Where do transition goals go in the Individualized Education Program (IEP)? View/Download a copy of the Transition Planning Form (TPF) View/Download a copy of the Massachusetts Individual Education Program Transition services are defined by federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA) as a "coordinated set ofRead more →
What changes when my child turns 18? In Massachusetts, at the age of 18, a student is legally considered to be an adult even if they have a disability. This is called the “age of majority”. In the eyes of the law, they assume adult rights andRead more →
What is a Chapter 688 referral (“Turning 22” Law)? Chapter 688 is a law in Massachusetts addressing the needs of young adults with severe disabilities as they end their public-school education and transition into the adult service system. It requires a planning process to start at leastRead more →
FEDERAL SPECIAL EDUCATION LAWS REQUIRING AND DEFINING TRANSITION SERVICES FEDERAL SPECIAL EDUCATION LAWS REQUIRING AND DEFINING TRANSITION SERVICES Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. In IDEA (2004), Congress stated as follows: “Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in noRead more →
Timelines Many families and transition-aged students can find the post-secondary transition process overwhelming. There is a lot to consider. There can be a lot of uncertainty navigating the possibilities of what life after high school will look like. Some families find using a transition timeline helps themRead more →
How can I help my child plan for life after high school? Helping a student with disabilities plan and prepare for life after high school is called the post-secondary transition process. In Massachusetts, students receiving special education services are eligible for post-secondary transition planning and supports whenRead more →
Least Restrictive to Most Restrictive timeline graph School districts are required to offer a range or continuum of school placements for children with disabilities in order to meet their individual needs. There are two main types of placements: In-District Placements: classrooms that are part of the publicRead more →
Parents are their child’s first teacher, and the first years of life are critical in a child’s brain development. There are many, every day, activities you can do with your baby to promote positive growth like Talk with your baby, put words to the things they lookRead more →
If parents have concerns about whether their child is in an appropriate educational placement, they should begin by becoming familiar with the answers to two key questions: What are CHILDREN’S RIGHTS under the law? Since 1975, federal laws require that all students with disabilities receive a FreeRead more →
Support and Resources in Portuguese: Providers working with Portuguese Families: We hope that you find it helpful to have the names in English for the links to Portuguese resources found at www.fcsn.org/recursos-em-portugues Come join us for PCTI in Portuguese and start advocating for your child’s rights effectively!
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