Recruitment, Training & Support Center (RTSC) for Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs)
Make an Impact
Become an SESP
The mission of the RTSC is to ensure that every child in state custody receives the educational supports they need to succeed. We recruit and support volunteers from across the state to be effective Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs).
Federal education law requires a student’s parents or guardians be included in the special education decision-making process. However, children in state custody may not have anyone to fill that role. In Massachusetts, those children depend on SESPs to protect their legal right to a free and appropriate education
SESPs make educational decisions for students in Massachusetts whose parents are unknown or unavailable. They meet with their assigned student or observe them in the classroom, receive all progress reports and report cards and attend IEP meetings as an acting surrogate parent.
