TNSTEP is a statewide non-profit that serves as Tennessee's only Parent Training and Information Center and is dedicated to providing special education support and training to families of children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs--including those who experience learning differences and behavioral challenges that impact their access to education.
Some website features are being updated to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Welcome to TNSTEP
Is My Child Eligible for Special Education Services in Tennessee?
STEP BY STEP VIDEO ONE-PAGE ELIGIBILITY GUIDE
Got Questions on Navigating Life After High School
Find Resources Here
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Toolkit
The ACEs Toolkit is a repository of resources related to ACEs, and our state’s Building Strong Brains and Resilient Tennessee initiatives. The toolkit is divided into a handful of categories: PowerPoint and Other Presentations on ACEs;
Informational Videos; ACEs and Tennessee; and National ACEs Resources. Be sure and check it out.
34.8 million children in the US are affected by ACEs
Latest Posts
Important Life Skills to Teach Your Child with Special Needs
Helping your child build independence isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. A parent is the first teacher a child will…
Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!
TNSTEP is proud to support the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On July 26th, we celebrate…
Safe Stars Program
Safe Stars is a collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Health and the Vanderbilt Youth Sports Health Center. The Safe…
Upcoming Events
26
Jul
2025Back-to-School Bash & Family Engagement Event (Boys & Girls Club of the Cumberland Plateau)
This event offers a fantastic opportunity for families in our community to connect with valuable resources, enjoy fun activities, and learn more about our youth programs as they prepare for the school year. Join us…
- 11:00am2:00pm
12
Aug
2025Six Principles of IDEA Virtual Workshop
Join us on August 12 from 11 am to 12:30 p.m. Central (12 pm to 1:30 pm Eastern). Joey Ellis with TNSTEP will share the key components of parental rights and special education. The following…
- 11:00am12:30pm
18
Aug
2025Professional Development: Adult Ally Toolkit Webinar presented by RAISE (Ampliando la alianza: Tras bastidores del Kit de Herramientas para Aliados Adultos)
Join Erin Black and Michael Scanlon for an engaging webinar exploring the creation of the Adult Ally Toolkit—a dynamic, multimedia resource designed to support and empower adults working in disability advocacy, post-secondary transition, education, and…
- 2:00pm
19
Aug
2025Intro to Special Education Workshop
This free Basic Rights: Training on IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is designed for parents, caregivers, and professionals to gain a working knowledge of special education laws including your role in developing an appropriate…
- 6:00pm8:00pm
Information Library
Webinars & Videos
Staying Engaged in Your Child’s Education – TNSTEPs Five Points You Can Count On
Special Education Timelines – TNSTEPs Five Points You Can Count On
Transition to Adulthood – TNSTEPs Five Points You Can Count On
IEP Help – TNSTEPs Five Points You Can Count On
Six Principles of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Virtual Training
Our organization earned a 2021 Silver Seal of Transparency!
Now, everyone can learn more about our programs and areas served and find us on social media.
Check out our updated #NonprofitProfile on Candid: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/62-1739593