A Parent's Guide to Special EducationWritten by the Federation for Children with Special Needs in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Education, this guide contains the most current and accurate information available regarding the special education system in Massachusetts.
IEP/504 Eligibility Flowchart:
Flowchart with key questions that are reviewed during IEP Eligibility
Meeting to determine if a child is eligible for support services.
IEP Process Guide: A guide for parents and educators from the Massachusetts Department of
Education outlining eligibility determination, IEP development, and
placement.
Executive Function Strategies: A guide put together by a public school in NY, breaks out
Executive Function goals across multiple platforms and for different grade
levels. It is a very comprehensive list and may be helpful as a reference tool
for parents.
Wrightslaw This site provides reliable, accurate information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
DOE Disability DefinitionsThe Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DOE) defines educational disabilities.
DOE Eligibility GuideA document from DOE with guidelines to assist practitioners and parents in identifying students with disabilities
FCSN Calendar of Basic Rights Training and other workshops Free workshops that help parents/caregivers navigate the process to request support services and understand the Federal and MA laws/guidelines surrounding special education. Natick SEPAC offers a Basic Rights Training once a year - check our calendar for dates. Basic Rights training is offered by all towns and are open to the public.
Federation for Children with Special Needs websiteThe Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) provides assistance, information, and support to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities
Federation for Children with Special Needs Call Center Hotline: Call 617-236-7210, toll free 800-331-0688, or email at
info@fcsn.orgThe Call Center is staffed
from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.The Call Center is available to answer
questions from parents and professionals about special education.It is staffed with information specialists
and parent consultant volunteers trained in the federal and state special
education laws, procedures, and related matters.