Thread is from 2012!!! It should be locked or redirected.
For DC questions, start here
https://specialeducation.dc.gov/page/frequently-asked-questions-7
To poster who revived the old thread, you will find accurate, relevant and up to date info on the Kids with Special Needs forum.
It's not just for kids with diagnosed disabilities. A lot of the content is about learning, school environment and resources to hero families. No judgement. No stigma.
Federal law guarantees every child an
appropriate public education even if they have challenges that meet the criteria for what could be diagnosed as a disability. It sounds scarier than it is to be diagnosed as disabled. The term disability covers everything from very common ADHD to complex medical issues in hospitalized kids.
An IEP at any age is supposed to ensure your child doesn't slip through the cracks. If your school is suggesting an IEP, it's worth exploring. DC is legally on the hook for delivering what's documented in an IEP. It's not set in stone but it can be good support