What is Texas Project FIRST?

Do you have questions about special education in Texas? A good place to find answers is on the Texas Project FIRST website. The articles on this website are written in a way that’s easy to understand. If you don’t have internet service or a computer, many public libraries and community centers have computers that you can use and someone there who can help you find the website.

Once you get to the home page, you will find a list of age ranges (0-3, 3-5, 5-11, etc.). By clicking on the age range of your child, you will pull up an index of topics relevant to that age group. All age range pages list some common topics at the top of the page, including links to:

• Texas Education Agency (TEA)
• Education Service Centers
• Family to Family Network trainings and articles about the Special Education Process (Portfolios, Effective Family/School Partnerships, etc.)
• Community Services (Medicaid Waiver Programs, Social Security, HHSC, etc.).

Next you will find a listing of topics in alphabetical order, with links that will take you to more information.  These topics include:

• Accommodations
• Assessment (STAAR)
• Assistive Technology
• Autism Supplement
• Curriculum (TEKS)
• Dispute Resolution
• Planning for the Future (Transition, Alternatives to Guardianship, etc.)

Each age range index also includes topics that are important to that age group. For example, the 0-3 and 3-5 pages include information on:

• Preparing to Transition to Preschool
• Preschool Options
• Preschool Curriculum

In the 11-16, 17-21 and Post Graduate age ranges, there is information on:

• Employment
• Independent Living
• Post-Secondary Options

Other articles on the website include:

• Academic Achievement Record
• FAQs on Dismissal from Services, Extended School Year Services (ESY), and Transportation
• Graduation Options
• Graduation Programs
• Highly Qualified Teachers
• Therapy Services in Schools
• Related Services and Transition

These articles are also available in Spanish. For a full listing of articles in Spanish, pull up the age-range index and click on “en Espanõl” at the top of the page.

There is a place on the website for you to register for updates. You will be sent monthly e-mails to notify you of any additions or updates to the site.

No matter where your child is in the special education process, the Texas Project FIRST website offers helpful information. When you know more about the ARD process, you can be more involved and better prepared to take an active role in your child’s education.

You can find more information on special education on the Special Education 101 page on this website.