Boston

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Special Education

Information about education resources and support for students with special needs.

Sections

1. Key Components of Special Education in Boston

Special Education in Boston operates under the framework of federal and state laws, primarily the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts state regulations. The Boston Public Schools (BPS) system is the primary provider of Special Education services in the city.

Core Principles

  • Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): All children with disabilities are entitled to education at no cost to their families.
  • Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students with disabilities should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible.
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP): A customized plan is developed for each eligible student to address their unique needs.

Disability Categories Covered

Boston provides services for students with a wide range of disabilities, including but not limited to:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)
  • Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
  • Intellectual Disabilities
  • Speech or Language Impairments
  • Physical Disabilities
  • Visual or Hearing Impairments
  • Developmental Delays

2. Relevant Local Organizations and Institutions

Boston has a variety of organizations and institutions that support Special Education services:

Boston Public Schools (BPS) Special Education Department

  • BPS is the primary provider of Special Education services in the city.
  • The department oversees the evaluation process, IEP development, and service delivery.
  • Website: BPS Special Education

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)

  • A statewide organization that provides resources, training, and advocacy for families of children with disabilities.
  • Website: FCSN

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)

  • Offers legal advocacy and support for families navigating the Special Education system.
  • Website: MAC

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF)

  • Provides after-school programs, recreational activities, and support services for children with disabilities.
  • Website: BCYF

Private and Specialized Schools

  • Boston is home to several private schools and specialized institutions for children with disabilities, such as the Perkins School for the Blind and the Cotting School.

3. Costs of Services

Special Education services in Boston are generally free for students enrolled in public schools, as mandated by IDEA. However, there are some costs to consider:

Public Schools

  • Services such as evaluations, IEP development, and therapies (speech, occupational, physical) are provided at no cost.
  • Transportation to and from school may also be covered if specified in the IEP.

Private Schools

  • Private schools for children with disabilities can be expensive, with tuition ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on the institution.
  • In some cases, if a public school cannot meet a childโ€™s needs, the district may pay for private school tuition.

Additional Costs

  • Supplemental services (e.g., private tutoring, therapy outside of school) may incur out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Health insurance may cover some therapies, such as speech or occupational therapy, outside the school system.

4. Procedures for Enrollment

The process for accessing Special Education services in Boston involves several steps:

Step 1: Referral

  • A parent, teacher, or other professional can refer a child for evaluation if they suspect a disability.
  • Referrals are submitted to the schoolโ€™s Special Education team or the BPS Special Education Department.

Step 2: Evaluation

  • The school district conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the childโ€™s needs. This may include assessments in academics, behavior, speech, and physical abilities.
  • Evaluations must be completed within 45 school days of receiving parental consent.

Step 3: Eligibility Determination

  • A team of professionals, including the parents, reviews the evaluation results to determine if the child qualifies for Special Education services under IDEA.

Step 4: IEP Development

  • If eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created. The IEP outlines the childโ€™s goals, services, accommodations, and placement.

Step 5: Placement

  • The child is placed in the appropriate educational setting, which could range from a general education classroom with support to a specialized program.

Step 6: Annual Review

  • The IEP is reviewed and updated annually. A reevaluation is conducted every three years to reassess eligibility and needs.

5. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Special Education services in Boston, a child must meet the following criteria:

  1. Age: Services are available for children aged 3 to 21.
  2. Disability: The child must have a documented disability that falls under one of the categories recognized by IDEA.
  3. Impact on Education: The disability must adversely affect the childโ€™s ability to access the general education curriculum.
  4. Need for Specialized Instruction: The child must require specialized instruction or related services to benefit from education.

6. Specific Considerations for Newcomers

Families new to Boston should keep the following in mind:

Language Support

  • Boston Public Schools provide translation and interpretation services for families who speak languages other than English.
  • BPS has a dedicated Office of English Learners (OEL) to support students with disabilities who are also English Language Learners (ELLs).

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Boston is a diverse city, and schools are generally equipped to work with families from various cultural backgrounds. However, itโ€™s important to advocate for your childโ€™s needs and ensure cultural considerations are included in their IEP.

Accessing Services Quickly

  • If you are moving to Boston, bring all relevant documentation, such as previous IEPs, evaluations, and medical records, to expedite the enrollment process.
  • Contact the BPS Welcome Center for assistance with school placement and Special Education services.

Private Evaluations

  • If you disagree with the schoolโ€™s evaluation, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the districtโ€™s expense.

Transition Services

  • For students aged 14 and older, Boston schools provide transition planning to prepare them for life after high school, including college, employment, and independent living.

7. Additional Resources

  • Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE): Provides guidance on Special Education laws and policies. DESE Special Education
  • Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs): Offer workshops and resources for families navigating Special Education.
  • Early Intervention (EI): For children under 3, Boston offers Early Intervention services to address developmental delays.

Conclusion

Special Education in Boston is a comprehensive system designed to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. By understanding the key components, procedures, and resources available, families can effectively advocate for their children and ensure they receive the support they need to thrive. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, reaching out to local organizations or the BPS Special Education Department is a great starting point.