Navigating the realm of special education can be a challenging journey for parents in Massachusetts (or any state for that matter!). Fortunately, there are invaluable resources available to provide support, guidance, and empowerment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 8 special education resources tailored for parents in the Bay State. Here are the 8 best SPED resources for parents in Massachusetts!
1. Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards
Understanding your child’s rights and the procedures for special education are crucial. Maybe you didn’t know that’s what is covered in the Procedural Safeguards document you probably received from your school with your first IEP? The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides that “notice of procedural safeguards”. If you want to know what your rights are and what the rules are that guide special ed processes in Massachusetts, then it’s definitely worth a look. Even better, read #2 on this list which makes this information easier to understand.
2. Parent’s Guide to Special Education
The Federation for Children with Special Needs is a treasure trove of information. Their Parent’s Guide to Special Education is very easy to understand – especially if you’re looking for a guide to MA timelines and processes to answer questions like “can a school refuse to evaluate my child?” or “how long does a school have to respond to my private evaluation report that I sent them?”. Their publications cover a wide array of topics, but the Parent’s Guide has a great graphic showing the timelines and steps to getting your child an IEP.
3. KidvoKit for Massachusetts
Already have an IEP? Then you’ve probably got as many questions as answers, and a lot of documentation to keep track of. KidvoKit’s technology helps you navigate the IEP process by automatically organizing your IEP binder and instantly answering questions about your special education rights in Massachusetts. Be prepared to advocate at your next IEP meeting!
4. Parent Facebook Groups
Joining a community of parents who share similar experiences can be incredibly beneficial. Facebook groups dedicated to special education in Massachusetts offer a platform for parents to connect, share insights, and seek advice from those who have walked similar paths. A couple that you should know about is Decoding Dyslexia MA and ADHD/ODD/Anxiety/Sensory Parents Massachusetts You’ll also find many Facebook groups of parents from all across the US – both for specific diagnoses like Autism or generally related to special education and IEPs.
5. Find Your Local Special Education Parent group (SEPAC)
Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs) are invaluable resources at the local school district level. Each district in Massachusetts has one, so see if you can find yours on the list linked above. Connecting with your local SEPAC can provide a support network and a platform to discuss shared concerns within a community of parents in your school district. Most SEPAC groups will offer an annual presentation like this video: Understanding Basic Rights in Special Education.
6. YouTube videos from advocacy groups
There are some useful video collections from MA advocacy groups, especially about handling conflicts with school districts. This video playlist from Massachusetts Advocates for Children shows some common challenges for a parent interacting with their school about their child’s IEP, including issues for non-native English speakers. The Disability Law Center also has some very useful videos like this one providing a legal viewpoint on how to resolve disputes in MA.
7. Talk to a volunteer at Federation for Children with Special Needs
FCSN offers a hotline staffed with volunteers to answer parent questions about special education (called the Information Center). They can refer you to community resources as well as professional advocates and attorneys. Best of all – it’s free!
8. State-Approved Special Education Schools List
If you’re thinking that you may be on the path to an out of district placement for your child, you’ll want to review the state-approved list of special education schools. This resource helps parents explore options. Not all private schools for kids with disabilities participate in the state-approval process and not all take placements from public school districts. (e.g. the Carroll School has a great reputation for helping kids with dyslexia but it does not participate in the state approval program.)
9. New IEP format coming in MA
School districts across MA are rolling out a new IEP form over the next year. Want to get ahead of the game? Read our take on what new and noteworthy in the new IEP. Or get into the details and check it out the new form now! Sample available in many languages.
Bonus! – From Emotions to Advocacy Book:
This one is not specific to Massachusetts but it’s just so good! Packed with practical advice, “From Emotions to Advocacy” by Wrightslaw is a fantastic resource. This book equips parents with the knowledge and strategies needed to become effective advocates for their children. Less focused on the details of state by state procedures, it helps parents think about the process of advocacy and strategies to get the best outcomes for their children.
By familiarizing yourself with procedural safeguards, tapping into online platforms, and connecting with local communities, you can empower yourself to be the best advocate for your child’s education. Remember, you’re not alone, and these resources can be a big help.
Other resources to recommend? Please add them in the comments!
