If your child has a developmental delay, or another kind of disability, they should qualify for support services from the school system.
This is called Special Education.
Here's what you can do:
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Talk to your child's teacher, or the principal at their school.
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Tell them you are concerned about your child and want to talk about special education services.
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Ask for an evaluation. This is a series of tests the school can do to see if your child has any kind of delay or learning disability. The school is required by law to give any child a free evaluation (as long as they are 3 or older).
Your child will get an evaluation from the school district to see if they qualify.
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This must confirm that they have a disability which affects their learning. Even though you may know this is true, the school needs to document it.
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If your child qualifies for services, you and the school will work together to create a plan that outlines the services your child will get. This is called an Individualized Education Program, or IEP.
See our other Guide to learn about this whole process: How to Access Special Education Services. (It will open in a new tab on your screen.)
Sources: Center for Parent Information and Resources, MA DOE