This guide is designed to inform Illinois parents of children with disabilities about their childrens' educational rights and about special education services. Topics covered include: (1) steps to getting services, parent participation, and examples of modifications; (2) screening, referral, evaluation, and conference; (3) eligibility categories for special education; (4) the Individualized Education Program, placement considerations and conflict resolution; (5) student discipline, behavioral interventions, time out, in-school and out-of-school suspensions, and bus suspensions; (6) conflict resolution, complaint investigation, mediation, and due process hearings; (7) confidentiality of student records, information provided to divorced parents, challenging a child's records, and filing a complaint; (8) early childhood services, transition from early intervention, and referral; (9) educational surrogate parents; (10) Medicaid and confidentiality; (11) the State Advisory Council for the Education of Children with Disabilities; and (12) special education rules and regulations contained in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The last three sections of the booklet contain sample letters, a parent dictionary, and legal and/or advocate information. (CR)