These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Listen to the parent
You can ask"What is hard for your child at school? How long has this been going on?"
You can ask"Does your child already have an IEP or a 504 plan?"
You can say"You know your child best. You have a right to ask the school for help."
2Ask the school to test the child
You can say"Ask the school in writing to evaluate your child for special education. Keep a copy."
Help them write a short, dated note: the child's name, the school, what they see, and "I am asking for a full evaluation for special education."
Silver Consolidated Schools - Special Education Department
Child Find developmental screening (ages 3-5) and special education referrals
575-956-2041
2810 N. Swan St. (Stout Elementary parking lot), Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Cobre Consolidated Schools
School district central office
575-537-4010
900 A Central Ave, Bayard
Grant Amplified Therapies
Early intervention (FIT program)
575-956-6370
208 Hwy 180 West, Silver City
3Get a helper on their side
Parents Reaching Out (PRO)
Help for families of children and youth with disabilities or special health need
800-524-5176
5130 Masthead St NE, Suite C, Albuquerque
Disability Rights New Mexico
Free advocacy and legal help for people with disabilities
800-432-4682
3916 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
UNM Center for Development and Disability - Autism Programs
Statewide autism information line and Family and Provider Resource Team
800-270-1861
5338 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque
NM Department of Health - Children's Medical Services (Grant County Public Health Office)
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program
575-538-5318
2610 N. Silver St., Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1)
4Get ready for the meeting
Bring
- Report cards
- doctor or test reports
- notes from teachers
- a list of questions
You can say"If you don't understand something, ask them to explain. You don't have to sign anything at the meeting."
See the guide "A parent wants to talk with the school but doesn't know how".
5If the school says no
Pegasus Legal Services for Children
Legal help for children, youth, young parents and relative caregivers
505-244-1101
505 Marquette Ave NW, Suite 1350, Albuquerque · Mon-Thu business hours (closed Fridays); call or text
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.