treatment, or legal advice. Review generated lessons for your child before use.
Is this website only for homeschooling families?
No. Special Needs by State supports Illinois families of children with special needs across school settings and stages of life. Explore doctors, therapies, early childhood resources, public, private and Catholic schools, homeschooling, funding, and community connections.
Does the lesson planner replace my child’s school IEP?
The lesson planner uses the goals in your uploaded IEP for homeschool learning or extra practice at home alongside school. It does not create an official school IEP, establish eligibility, or guarantee services. Services and education pathways vary. Illinois special education information ↗ and ask your district about your child’s situation.
Where can I learn about scholarships and respite?
Explore, health coverage, and community disability supports. Follow the official program’s current eligibility and application instructions.
Are these providers verified or recommended?
Check services, location, costs, and openings directly with the organization. For coverage questions, contact the state health agency. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services ↗. Confirm a practitioner’s qualifications and license separately before choosing care.
Can I save my plans and favorite resources?
Saved resources are stored in this browser on this device. Manual plans use Save draft on this device. Quick and Customizable plans offer Save plan and optional Autosave on this device. The School Year Planner keeps multiple child/year workspaces when you explicitly save; it also offers optional automatic saving and downloadable backups. Annual reports have their own Save report on this device control, printable PDF output, and downloadable report and backup. The Learning & Family Toolkit has a separate Save on this device button and a downloadable backup. Toolkit notes and work samples are saved only when you choose. Local drafts and toolkit saves are not encrypted unless you turn on optional password protection for device saves; use initials and avoid sensitive medical details on shared devices. Download a text copy or use Print / PDF for a portable copy. Browser clearing can remove saved content.
What if a resource has changed?
Use the linked provider website for current contact information and confirm details before traveling or paying. This is an independent starting directory, not a live availability service. No paid placement or rankings are used.
Keep contacts, school options, and care information organized.
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This sample shows: separate goals, dated observations, different levels of support, and useful next steps.
Learner: Alex · Record excerpt: September 14–28, 2026. These are fictional parent observations, not an assessment.
Example goals
Shape matching: Match a circle, square, and triangle to the same shape using the established response method.
One-step directions: Carry out a familiar instruction with the communication and access supports in the learning plan.
Making a choice: Indicate a preferred activity using speech, pointing, signs, or established AAC.
Dated observations
Eight example observations
Date / goal
Outcome
What happened / support used
Sep 14 · Shapes
With support
Matched 1 of 3 shapes after a model and a verbal cue. Presented one pair at a time.
Sep 21 · Shapes
With support
Matched 2 of 3 independently; matched the triangle after a model. Used the same response choices.
Sep 28 · Shapes
Independently
Matched all 3 on this occasion with the usual access supports available. Repeat observation in a different activity before drawing conclusions.
Sep 14 · Directions
Needs more practice
The spoken direction alone was not enough. Paused and demonstrated the action rather than repeating it more loudly.
Sep 21 · Directions
With support
Put the book in the basket after a visual cue. Kept the instruction to one step.
Sep 28 · Directions
With support
Put a picture on the board after the same visual cue. Still needs the cue in this example.
Sep 21 · Choice
With support
Selected music from two activities after a partner pointed out both choices.
Sep 28 · Choice
Independently
Selected drawing from two available activities using established AAC. The choice was honored.
A useful next observation
Offer a different set of familiar shapes and record the help actually needed. For directions, keep the visual cue available and note whether Alex initiates the action before or after it. Do not treat one successful observation as mastery.
This sample shows: completed work from different subjects, a work-sample image, parent observations, and reading records.
Learner: Alex · Portfolio excerpt: September 28–30, 2026. Titles and evidence below are fictional.
Dated work samples
September 28 · Shape collage
Subject / goal
Art · Choose and arrange shapes for an original picture.
Completed work
Alex arranged a sun and three flowers, then directed a partner to attach the pieces.
Support used
Two color choices at a time; large pieces; established AAC available.
