IEP Resources
The resources and information provided on this webpage are for informational purposes only and do not constitute educational, medical, or legal advice. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional guidance. Parents and visitors are strongly encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for any educational, medical, or legal concerns they may have.
"Stay put" rights: What they are and how they work
A Parent's Guide to Special Education
Written by the Federation for Children with Special Needs in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Guide is meant to serve as a resource for parents, and the organizations that serve them. The Guide contains the most current and accurate information available regarding the special education system in Massachusetts. It is the hope of the Federation that this publication will assist families in obtaining the supports and services that their children with disabilities need to succeed in school.
Access to the General Curriculum
Federation for Children with Special Needs Family Fact Sheet
Child Find for Young Children with Disabilities, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
Directions for Massachusetts IEP Notices
Evaluation and Assessment, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
Facilitated IEP Meetings and Mediation
Federation for Children with Special Needs Family FACTS on Special Education Facilitated IEP Meetings and Mediation
Federation for Children with Special Needs Information Center
The Information Center is a free service for military-connected and civilian parents and professionals with questions about special education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Education Evaluation
IEP Process Guide
Massachusetts Department of Education IEP Process Guide
Language Access
Federation for Children with Special Needs Family FACTS on Special Education Language Access
Massachusetts Referral, Evaluation, and Eligibility Determination Guide
Placement Options Available by Law
What are children's rights under the law? What is Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)? What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)? What are school's obligations under the law?
Public Awareness and Developmental Monitoring, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
Screening, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
Tools for Improving Child Find, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
Understood.org IEP Resources
Tips and Strategies, Podcast, Downloads, IEP Meetings, IEP Goals, IEPs for Teens
Understood.org Requesting and Evaluation
How to request an evaluation and sample letters
IEP Basics
What is an IEP?
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IEP stands for Individualized Education Program.
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An IEP is a legal contract between you and the school district.
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The IEP is a written plan that outlines the learning goals and special education services that the school will provide for the student to ensure that the unique needs of a student with a disability are addressed.
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​IEPs are covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Who is on an IEP Team?
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The Team Must Include:
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You! Your child’s parent or guardian (an interpreter should be provided, if needed).
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Special Education Teacher
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General Education Teacher (if applicable)
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District Representative. This is someone from the school district who has the power to approve special education resources for your child.
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Person Qualified to Interpret Evaluation Results. This may include a speech therapist, occupational therapist, school adjustment counselor or other qualified professional.
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Your child (if over 14 years of age) needs to be invited, however they do not have to attend meetings if they choose not to.
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Other individuals or agencies, invited by the parent or guardian or the school district.
Who is Eligible for an IEP?
A student qualifies for an IEP if they require either of the following because of a specific disability:
1. specially designed instruction to make effective progress in the general curriculum, and/or
2. related services to access the general curriculum.
What are the Disability Types in Massachusetts?
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Autism
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Developmental Delay
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Intellectual Impairment
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Sensory Impairment Hearing/Vision/Deaf-Blind
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Neurological Impairment
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Emotional Impairment
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Communication Impairment
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Physical Impairment
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Health Impairment
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Specific Learning Disability
603 CMR 28.02
What are the timelines?
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Within 5 school days of receipt of a referral the district must notify the parent and seek consent to evaluate
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Within 30 school days of parental consent for evaluation specialists must complete evaluations
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Parents have the right to receive evaluation reports at least two days in advance of the Team discussion [603 CMR 28.04(2)(c)]. The Evaluation Consent Form has a check box in the Response Section that must be checked to request the summaries of the evaluations prior to the Team discussion.
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Within 45 school days of parental consent eligibility must be determined
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If the Team finds the child eligible for special education and/or services within 45 school days of the parental consent for evaluation the Team will meet and develop the IEP
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Within 30 days of receipt of the IEP the parents respond to the IEP
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Parents will receive written progress reports at least as often as the parents of non-disabled students
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The IEP will meet at least annually to review and rewrite IEP
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At least every 3 years the school will reevaluate the child
How do I request and Evaluation for Special Education Services?
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You can make a referral or a teacher or other professional may make a referral for special education evaluation.​
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Request for evaluation letters can be sent to the school's special education department coordinator or principal.
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Remember regardless of who makes the referral a parent or guardian must give consent in writing for the evaluations to begin.
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The school must contact you within five school days of receiving the referral.