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Special Education
What is Special Education?
Special education programs are specific educational classes, instructions, and social services designed to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Special education programs are offered by public school districts to children 3 to 21 years of age, at no cost to parents.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for Special Education, a student must be from 3 through 21 years old, without a high school diploma or a GED. A special education team must determine that the student has a disability, and that the student cannot learn the general education curriculum without special services.
What benefits will I get?
Each child enrolled in Special Education gets an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is a written plan for the child's special education needs. Parents are members of the IEP team and help decide which types of services their child will get and where the services will be provided. Services depend on the child's needs, and may include speech therapy, audiology services, physical therapy, counseling services, mental health services, medical services, parent counseling, and other specialty services. All services are free.
How do I apply?
Anyone can refer a child for a special education evaluation. If you think your child needs special education, you should contact your child’s school to ask for an evaluation. You must give written permission for the evaluation. Once the school gets your permission, a team of specialists will test your child and discuss the results with you. If your child is approved for services, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) will start within 45 days of your evaluation request. For Worcester Public Schools (WPS) contact information, see WPS School Directory on the WPS web site.
How do I use my benefits?
You must sign the IEP before your child can get special education services. You have the right to refuse all or part of the IEP. If you believe that the evaluation of your child was not done properly, you have the right to get an independent educational evaluation (IEE). Your child will be re-evaluated at least once every three years. If you have concerns about your child, you can request additional tests or a change in services.
Section 504
Children with disabilities who are not eligible for Special Education may be eligible for services under Section 504. Section 504 applies to all students who have any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and entitles students to special accommodations and services to meet their unique needs.
More information
More information about Special Education Programs is on our statewide web site, MassResources.org. When you click on the link below, you will go to MassResources.org. Click "Back" on your browser to return to WorcesterResources.org.
Worcester Special Education section last updated on 6/07/10
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