June 17, 2026:

Stay organized! As we head into the summer make sure you know where your child's latest IEP is so you are ready to ensure all supports and accommodations are being provided appropriately as soon as school begins in September. If there is a problem, reach out to your liaison ASAP and request a meeting. 

June 4, 2026:

Make sure your child's IEP goals are as specific and tailored as possible. They should meet SMART criteria - Specific, Measurable, Achievable/Attainable in the coming year, Relevant, and Time bound.  They should be updated every year to reflect your child's growth. If they are not, have a discussion with the team about how to know if your child is making effective progress.

May 27, 2026:

Ensure the meeting notes you receive from the District are thorough and accurate; if you think something is missing, ask the District to supplement, or send them your own notes to include in your child's file. For example, if you reject a proposed service, it is important that the official files and records reflect why you rejected the service. 

May 19, 2026:

If you would like objective assistance in an IEP meeting, a great, free resource is a Facilitator from the Board of Special Education Appeals. This no charge service can help to keep meetings productive and on track so you can focus on getting your student the support they require. Let the District know if you would like a Facilitator at your next IEP meeting and they will coordinate dates and times for a virtual meeting.  Check out Facilitators for IEP Team Meetings | Mass.gov  for more information.

May 7, 2026:

Every IEP team should include:

You (caregiver), your child's special education teacher/liaison, a general education teacher (if applicable), someone with the ability to interpret evaluation results, and, if 14+, your child. You and the school may propose other individuals as helpful. The Team should reach consensus on placement and services. Consensus does not mean everyone agrees; caregivers always have the option to reject an IEP, in whole or in part, and in these situations, the Team will reconvene. School administrators are not allowed to overrule the Team.

April 29, 2026:

Planning air travel? 2 tips:

1. Logan airport recognizes the sunflower lanyard as a symbol denoting a hidden disability that can serve as a subtle indication to airport staff that individuals wearing the lanyard may need additional assistance in the airport. More info here: Boston Logan International Airport Joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program | Massport 

2. If your child (or anyone on your party) has medical disabilities or challenges that make standing in a TSA line or process difficult, you can contact TSA Cares for assistance (Request for TSA Cares Assistance | Transportation Security Administration or 855-787-2227). 

April 23, 2026:

IEPs must be sent to caregivers a maximum of 5 school days after meeting. Sometimes the mail can be delayed, so feel free to ask the District if you can pick up materials at the central administration office.

April 15, 2026:

Ask the District to have your IEP team meeting recorded! This can become a valuable tool to help everyone on the team recall what was discussed and if/how consensus was reached. Remember, it is illegal in Massachusetts to record someone without their consent, so be sure to discuss the "how" of this with the District prior to your meeting.