Built by a Massachusetts parent who has sat in these meetings. The deadlines, the scripts, the letters, the questions to ask, and the schools to know about. Free, plain-English, and specific to Massachusetts law.
Based on 603 CMR 28.00. "Days" means school working days, not calendar days.
Always put it in writing. Our Letter Templates make this take five minutes.
The school must respond to your written request and send an evaluation consent form.
From the date you sign consent, the district has 30 school working days to finish testing.
The team meeting to review results and develop the IEP happens within 45 school working days of your consent.
Start with the decision tree if you are not sure where you are in the process.
Once you give written consent for an evaluation, the district generally has 30 school working days to complete it. Under 603 CMR 28.00, an IEP team meeting then follows, and the proposed IEP must be provided to you within specific timelines. Use our Timeline & Deadline Calculator to map your exact dates.
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services under special education law (IDEA and Massachusetts Chapter 766). A 504 plan provides accommodations only, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If your child needs specialized teaching, not just accommodations, an IEP is usually the right path.
Yes. You can accept it, reject it, or accept it in part and reject the rest. You also have the right to request mediation or a hearing with the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). Our Script Bundle has word-for-word phrases for disagreeing respectfully in the meeting.
Bring your child's recent evaluations, work samples, your own notes on what you see at home, a list of your top three concerns, and someone you trust if you can. Our Meeting Prep Checklist builds a custom list based on your meeting type.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) offers free parent training and the Parent Consultant program. MassPAC connects local special education parent advisory councils. For legal disputes, a special education attorney or advocate can help. See our directory for local options.
Know your rights: Massachusetts special education is governed by Chapter 766 and federal IDEA, with procedures in 603 CMR 28.00. Free parent training is available through the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN), and disputes go to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). You never have to figure this out alone.
Looking for 504 plans, college accommodations, or advocacy beyond the IEP? Visit Beyond the IEP →
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical, legal, or educational advice. Always consult qualified professionals for your child's specific needs. Full disclaimer →