Parent observation
Alex asked to move one flower and selected the final arrangement. The partner attached pieces only where Alex indicated.
Illustrated placeholder for a work-sample image. This is not a real child’s work.
September 29 · Numbered flowerpots
Subject / goal
Math · Match numerals to quantities within five.
Completed work
Placed two flower pictures on the pot labeled 2 and four on the pot labeled 4.
Support used
Large numeral cards and a clear space between the two pots.
Parent observation
Matched both quantities after one example. Keep a photo of the finished arrangement with the original work.
September 30 · Shadow observation
Subject / goal
Science · Notice a change and communicate an observation.
Completed work
Used a lamp and a large block to compare two shadows.
Support used
Adult handled the lamp; Alex indicated observations with picture choices.
Parent observation
Selected “longer” when the block moved closer to the light. One observation is evidence of participation, not proof of general mastery.
Reading record
Fictional reading titles
Date
Title / format
Learning note
Sep 28
Ari’s Garden · parent-created picture story
Shared reading; Alex selected a picture for the ending.
Sep 29
Five Pots · parent-created counting booklet
Pointed to the page showing four flowers.
Sep 30
Where Is the Shadow? · parent-created photo sequence
Compared two pictures and indicated what changed.
This sample shows: a year overview, subject records, first and latest observations, selected evidence, and parent-reported accomplishments.
Learner: Alex Example · Reporting period: August 24, 2026–June 11, 2027 · Prepared by: Sample Parent · Recipient: Family’s chosen evaluator.
Year at a glance
In this fictional report, selected records contain 168 distinct dates with completed learning, 1,260 completed activities, 48 dated observations, and 24 portfolio entries. These totals describe the selected records; they are not an attendance certification. The table and evidence below are excerpts from that example year.
Selected subject totals — part of the full year
Subject
Activities marked complete
Example work
Math
210
Numbered flowerpots; compare collections; measure a book with paper strips.
English
195
Picture-story retelling; match labels; dictate a postcard.
Garden collage; rhythm patterns; conduct a short song.
Other recorded subjects
510
Geography, history, social studies, and everyday learning.
Progress evidence
First and latest parent observations
Goal
First recorded observation
Latest recorded observation
Match familiar shapes
Sep 14: 1 of 3 after a model and verbal cue.
May 18: 3 of 3 with usual access supports and no additional cue in this activity.
Follow a familiar one-step direction
Sep 14: needed a demonstration to begin.
May 20: followed the direction after a picture cue; support is still needed.
Communicate a preference
Sep 21: chose after a partner identified both options.
May 25: initiated a choice using established AAC during a familiar routine.
These observations describe performance in particular activities. They do not by themselves establish IEP mastery or a grade level.
Accomplishments and evidence
Parent-reported accomplishment: Alex now helps choose the first activity and requests a pause during familiar learning routines.
Selected portfolio: September collage, January map activity, and May picture-story sequence, each with a date and support note.
Reading excerpt: Ari’s Garden, Five Pots, and Where Is the Shadow? These are fictional, parent-created titles.
Source selection: Alex’s saved lesson plans, Alex’s school-year workspace, and individually selected toolkit observations and portfolio entries.
Next steps
Continue one-step directions with visual cues. Try shape matching in a new setting and document the support needed. Keep offering meaningful communication choices and collect a few dated examples each month.
Report boundary: Planned but unfinished activities and scheduled appointments are not counted as completed learning. This parent-prepared summary can support an evaluation; it is not an official evaluation or a guarantee of acceptance.
This sample shows: a 180-day setup, different main subjects, source-based goal practice, care and outings, and adjustments over time.
School-year setup
Learner / schedule
Alex · Monday–Friday · 180 planned learning days in 36 groups of five.
First learning day
September 28, 2026. Breaks are entered separately and shift later learning dates.
Interests and supports
Gardens, picture stories, and music. Keep established AAC, comfortable positioning, and a quiet workspace available.
Current source
Fictional IEP goals: matching shapes, counting to five, following one-step directions, and communicating choices.
