Finding the right supports, services, and school options for a child with a disability can feel overwhelming. Parents and caregivers are important members of their child’s education team, but it can be hard to know what questions to ask, what rights families have, or what steps to take next.
That’s why Parent Training and Information Centers were created under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: to help families build the knowledge and skills they need to take part in their child’s education in a meaningful way.
Just as every Individualized Education Program is designed around the needs of one child, TNSTEP provides different levels of support to meet the needs, questions, and busy lives of Tennessee families.
Self-Guided Support
TNSTEP offers free self-help tools families can use anytime, including one-page guides, toolkits, videos, and a helpful chatbot.
These resources explain early childhood, special education, and youth-to-adulthood transition topics in family-friendly ways, so parents and caregivers can understand their rights, explore their options, and take the next step with confidence.
Free Workshops & Webinars
For families who like to learn in real time, TNSTEP offers free in-person and virtual trainings on important special education topics, including Introduction to Special Education, Basic Rights, IEP Planning, and more.
CALENDAR →
Most virtual trainings are recorded, so families can watch later on TNSTEP’s YouTube channel when it works best for them. TNSTEP YOUTUBE →
One-on-One Support
When families need more personalized help, TNSTEP offers free one-on-one assistance.
SERVICES MAY INCLUDE:
Please note: TNSTEP does not provide advocates to speak for families. Instead, we support parents and caregivers in building the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for their child.
The most efficient way to request one-on-one assistance is by completing our intake form or by calling (423) 639-0125 and selecting the extension for your region:
- Press 4 for East Tennessee support
- Press 5 for Middle Tennessee support
- Press 6 for West Tennessee support
- Para recibir apoyo en español, presione 9
Please leave a message on only one extension. Leaving messages on multiple extensions may slow down response time.
Please note that all phone calls and email inquiries will be responded to in the order they are received. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to assist everyone promptly.
Finding support from others who understand can make a big difference. TNSTEP takes part in disability, special education, and partner events and conferences across Tennessee to share helpful resources and connect with families, youth, educators, and community partners.
Beginning in fall 2026, TNSTEP will also host quarterly Family Connection Circles and Youth Connection Circles. These gatherings will give families and youth a place to build community, share experiences, learn from experts, and help TNSTEP better understand the needs of children and youth receiving special education services.
Upcoming events will be posted on our CALENDAR →
TNSTEP partners with Tennessee schools and districts to strengthen family engagement, improve communication, and support better outcomes for students with disabilities.
TNSTEP staff can support schools by helping identify emerging issues, plan family engagement events, share resources with families, distribute surveys, connect districts with family voices, and provide training for school personnel and families.
Training Topics Include:
Workshops or trainings where families are invited are FREE. In-service professional trainings may have a fee. For more information, contact director@tnstep.info.
TNSTEP provides training for medical professionals, service providers, and referring partners who support children and youth with disabilities, special health care needs, and mental health needs. These trainings help partners better understand the needs of families, share helpful resources, and guide families toward next steps after a diagnosis or new concern.
Training topics include disability etiquette, IEPs vs. 504 Plans, accommodations and modifications, and resources families can use to better understand school supports and services.
Workshops or trainings where families are invited are FREE. Other professional trainings may have a fee. For more information, contact director@tnstep.info.
While TNSTEP staff cannot provide legal advice, we are highly knowledgeable about special education laws and policies, parent and student rights, and school-related processes. Our team is experienced in navigating Tennessee’s network of services, supports, and resources available to children and youth with disabilities and their families.
Although we may not have all the answers to every question, we can help connect families with community, state, and national organizations that offer specialized information, guidance, and support. Our goal is to empower families by helping them access the resources they need to make informed decisions, build effective partnerships, and advocate successfully for their children.
