This booklet for parents of young children with special needs provides a variety of child-rearing suggestions as well as an updated listing of resources. After an introduction which defines special needs and summarizes basic principles, the following chapters address: (1) the family as the most important support for a child; (2) the evaluation process; (3) relevant laws such the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Parent Training and Information Centers; (4) services and supports available to children ages birth through 2 and beginning at age 3; (5) setting goals for the child; (6) the Individualized Family Service Plan and the Individualized Education Program; (7) fostering a child's social inclusion; (8) reaching out to others for support; and (9) helpful hints. A developmental progress chart is appended. Also appended is a resource list which includes 19 associations and organizations, 9 government agencies, 10 government-supported organizations, 4 hotlines and information lines, 2 Internet sites, 17 minority family groups, 12 regional offices of the Office for Civil Rights, 79 Parent Training and Information Centers, and 61 sources of state or territorial information. (Contains 15 references.) (CR)