Other sources
A parent-created garden unit, a library resource link, and a fictional clinician note kept as a reference. A link is not automatically read by the planner.
Week 1 · one-week excerpt
One main curriculum starter per day, plus selected practice
Day / main subject
Curriculum starter
Goal practice / family plan
Monday · Art
Create a paper garden with selected shapes.
Choose colors using AAC. Parent records which parts Alex chose independently.
Tuesday · Math
Measure a favorite book with equal paper strips.
Match 2 and 4 to prepared picture collections. Speech appointment at 10:30; keep the afternoon flexible.
Wednesday · Science
Compare shadows cast by a block in two positions.
Follow a one-step instruction to place the block. Adult handles the lamp.
Thursday · English
Dictate a caption for a garden picture.
Choose the picture to describe. Library outing at 1:00; parent adds the book title afterward.
Friday · Geography
Draw a simple map from the learning table to the bookshelf.
Use a picture cue to carry out one direction on the route.
Care, outings, and a break
Speech: Tuesday at 10:30, entered as a recurring appointment.
Library visit: Thursday at 1:00, added as a field trip with an optional follow-up assignment.
Family break: October 12, entered as a no-learning date. Later learning dates shift.
Medical or therapy notes stay reference material. The planner does not invent treatment or prescribed exercises.
Progress and later weeks
Recorded observation
September 30: Alex followed “put the block here” after a picture cue. Goal remains active and needs support.
Completed-day record
Monday’s completed work retains its original lesson and support notes when future settings change.
Later-year example
In week 18, a parent adds a new measurement goal and a museum resource assignment. The next week uses those updates; it does not rewrite completed days.
When practice runs out
The IEP practice bank is finite. Add a new educational goal, resource assignment, or custom activity instead of expecting unlimited distinct practice from one goal.
This sample shows: a first/then board, a full routine, planned pauses, and a simple schedule change.
First, then
▤FIRST
Choose shapes for the garden
♫THEN
Listen to a favorite song
Keep the child’s established visuals and communication supports available. The board previews the sequence; it is not a rule for withholding a needed break.
Our short routine
Settle in Choose the work spot and bring the communication system.
Make art Choose and arrange the garden shapes.
Music pause Listen, play, or rest according to Alex’s preference.
Count a collection Move up to five large pictures onto a mat.
Rest and snack Follow the family’s established snack routine; no feeding changes are suggested.
Shared story Read the short plant story and choose the ending.
Library outing Bring the selected book bag and established access supports.
Finish the day Choose one piece of work to keep; clear the work area together.
When the day changes
If the library visit is canceled, change that card to “Read at home” and move it before the rest card if Alex prefers. The full schedule can be rearranged without recreating all the cards. Its first two cards supply the first/then board.
Individualize the labels
Short label
“Music pause” is easier to scan than a long instruction.
Predictable ending
Keep “Finish the day” as the last card when that helps the child.
Access note
The printable symbols are simple visual aids. Use familiar pictures alongside them when needed.
This sample shows: an activity sheet and four kinds of printable learning aids, all using fictional learning targets.
Activity sheet · Match the shapes
Goal
Match a circle, square, and triangle to the same shape.
Materials
Two sets of large shape cards and a clear work surface.
Supports
Use the established response method. Present fewer cards at once if that is already part of the child’s access plan.
Place one target shape in front of Alex and offer the matching set. Ask Alex to select the same shape or direct a partner to place it. Change the target and record which matches needed a cue.
Example parent note: Matched circle and square independently; triangle after a model.
Matching cards · two sets
○Circle
□Square
△Triangle
○Circle
□Square
△Triangle
Sorting mats and label cards
WEAR
Place clothing labels here
RIDE
Place vehicle labels here
Hat
Coat
Sock
Bus
Bicycle
Boat
Read each label or pair it with a familiar picture. These sample words are editable labels in the full tool.
