Parent Information

Special Education/IDEA

U.S. Department of Education Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Website which brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and grantees.
Access for All
Created by the Office of Digital Learning at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, this web page offers guidance and resources for Massachusetts schools and families in providing assistive technology and accessible instructional materials to students with disabilities.
Guidance for Parent Advisory Councils
This guidance document was designed to ensure that every special education parent advisory council operating in the state understands the capacity and potential that they have to collaborate with the school community to influence special education programs and policies in their district.
A Parent's Guide to Special Education
Written collaboratively by the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, "A Parent's Guide to Special Education" was developed to serve as a resource for parents and the organizations that serve them.

Parent's Guide to Special Education and accompanying online, interactive module
This online, interactive guide has been developed as a complement to the Parent's Guide to Special Education (Parent's Guide). The Parent's Guide and accompanying module was developed to assist families in understanding the Special Education process and the supports and services that children with disabilities need to succeed in school. Both the Parent Guide and module highlight Massachusetts' special education systems. The Parent's Guide and module were designed for families who have children with disabilities and agencies who support them.
A Parent's Guide to Selecting A Special Education Advocate in Massachusetts
Written collaboratively by the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, "A Parent's Guide to Selecting A Special Education Advocate in Massachusetts" was developed to assist parents in choosing an advocate in the Special Education process when needed.
- Links to Advocacy Organizations
- Selected Resources on Family and Community Engagement
Notice of Procedural Safeguards (Parent's Rights Brochure)
English and Translated Versions
The Parent's Rights Brochure is designed to assist the parent in understanding the special education process, and the rights of the parent's when their child has been referred for or is receiving special education services.
Disability Definitions and Related Links
Definitions of each of the Massachusetts disability categories, and resources for each disability.
Best Practices in Early Childhood Transition
Written collaboratively by the Department of Early Education and Care, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, "Best Practices in Early Childhood Transition" was developed to serve as a guide for families as their children transition from Early Intervention Services into a preschool program.

Last Updated: March 15, 2023