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.











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.
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).
Key Considerations for Special Educators and the Infants, Children, and Youth They Serve as Schools Reopen
The Council for Exceptional Children released an article about considerations for special educators and children as school reopens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read this article to learn what your family and your child’s school team should consider before school begins this fall.
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.
COVID-19 and What’s Next: What Parents Need to Know Webinar & Companion Resources
Watch this PPMD webinar for helpful resources on what you need to know about how the COVID-19 Pandemic and School Closures affect your child’s education and special education services on PPMD’s YouTube channel, linked below in the resource section. Use these companion tip sheets and resources.







MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education TABs on Serving Children w/Disabilities During School Closure Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education TABS:
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Serving Children w/Disabilities Under IDEA During School Closure Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Providing Continuity of Learning to Students with Disabilities Through Nonpublic Special Education Schools during COVID-19
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Providing Continuity of Learning to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Blind, Low-Vision, and DeafBlind Students during COVID-19
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Navigating Secondary Transition Services for Students with Disabilities during COVID-19
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Continuity of the IFSP for Young Children (Birth – Age 4) with Developmental Delays/Disabilities and their Families during Extended School/Agency Closure due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Providing Continuity of Learning for Students with Disabilities who require Extensive, Intensive, Individualized Instruction and Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Supporting the Use of Assistive Technology in a Virtual and/or Distance Learning Environment
Technical Assistance Bulletin on Providing Continuity of Learning to Students with Disabilities during COVID-19
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education – Extended School Year (ESY) Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education – A Parents’ Guide: Navigating Special Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
MSDE, Division of Early Intervention/Special Education – A Guide for Emotional Well-Being
COPAA’s FAQ: Let’s Work Together to Embrace the IDEA and Educate Students













US Dept of Ed-OSEP Q&A
U.S. Dept of Education-Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has released this informal guidance a set of questions and answers about the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on federal special education policies supporting school-aged children with disabilities
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.
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.
Introduccion a la Tecnologia de Asistencia
Infórmese sobre las opciones de la tecnología de asistencia (TA) que puden mejorar la independencia de personas con discapacidades.
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.
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).
IEP Process Guide
This document, developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), details the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
Maryland ABLE Informational Webinar
ABLE accounts allow individuals who receive benefits to maintain those benefits while building assets in a tax advantaged account. This session will provide an overview of the ABLE Act, a look at the features and specifications of the Maryland ABLE plan, information on treatment of account funds, and an opportunity for questions and answers.
Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts
In this PPMD webinar, guest speaker Mr. Stephen Elville discussed Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts, the benefits and drawbacks of both and what are the questions every family should ask before opening these accounts.