Number cards
0No dots
1●
2● ●
3● ● ●
4● ● ● ●
5● ● ● ● ●
Match each numeral to a collection with that many items. In the full tool, number cards can cover 0–100; dot groups are available through 20.
Response-choice cards
Yes
No
Help
Break
These are supplementary labels, not a replacement for the child’s established AAC or access method. Keep a way to reject a choice or ask for a pause.
This sample shows: flexible learning days, timed appointments, rest, event notes, and a changed appointment.
Example family week
September 28–October 2, 2026 · Alex Times, places, and appointments are fictional. “Flexible” means no appointment time has been assigned.
Ten example calendar entries
When
Type / event
Notes to bring
Monday · Flexible
Lesson · Garden art and music
Imported lesson day. Keep the shape cards and established AAC available.
Tuesday · Flexible
Lesson · Math in the garden
Use the numbered flowerpots; leave room around the speech appointment.
Tuesday · 10:30–11:00
Therapy · Speech appointment
Fictional provider. Bring the current communication profile and one observation.
Wednesday · Flexible
Lesson · Light and shadows
Adult handles the lamp; take a photo only if the family chooses.
Wednesday · 11:30–12:00
Rest · Quiet pause
Keep the time flexible if Alex needs the pause earlier.
Thursday · Flexible
Lesson · Picture-story writing
Dictate or select a short caption using established supports.
Thursday · 11:00–11:30
Therapy · OT appointment
Bring a sample of the learning materials and the parent’s access questions.
Thursday · 13:00–14:00
Other · Library visit
Confirm access and opening hours separately before leaving.
Friday · 09:00–09:30
Other · Doctor visit
Bring the parent’s question list. Do not put sensitive details in a calendar shared with others.
Friday · Flexible
Lesson · Our neighborhood map
Complete when the family is ready after the appointment.
Example change
The family changes the speech appointment from 10:00 to 10:30 and updates the note to bring Alex’s communication profile. The table shows the revised time. Editing an event does not record the appointment or lesson as completed learning.
Keeping calendars consistent
Importing the same lesson day again is skipped by the toolkit to prevent duplicate lesson entries.
Exported ICS files include event notes. Review those notes before sharing or importing them into another calendar.
Check times in the receiving calendar. Repeated ICS imports may create duplicates in that application.
This sample shows: different school settings, confirmed versus missing information, visit notes, and follow-up questions.
Fictional school visit notes
These are invented examples, not listings, recommendations, or real school fees. The tool records what a family learns; it does not rate schools or decide which setting fits a child.
Garden Path Learning Co-op
Setting
Homeschool co-op · fictional
Visit note
Small group meets twice weekly. Parent participation is expected.
Recorded by
Sample Parent · September 21, 2026.
St. Brigid Learning School
Setting
Catholic school · fictional
Visit note
Family discussed class routines and participation in faith activities.
Recorded by
Sample Parent · September 22, 2026.
Maple Grove Elementary
Setting
Public school · fictional
Visit note
Family asked about the team process and communication supports.
Recorded by
Sample Parent · September 23, 2026.
Compare what matters to your family
Example comparison — no ranking
Question
Co-op
Catholic school
Public school
Learning support
Parent supplies and adapts the lessons; group leader coordinates activities.
Small-group reading discussed. Written support details not yet confirmed.
Ask the school team about the child’s individual services and setting.
Communication / AAC
Leader agreed to use the family’s established communication system.
Staff training and classroom access not yet confirmed.
Team contact requested the family’s communication profile.
Access / sensory needs
Quiet corner observed; restroom access still to check.
Entrance observed; quieter space and bathroom access still to check.
Accessible route discussed; visit needed to check the child’s actual route.
Faith participation
Parent-led; ask about group expectations.
Ask how assemblies, Mass, and sacramental preparation can be supported.
Not applicable to this example’s public-school program.
fees and payment terms
Ask for dues, supplies, and parent-time expectations.
Request total tuition, fees, and any applicable aid in writing.
Ask which optional activity or transport costs apply to the family.
Transportation
Family arranges travel.
