Resources for Navigating a Child's Education
To help you support your child, we developed simple handouts on common topics relating to school and education.
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Signing Rights and Responsibilities as a Foster Parent
What are my signing rights and responsibilities as a foster parent?
As a foster parent, you are responsible for advocating for the educational needs
of your child. You are considered the “education-decision maker” (EDM). It is
important that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as your child’s EDM.
BID Process
What is the best interest determination (BID) process?
- The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) of Massachusetts provides a helpful worksheet for foster parents to guide them through the BID process.
IEP vs 504
What is the difference between an IEP and 504?
- Court appointed special advocates (CASA) compiled a comprehensive guide for foster parents to help them navigate the special education process.
Preparing for a Team Meeting
How do I prepare for a team meeting?
- This document lists useful questions to ask during an IEP meeting (Chelsea Walz, M.Ed)
Initiating Special Education Testing
How do I initiate special education testing? Text || Flow Chart
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Sample letter 1 to request evaluation (FaCES Clinic)
- Sample letter 2 to request evaluation (BMC's Parent Guide to a Special Education in Boston)