Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming, but we can help! We know the intricacies of the system and also the assistance available. Below we have listed the best Maryland IEP parent resources.
1. Procedural Safeguards Notice
As you know, advocating for your child depends on knowing your rights. The Procedural Safeguards Notice is the foundational document that lists your rights and the safeguards in place for your child. You should have received a copy when your child was referred for an evaluation, but you can also find a copy of the Notice online. Do not worry if you don’t fully understand the Notice; the next item on this list can help.
2. Maryland State Department of Education
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) offers special education parents a thorough Parent Information Series. The series contains five booklets that explain everything from referral to transition services. Book 2 is entirely dedicated to explaining your rights and the Procedural Safeguards Notice. We will also list external resources, but don’t overlook what your district offers.
3. Kidvokit for Maryland
Keeping track of IEP emails and paperwork is time-consuming. We know that when advocating for your child, every minute counts, so we created a tool to do the organizing for you. Kidvokit can keep you organized by automatically filing IEP emails and creating a timeline with your documents. Additionally, Kidvokit can quickly answer your IEP questions with its built-in AI assistant, allowing you to stay informed and prepared. Visit our “How It Works” page to learn more!
4. The Parents’ Place of Maryland
Have you heard of Parent Centers? Parent Centers are nationally funded resource hubs specifically for special education families. Maryland’s Parent Center is The Parents’ Place of Maryland. One of the most helpful services The Parents’ Place provides is personal assistance. If you have a question or need a referral, The Parents’ Place will assign someone to help you. Additionally, they offer plenty of online resources, parent training, and events. Visit The Parents’ Place of Maryland’s website to learn more!
5. The Arc Maryland
Another organization that can provide personalized support is The Arc Maryland. The Arc hosts Maryland’s Parent to Parent program. This free program pairs families with a parent mentor who has experience navigating the special education system. Parent mentors are parents of children with disabilities who have been trained to support other families. This program is great for anyone, but especially for parents new to the special education system.
6. Disability Rights Maryland
Being familiar with Disability Rights Maryland is beneficial in multiple ways. First of all, their website offers multiple resources that explain your rights and the special education system. Secondly, if a problem occurs, they are the ones to call. Disability Rights Maryland is a non-profit advocacy and protection agency that can offer advocacy or legal guidance if needed. Visit their website to learn more!
7. Wrightslaw
Speaking of laws, if you want to know more about special education law, Wrightslaw can help. Wrightslaw can keep you up to date on all special education laws and provide insight into what the laws actually mean. Additionally, their website includes many helpful guides on your rights in the special education system. Check out Wrightslaw’s website to grow in your advocacy skills!
8. YouTube
Sometimes it is much easier to watch a video than read yet another lengthy document. YouTube has many special education channels, but two Maryland specific channels that could be helpful are The Parents Place of Maryland and Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. Also, check out the Center for Parent Information and Resources and The National Center for Learning Disabilities YouTube channels for national resources.
9. Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are a great way to connect with other special education parents. It is rewarding to connect with other parents who understand the difficulties and joys of special education. Additionally, these groups often provide a space to exchange advice and referrals. Many Facebook groups exist, but a few Maryland specific groups to look into are: Maryland Special Education, IEP, and 504 Support, Maryland Moms of Children with Autism, Maryland ADHD Support Group for Parents, and Maryland Parents of Kids with Special Needs.
10. Understood.org
Lastly, a national resource worth mentioning is Understood.org. Understood believes everyone has the right to be understood. Their website features hundreds of blogs written by experts covering all the major learning differences. These blogs are a great way to learn more about what your child is experiencing and how you can support them.
Maryland IEP Resource Recap
It is easy to get caught up in what needs to be done and forget to appreciate what you are already doing. Take a moment to appreciate the hard work you have already done as your child’s advocate! We hope these resources remind you that help is available. Maryland special education parents have access to legal assistance, a parent center, parent mentors, online tools, and support groups. Take advantage of these resources and keep up the good work!
Learn how Kidvokit can keep you organized and prepared for Maryland IEP meetings!
