History of Special Education
Do you know the history of Special Education? Use this factsheet to learn about the beginning of Special Education law to present day law.
Alphabet Soup: A Guide to Special Education Acronyms
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.
Maryland IEP Timeline
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.
Model Letters
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.











Coping in the 2020/21 School Year
The Maryland Department of Health came out with this resource guide for students and young adults. Use this guide to learn about coping during the 2020/21 school year.
Benefits of Effective Family Engagement: For Students, Parents, and Educators
This factsheet provides examples of the benefits of effective family engagement in three categories: benefits for students, benefits for parents, and benefits for educators.
Accommodations and Modifications
What is the difference between accommodations and modifications? Use this factsheet to better understand the differences.
5 Special Factors in IEP Development
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.
Common Accommodations and Modifications in School
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.
Integrated Tiered System of Supports
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.
OSEP Question and Answer for IDEA Part B
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), within the U.S. Department of
Education’s (Department) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
issues this Question and Answer (Q & A) document in response to inquiries concerning
implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B provision
of services in the current COVID-19 environment. View here.
Free Appropriate Public Education
Use this factsheet to understand what it means to truly have Free and Appropriate Public Education.
Specially Designed Instruction Is and Is Not
Use this guide to understand what is and what isn’t Specially Designed Instruction (SDI).
Ditch the Clip! Why Clip Charts are NOT a PBIS Practice and What To Do Instead
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.
MSDE TAB: Home and Hospital Teaching Supplement on Students with Disabilities
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.
Webinar: Data Collection during COVID-19
Watch this webinar to learn how to track your child’s progress while engaging in virtual learning from home.
Parent Tips for a Virtual IEP Meeting
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.
IDEA Dispute Resolution Guides from CADRE
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.
Navigating the Special Education System Guide
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.
Military Parents: Guide for Schools & Parents Compact
GUIDE FOR SCHOOLS/PARENTS
What is the Compact?
The Compact deals with the challenges of military children and their frequent relocations. It allows for uniform treatment as military children transfer between school districts in member states.
Independent IEP Meeting Facilitation
The goal of the facilitated IEP meeting is to help IEP team members communicate effectively and develop an educational program to meet the child’s need.
Extended Early Intervention Services
This fact sheet informs families about extending services from age 3 until kindergarten, through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
What Is The 5-day Rule and How Does It Affect Me?
This resource explains Maryland’s 5-Day Rule, a law that enables parents to prepare and participate in their child’s IEP.
Section 504
This brief fact sheets gives an overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a law banning disability discrimination in public schools.
MSDE Technical Assistance on Missed IEP Services
This MSDE bulletin provides guidance on the decision-making for missed IEP services. See questions related to missed services that are often asked by local school systems.
IEP Meeting Tips
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.
Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, and Accommodations Policy Manual
This policy manual outlines the process for use in the selection, administration, and evaluation of the effectiveness of instructional and assessment accommodations for students with disabilities and Section 504.
Tips for Participating in Your Child’s IEP 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.
Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice
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).
The Role of School Nurses in Transition Planning
The nurse can be a vital member of the IEP team. This short video explains their role in the development of the IEP.
IEP Process Guide
This document, developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), details the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
Maryland Medicaid Home and Community-Based Long Term Care Services
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.
Understanding the Evaluation, Eligibility, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process in Maryland
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.