Special Education

This document contains a chart that compares key components of the federal laws protecting students with disabilities.

This document describes the school systems’ obligation to locate, identify and evaluate children who are suspected of having a disability; ages 3-21. Local “Maryland Child Find” phone numbers are provided.

It is important for IEP goals to be measurable, specific, realistic and attainable. This factsheet explains and provides examples of SMART IEP goals.

Restarting Safe Education and Testing (ReSET) for children with medical complexity has created a decision making tool for families. This tool will help you make the best decisions for your child and family with COVID-19’s frequent changes.

When IEP teams think a conversation may be difficult, it may be helpful to have an independent, trained facilitator guide the process. The facilitator is an impartial person provided by MSDE through an independent agency to work with a student’s IEP team. Learn more about IEP Facilitation with this factsheet!

A Worksheet to help you state your concerns and make sure they are addressed at the IEP meeting. Helps you to articulate the justification behind your concerns, capture the replies and reasons for that reply.

This fact sheet provides information about ADHD, definition, symptoms, and tips for parents.

Extended school year (ESY) services are special education services provided when school’s not typically in session. This document explains the factors used by the IEP team to decide if a child needs ESY services.

MD State Department of Education created a guide to help families understand what Compensatory Education and Recovery Services is, how the process works, and the steps that families can take if a family has questions or disagrees with the school.

How do you know if  your child is meeting their IEP goals?  How can you collect data at home? Use the questions and suggestions attached to help you.

Building independence at home is possible during this time when so many are working and doing school at home.  Look at these suggestions for ways to build independence at home and master some IEP goals.

Don’t know what to ask at an IEP meeting? This checklist provides some ideas for preparing for your IEP meeting to best support your child with the most significant cognitive disabilities and asking for inclusive practices.

We are often asked during an IEP meeting “What is your child’s present level? PLAAFP?”  Do you know what this acronym means? Use this resource to help you answer and contribute to the conversation.

Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin: Tips to Support Data Collection by Parents During Virtual or Hybrid Learning

Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin: Tips to Support Behavior & Social Emotional Well-Being During Transitions Across Service Delivery Models

Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin: Tips to Address Special Education Staff Shortages, Scheduling, and Logistical Challenges Across Varied Service Delivery Models

Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletin: Tips for Supporting Engagement of Students with Disabilities through Alternative Service Delivery Models

This notice includes an explanation of parental rights for children receiving services through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

See here a factsheet about the State Complaint Process, as well as a model letter for filing a state complaint and the Special Education State Complaint Form, which we have made fillable so you can fill it out on your computer.

Attached is also a document from the Maryland State Department of Education which explains their special education state complaint resolution procedures, and a parent’s guide to frequently asked questions about special education state complaints.

Below you will also find DRM’s Sample MSDE Complaint.

PPMD has created this image to help you understand your available dispute resolution options.

There are lots of acronyms in the Special Education world, which can be very confusing. Use this list as a guide to understanding the meaning of Special Education acronyms.

When will your child’s IEP be developed? When should updated evaluations of your child be conducted? Find answers to your questions about the timeline of the IEP process using PPMD’s Maryland IEP Timeline.

To make sure your requests, concerns and/or questions are understood, it is important to document them in writing. PPMD has a new resource that parents can use for specific requests and situations. Use these samples letters as models when you write your own.

This factsheet provides examples of the benefits of effective family engagement in three categories: benefits for students, benefits for parents, and benefits for educators.

What is the difference between accommodations and modifications? Use this factsheet to better understand the differences.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) lists five special factors that your child’s IEP team must consider while developing your child’s IEP. Use this factsheet to learn about these five special factors.

There are many ways teachers can help kids who are struggling in school. Here are some
common accommodations and modifications that schools and families can discuss as possible options for kids.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) supports using a multi-tiered or level system of supports. This gives educators the tools needed to meet the needs of ALL students. Learn about Integrated Tiered System of Supports with this factsheet.

Use this factsheet to understand what it means to truly have Free and Appropriate Public Education.

Use this guide to understand what is and what isn’t Specially Designed Instruction (SDI).

Read this to learn why clip charts are inconsistent with a PBIS approach and can be harmful. This document also describes alternative strategies that are more likely to improve student behavior while promoting a safe, positive classroom.

View the Maryland State Department of Education’s Technical Assistance Bulletin on Home and Hospital Teaching. This document answers frequently asked questions, that you may have, about about Home and Hospital Teaching.

Watch this webinar to learn how to track your child’s progress while engaging in virtual learning from home.

IEP meetings will still be held despite not being able to meet in person. Read these tips on how to prepare and take part in a virtual IEP meeting.

CADRE’s IDEA Dispute Resolution Parent Guides inform parents about their dispute resolution rights and options. These Parent Guides now have companion videos. The videos include:  IEP Facilitation, Mediation, Written State Complaints, and Due Process.

Created by the Organization for Autism Research, this special education guide is designed to give each family the information and tools needed to successfully navigate the education system anywhere in the country.

This fact sheet informs families about extending services from age 3 until kindergarten, through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

This resource explains Maryland’s 5-Day Rule, a law that enables parents to prepare and participate in their child’s IEP.

This brief fact sheet gives an overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a law banning disability discrimination in public schools.

Parents are equal members of the IEP team. Finding ways to effectively advocate for your child during IEP meetings can be difficult. These tips will help prepare you for your next meeting.

IEP meetings can be overwhelming with lots of moving parts but it is important that families contribute and partner in the meeting. This checklist has some tips to help families more fully participate in their child’s IEP meeting.

The nurse can be a vital member of the IEP team. This short video explains their role in the development of the IEP.

This document, developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), details the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

This guide describes the range of home and community-based services available through Medicaid and can help consumers, families, and health care professionals make informed decisions about long-term care services.

This document contains information to help you understand your child’s rights, your rights and responsibilities, and the school’s responsibilities to meet the needs of your child. It also contains a description of the Child Find process, information about evaluation and eligibility, and information about the IEP process.