If your child has been diagnosed with a disability and is supposed to be receiving special education services at school, it can be stressful—for both of you—when you realize that their needs are not being met. Don't give up. When it comes to special education services, you are your child's biggest advocate. If your child isn't receiving their required services, here are four steps you should take to move things along.

Know the IEP

If you don't know your child's IEP backwards and forwards, you need to start reading. The IEP—or Individualized Education Plan—is a legally-binding contract between the school district, you, and your child. The goals of the IEP are to set learning goals for your child, and list the support services that the school district will provide for your child. If the support services aren't being provided to your child, you need to get active. It's time to take the next step.

Talk to the Teacher

As soon as you realize that your child isn't receiving the services they require, sit down and talk to their teacher. Find out why those services aren't being met. There may be steps you can take within the classroom setting to get things back on track. If the teacher provides you with a plan to get those services to your child, great. Give them a few weeks to implement the changes. If your child is still not receiving their services, head up the ladder.

Go to the District

Your school district has a special education department, which includes the district psychologist. The district psychologist has a responsibility to ensure that your child receives the services they're legally entitled to receive. If you've had no luck dealing with your child's special education teacher, it's time to take your grievance to the district level. Sit down and talk to the school psychologist. Explain exactly what services are being denied to your child. In most cases, taking your grievance to the district will get the ball rolling. However, if it doesn't, it's time to bring in the big guns.

Hire an Attorney

If you've tried everything you can think of to help your child receive their services, and the district still isn't providing them, it's time to speak to a special education attorney. Your attorney will ensure that your child begins receiving the education services they're entitled to. Be sure to bring your child's IEP and educational records with you to your first appointment. These records will help the attorney create a plan of action for your case.

If your child isn't receiving the support services that their IEP says they're entitled to, you need to take matters into your own hands. Use the steps provided here to make sure your child's educational needs are being met.