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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 sheets 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.

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 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.