Availability and cost not yet confirmed.
Confirm arrangements with the district for this child.
Follow-up before deciding
Ask each setting to explain who provides support and how progress is shared.
Visit the spaces Alex would actually use and discuss communication, breaks, and transitions.
Write down who supplied each answer and when. Leave missing answers “Not yet confirmed.”
Separate a welcoming conversation from a confirmed, documented support arrangement.
This sample shows: a contact list, different provider statuses, detailed notes, a comparison, and next steps.
Every provider and staff name here is fictional. No listed appointment, availability, price, or payment arrangement describes a real service.
Provider records
Garden Speech Practice · Speech-language therapy
Status
Contacted
Area / contact
Fictional local area · Quinn, sample office contact
Availability
Fictional office offered a call to discuss scheduling; start date not confirmed.
fees and payment terms
Written quote and insurance information requested; not confirmed.
Support fit
Parent asked about established AAC and meaningful everyday communication goals.
Next step
Send the learning profile only after reviewing what the family wants to share.
Follow-up / last confirmed
Follow up October 5, 2026 · sample call recorded September 28.
Meadow Communication Center · Speech-language therapy
Status
Waitlisted
Area / contact
Fictional nearby area · Rowan, sample intake contact
Availability
Waitlist acknowledged; no start date promised.
fees and payment terms
Office offered to send written terms; parent has not received them.
Support fit
Ask about travel, AAC access, parent participation, and coordination with school.
Next step
Confirm waitlist process and whether the family needs to check back.
Follow-up / last confirmed
Follow up October 8, 2026 · sample call recorded September 29.
Oak Daily Living Practice · Occupational therapy
Status
Appointment booked
Area / contact
Fictional local area · Taylor, sample intake contact
Availability
Fictional introductory appointment: October 6 at 11:00.
Support fit
Discuss access to art materials and comfortable participation in home routines.
Next step
Bring a work sample and the family’s questions. Record the appointment separately in the calendar.
Compare selected providers
Two speech providers selected for comparison
Item
Garden Speech Practice
Meadow Communication Center
Availability
Scheduling conversation offered; date unconfirmed.
Waitlisted; no start date.
Communication supports
AAC discussion requested.
AAC and parent participation questions pending.
Travel
Fictional local area; exact visit location to confirm.
Fictional nearby area; travel and any remote options to confirm.
Costs
Written terms requested.
Written terms requested.
Keep the next action specific
“Call on October 5 to request the written fee information” is easier to act on than “follow up.” Keep unknown details marked as unconfirmed. A saved directory listing supplies a starting contact, not a verified answer about your child’s needs.
This sample shows: a useful introduction for a teacher, tutor, or therapist, with practical support details and family priorities.
Meet Alex
Age / learning setting
Age 8 · fictional homeschool learner who also attends community activities.
Strengths and interests
Enjoys music, garden pictures, and noticing patterns. Likes choosing colors and sharing completed work.
What matters to Alex
Having time to respond, being offered meaningful choices, and knowing when an activity will end.
How I communicate
Alex uses pointing, gestures, some spoken words, and an established AAC system. Keep that system within the usual accessible position. Speak directly to Alex, allow the response time already used by the family, and accept the established ways of saying yes, no, help, or stop.
Useful example: Offer two available art materials, name both, and wait for Alex’s selection. Do not move Alex’s hand or assume a choice from an unclear response.
Access and learning supports
Materials and position
Keep the established seating and access arrangement. Use large, easy-to-see choices and reduce unnecessary items on the work surface.
Sensory comfort
A quieter space and comfortable sound level help. Ask the family about familiar supports rather than introducing a new sensory routine.
Instructions
Use a short direction, then the familiar visual cue if needed. Demonstrate with a separate example when that is helpful.
Transitions and breaks
Preview the next activity with the family’s familiar first/then format. Honor established break and stop signals.
What to report back
Describe what Alex did, what support was offered, and one situation that was difficult. Specific examples are more useful than “a good day.”
