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Education Laws and Regulations

603 CMR 18.00

Program and Safety Standards for Approved Public or Private Day and Residential Special Education School Programs

Section:


As amended by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, June 24, 2025.
Effective date: August 17, 2026.

18.01: Authority, Scope and Purpose

(1) 603 CMR 18.00 is promulgated pursuant to MGL c. 71B, §10. 603 CMR 18.00 governs the program and safety standards for day and residential special education schools operated by public and private entities and serving publicly funded students.

(2) The requirements set forth in 603 CMR 18.00 are in addition to, or in some instances clarify or further elaborate, the program approval standards set forth in 603 CMR 28.09.

(3) Some approved special education schools may have a residential component with a current license from the state agency responsible for licensing programs providing residential services to children pursuant to 102 CMR 3.00. At the discretion of the Department, some of the requirements in this section may be met through obtaining a license under 102 CMR 3.00. However, the special education school's educational component remains fully subject to these regulations, as deemed appropriate by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Disclaimer:
For an official copy of these regulations, please contact the State House Bookstore, at 617-727-2834 or visit Massachusetts State Bookstore .

Last Updated: August 25, 2026

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