Policy Guidance/Resources
Massachusetts Department of Education - http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/
- US DOE - Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs, Updated November 2023
Federal law - https://sites.ed.gov/idea/ -
U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website, which brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and their grantees.
Understanding Special Education website - https://www.understandingspecialeducation.com/
Helping parents with Special Education, the IEP Process and School Success
· Special Education Terms and Definitions
IRIS Center - https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/ -
Supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs and located at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, the IRIS Center develops and disseminates free, engaging online resources about evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices to support the education of all students, particularly struggling learners and those with disabilities.
· Least Restrictive Environment
· Glossary of Disability-related Terms
National Special Education Advocacy institute (NSEAI) - https://www.nseai.org/
Federation for Children with Special Needs - www.fcsn.org
- All Massachusetts schols are moving to a n New IEP form in the 2024/25 school years. The Federation is hosting workshops to go over what is changing - https://fcsn.org/new-iep/.
Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts - https://www.clcm.org/ - CLCM's comprehensive litigation services, training, technical assistance and broader policy work have benefited tens of thousands of disadvantaged children and families across the Commonwealth.
· Quick Reference Guide on Special Education
· Quick Reference on CRA (Child Receiving Assistance)
· Quick Reference Guide on School Discipline
· Special Education in Massachusetts with sample letters
Massachusetts Tools for Schools - https://matoolsforschools.com/find-resources