Current family priorities
Make choices during ordinary learning and play.
Practice matching shapes and counting to five through varied activities.
Use familiar one-step directions with the needed supports available.
What this shared copy includes
This example uses a first name, learning setting, communication supports, and priorities. Parent contact information and unrelated medical details have been left out. Review a profile before sharing it and include only what the recipient needs.
This sample shows: plan information, document locations, meeting preparation, agreed actions, and completed versus pending follow-ups.
Example meeting preparation
Child / plan
Alex · IEP · fictional example
Current plan date
September 14, 2026
School / team contact
Morgan, fictional team coordinator
Next meeting
October 7, 2026 · date confirmed in this example
Family follow-up date
October 14, 2026 · a chosen reminder, not a calculated legal deadline.
Document list
Where the family keeps each record
Document
Date
Location
Current IEP
Sep 14, 2026
Family’s school-record folder · IEP-2026.pdf
Communication observations
Sep 28, 2026
Toolkit progress record and downloaded backup
Shape collage work sample
Sep 28, 2026
Portfolio entry; original in the paper work folder
Meeting notes
Oct 7, 2026
Family’s meeting-notes folder · October-notes.pdf
These are locations and titles only. The organizer does not upload or store the listed document files.
Questions for the team
How will progress on the communication goal be recorded and shared?
Which established communication and access supports should be available across activities?
Can we review a recent example showing what Alex did with and without an added cue?
Who should the family contact if a support is unavailable or a question remains?
Meeting notes · fictional example
The parent shared two dated observations and asked for a clearer description of the visual cue used during directions. The team contact agreed to send the meeting notes and identify the person who will answer the family’s communication-support questions. These notes record the conversation; they do not amend an official plan.
Follow-up checklist
Actions after the meeting
Status
Action
Owner / due date
Done
Share the two selected work samples.
Sample Parent · Oct 7
Pending
Send meeting notes to the parent.
Fictional team coordinator · Oct 10
Pending
Confirm the contact for communication-support questions.
Sample Parent · Oct 14
This sample shows: questions for four provider types, general access and cost questions, and a practical way to record answers.
Bring to any provider conversation
What experience and qualifications do you have for my child’s age and support needs?
What are the waitlist, referral requirements, fees, insurance arrangements, and cancellation terms?
How can we arrange communication, sensory, mobility, or other access supports?
Occupational therapist · three examples
Which daily activities would you prioritize with our family, such as play, dressing, or using learning materials?
How would you adapt activities around my child’s interests, comfort, and current access supports?
What practical ideas can you show us to use in our existing routines?
Speech therapist · three examples
How will you support all the ways my child communicates, including their existing AAC?
How will you choose communication goals that matter in everyday life?
How will you help us use communication supports across home and school routines?
Tutor · three examples
How will you adapt instruction to my child’s learning goals and access needs?
How will you find an appropriate starting point without assuming ability from a diagnosis or age?
What work samples or observations will you share so we can review progress?
Educational evaluator · three examples
What questions can this evaluation answer, and what falls outside its scope?
How will the evaluation account for my child’s communication, sensory, motor, and access needs?
How will you explain the findings and their limitations in language our family can use?
Example conversation notes
Fictional speech-provider conversation
Question
Answer recorded by parent
Next step
AAC access
Provider offered to discuss the current system and access method before the first visit.
Parent reviews and shares the relevant part of the learning profile.
Progress updates
Provider described using examples from agreed everyday goals; reporting schedule not confirmed.
Ask when written updates are provided.
Costs and waitlist
No written information received yet.
Request fees, insurance details, and a realistic next contact date.
My notes to bring
Family priority
Alex communicating a choice during ordinary routines.
One question still open
Who will coordinate with school or other providers, and only with whose permission?
Next contact
Sample Parent to request written information on October 5, 2026.
This sample includes selected questions from each type of guide. The full tool provides a nine-question sheet for the selected provider type, including general and specialist questions, with space for answers and next steps.
Special Needs by StateIllinois
