General Sped Ed Resources

Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards -English and Translated Versions - MA DESE

The Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards is a mandatory guide outlining parents’ and students’ legal rights under IDEA-2004, including interpreters and translated versions in multiple languages 

A Parent’s Guide to Special Education - FCSN

A comprehensive handbook co-published by the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Massachusetts Department of Education. It explains parents’ rights, the evaluation and IEP process, procedural safeguards, and how to advocate alongside schools for children with disabilities  

Quick Reference on Special Education - Children's Law Center of Massachusetts

A two-page overview for Massachusetts families and advocates, summarizing key processes like eligibility evaluation, IEP development, 504 plans, placement, parent rights, and dispute resolution. 

Wrights Law - From Emotions to Advocacy EBOOK

The Special Education Survival Guide is a comprehensive advocacy manual for parents of children with disabilities. It covers emotional preparation, legal foundations, testing and evaluation, IEP strategies, conflict resolution, sample letters, and tactics for effective communication with schools. 

Example Letters - Massachusetts Advocates for Children

Massachusetts Advocates for Children offers customizable letter and email templates for parents and guardians to communicate with schools — including requests for records, evaluations, independent evaluations, and “back-to-school” letters in multiple languages 

Free Vitual IEP Clinics available through FCSN

The Federation offers free, one-on-one virtual IEP Clinics to support families navigating the special education process. These sessions connect families with an experienced advocate who can help review your child’s IEP and discuss evaluations, placement, transition planning, health plans, and more. Complete the Intake Form here: https://fcsn.org/fcsn-intake-form/