If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child or young person with a disability and want help understanding special education rights and options, you’re in the right place. No family should have to walk the special education journey alone. TNSTEP is here to walk alongside you.
TNSTEP (formerly STEP, Inc.) is a statewide nonprofit serving families across Tennessee. Since 1989, we have helped parents of children and youth—from birth through age 26—with disabilities, special health care, mental health, and behavioral needs understand their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and participate confidently in educational planning meetings with school teams. TNSTEP is Tennessee’s only Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center designated by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
How We Help
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming. From evaluations and eligibility determinations to IEPs, IFSPs, BIPs, and 504 plans, families are often faced with unfamiliar terms and complex processes. That’s where TNSTEP comes in.
We offer in-person and virtual trainings and workshops designed to give families clear, practical guidance about special education rights and procedures. These sessions help families learn strategies, build confidence, and connect with other parents facing similar challenges.
For families who need extra support, we provide personalized, one-on-one services, including:
We also provide parent-friendly resources, from fact sheets and videos to planning guides, so families have trusted information at their fingertips.
Need an Advocate?
Many parents ask, “Can TNSTEP provide an advocate for my child’s IEP meeting?” While we do not serve as advocates, we help parents understand their rights, review plans, and prepare questions so they can participate fully in decisions about their child’s education.
Parents know their children best and are an important part of the IEP team. Their insight helps schools better understand a child’s strengths, needs, and goals. Open communication and a positive partnership between families and school teams are essential to developing effective supports and services.
Our goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and skills they need to participate confidently in educational planning meetings. TNSTEP staff may attend meetings in certain situations and when available, but we do not make decisions for families or speak on their behalf.
TNSTEP services are provided at no cost to families. Services are provided in multiple languages upon request.
Impact and Results of TNSTEP
Empowering Tennessee Families Through Special Education Support
TNSTEP delivers meaningful support to families across Tennessee, responding to over 71,000 requests for assistance and reaching more than 109,000 website visitors—most through online search. Through free workshops, webinars, and direct outreach, over 111,000 parents and professionals were served, alongside broad engagement through social media, newsletters, and the distribution of more than 300,000 resources. TNSTEP’s work ensures families have access to trusted guidance, training, and advocacy when navigating special education.
Data: Oct 2023 – Sept 2024
