On this page are resources and information from the Department, the U.S. Department of Education, and other sources regarding special education in the COVID-19 environment. The page is update additional guidance is available.
Please note that this page includes information that is supplemental to the resources and guidance regarding education for all students that is published on the Department's website at DESE COVID-19 Information and Resources.
Reducing or Eliminating the Use of Time-Out Rooms During the 2021-2022 School Year
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for Schools and Districts Regarding Special Education — Revised July 8, 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Special Education Technical Assistance Advisory 2021-1 : COVID-19 Compensatory Services and Recovery Support for Students with IEPs — Updated 09/03/2020
Family Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Compensatory Services and Recovery Support for Students with IEPs During the COVID-19 Pandemic — September 2020
2021-2022 School Year Parent Letter and FAQ
DESE Administrative Advisory SPED 2010-3 (603 CMR 10.07): Private Approved Day and Residential School Tuition Payments — Temporary Absences — May 7, 2010
U.S. Department of Education Question and Answer: Flexibility on IDEA Part B Fiscal Requirements specific to the COVID-19 pandemic — June 26, 2020
U.S. Department of Education Question and Answer: IDEA Part B Use of Funds specific to the COVID-19 pandemic — June 25, 2020
U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) FAQ related to the provision of IEP services during the pandemic — September 28, 2020
U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs Question and Answer: IDEA Part B Procedural Safeguards specific to the COVID-19 pandemic — June 30, 2020
November 19, 2021 — Presentation Recording The main focus of this meeting was MA Referral, Evaluation, and Eligibility Determination Guidance. The presentation also includes AG's Decision on SEPACs and Open Meeting Law, OSEP Child Find FAQ, Shared Responsibility for Special Education Services in Institutional Settings, and updated PL-1 and PL-2 forms
September 24, 2021 — Presentation Recording The main focus of this meeting was IDEA Equitable Services. The presentation also includes school district responsibilities for the following topics: child find, consultation, child count, calculations, and services plans.
September 10, 2021 — Presentation Recording The focus of this meeting included key information and reminders about special education services for the 2021-2022 school year, such as further information about students with medical needs who require remote services. During the meeting, we will also discuss in detail the Department’s advisory relating to reducing or eliminating the use of time-out rooms, including the strategies, interventions, and supports that schools can proactively use to increase the amount of time students spend learning with their peers.
August 26, 2021 — Presentation Recording Focus of this meeting was the 2021-2022 Family letter and FAQ, School Opening Updates, MCAS Alt updates, Long COVID and IDEA - new guidance from OSEP, New Draft Reusable Learning Object (RLO) for Referral section of Referral, Evaluation, and Eligibility (REE), and provided a link to a short survey to inform DESE on the best way to make these meetings be of assistance.
July 15, 2021 — Presentation Recording Focus of this meeting was updates to the FAQ on compensatory services, equitable services and resolution funds, implementing education in home or hospital settings, early childhood briefs, update on the IEP improvement project, and the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Reports.
June 11, 2021 — Presentation Recording Focus of this meeting was forthcoming updates to technical assistance advisory SPED 2014-5, updated reusable learning object (RLO) for De-Escalation and Prevention of Physical Restraint, a new frequently asked questions (FAQs) and individual student accommodations and implementing education in home and hospital settings.
Special Education Phone: 781-338-3375 Fax: 781-338-3371 SEPP Contact Information
Last Updated: December 31, 2021
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH): Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for schools
Parents and guardians questions can be directed to COVID19K12ParentInfo@mass.gov
District and school staff's questions can be directed to: Reopeningk12@mass.gov
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.