Process Handbook

The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) and the updating of the Kansas State Regulations in 2008, continues the commitment to ensure that all students have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE), will be included in the general education curriculum and will demonstrate improved educational outcomes.

The Kansas Special Education for Exceptional Children Act expands federal law and regulations to include children who are identified as gifted and provides an opportunity for children enrolled in private schools by their parents to receive FAPE. The Kansas State Department of Education is required to provide information regarding any rules, regulations and policies not required by IDEA 2004 or Federal Regulations.

The Kansas Special Education Process Handbook was developed to provide guidance, resources and supports necessary for those professionals who work to improve results for exceptional children. The information provided in the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook attempts to clarify and define legal requirements of the law and regulations. Each chapter includes a brief overview specifying requirements that are particular to Kansas. In addition, each chapter includes links to valuable resources, sample forms and references. Users of the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook are encouraged to update any future documents which provide clarification to the law and regulations by KSDE or the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

Kansas Special Education Process Handbook Complete (PDF) updated 6/12/2026

Chapters are broken out below. The dates reflect the last time content in that chapter was modified.
6/12/2026 is the date all links to KSDE.gov were updated, not substantive content changes.

Cover, Table of Contents, Flow Chart (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 1: Parent Rights (Procedural Safeguards) (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 2: Screening and General Education Intervention (Child Find) (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 3: Initial Evaluation and Eligibility (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 4: The Individualized Education Program (IEP) (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 5: Special Education and Related Services (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 6: Educational Placement and Least Restrictive Environment (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 7: Reevaluation (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 8: Discontinuing Special Education Services (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 9: Confidentiality (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 10: Mediation (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 11: Formal Complaint (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 12: Due Process Hearings (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 13: Suspension and Expulsion of Children with Disabilities for Disciplinary Violations (PDF) 6/12/2026

Chapter 14: Children in Private and Parochial Schools and Board Page (PDF) 6/12/2026

For more information, please contact:

Mark Ward
Attorney
(785) 296-0920

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 102
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1212
(785) 296-3201

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The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. For more information, visit our grievance procedure page.

To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by (785) 296-3201.