Resources
IEP / 504 Plans
A Parent's Guide to Special Education Written 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.
Natick Section 504 Eligibility Determination Form Form to determine eligibility for a 504.
IEP worksheets and talking points to help parents advocate for their kids provides 2 worksheets: 1) Talking Points to Advocate for Your Child and 2) Worksheet for Improving Your Child’s IEP
MA Department of Education Disability Definitions that are referenced in the IEP/504 Eligibility Flowchart
How to Organize Your Child’s IEP Binder : Making an IEP binder is a great way to keep information organized and at the ready when you need it.
IEP Process Guide: A guide for parents and educators from the Massachusetts Department of Education outlining eligibility determination, IEP development, and placement.
IEP Resources and 504 Plan Resources from Needham SEPAC.
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 Definitions The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DOE) defines educational disabilities.
DOE Eligibility Guide A document from DOE with guidelines to assist practitioners and parents in identifying students with disabilities
Advocating for your Child and Advocacy Resources
10 Ways to Advocate for your Child from Understood website (for learning and attention issues)
Advocating for Your Child Provides information on seven skills that you can learn to use to increase your ability to advocate for your child.
Advocating for Your Child - Getting Started from Wrightlaw
Online Basic Rights Training by the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) - provides an online overview of the process and laws to request/receive services.
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 website The 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.org The 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.
A Parent’s Guide to Selecting a Special Education Advocate in Massachusetts: A brochure from the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) Spanish version