Special Education Resources

If your child has been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder, he or she may be eligible for special education services. The resources listed below can help you to understand the complex special education laws and regulations, and to identify special education services and support on your child’s behalf. For information about legal/advocacy services for adults, refer to the “Legal/Advocacy Services” section.

Special Education Schools

Special Education Support Services

Special Education Schools

National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) Phone: (928) 443-9505
Web site: www.natsap.org
NATSAP serves as a national resource for programs and professionals assisting young people who have emotional and behavioral difficulties. The web site provides a directory of members and their services.

U.S. Department of Education
Web site: www.ed.gov
The U.S. Department of Education’s web site allows you to search for private and public schools, as well as after-school and after-care programs. Click on “Parents” and then use the navigation bar on the left to search for schools and programs by state and city or town.

Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (MAAPS)
Phone: (781) 245-1220
Web site: www.spedschools.com
MAAPS is an association of private day and residential schools approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education under Chapter 766 to provide educational programs and services to students with special needs. This site provides a directory of MAAPS-member schools.

Massachusetts Department of Education
Phone: (781) 338-3000
Web site: www.doe.mass.edu/sped/general.html
The Department of Education provides directories of collaboratives and state-approved day and residential private special education schools, along with other information about special education.

New England Psychologist
Phone: (781) 237-9909
Web site: www.nepsy.com
New England Psychologist, a monthly print publication for licensed psychologists in the region, compiles a directory of residential schools in New England from information provided by schools in response to a questionnaire.

Special Education Support Services

Federation for Children with Special Needs
Phone: (617) 236-7210
Web site: www.fcsn.org
The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. Its web site provides special education resources, links and news.

Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Phone: (703) 684-7710
Web site: www.ffcmh.org
The Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health leads a nationwide network of family-run organizations to support families who are raising children with mental health needs.

Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
Phone: (703) 591-4850
Web site: www.iecaonline.com
IECA is a professional association of educational consultants who help students and families choose a school or college that is a good match for the student’s needs. IECA’s web site lists educational consultants by state and by specialty (for example, special needs, learning disabilities).

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Phone: (800) 695-0285
Web site: www.nichcy.org
Funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education, the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities connects parents with resources on behalf of infants, toddlers, children, and youth who have disabilities. Click on “State Resources” for information by state.

STARFISH Advocacy Association
Web site: www.starfishadvocacy.org
STARFISH is a parent-run organization that provides online classes, real time chat, message boards, and informational resources on a variety of topics related to children with brain disorders and their families.

Wrightslaw
Web site: www.wrightslaw.com
Wrightslaw provides information and resources related to special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.

Massachusetts

Family TIES
Phone: (800) 905-8437
Web site: www.massfamilyties.org
Family TIES is a statewide parent organization that provides information, referrals, and a parent-to-parent support network for families of children with special needs. It is a project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Learning Disabilities Association of Massachusetts (LDAM)
Phone: (781) 890-5399
Web site: www.ldam.org
The Service Directory on LDAM’s web site provides the names of special education tutors, learning programs, and other resources related to special education.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)
Phone: (617) 357-8431
Hotline: (617) 357-8431 extension 224
Web site: www.massadvocates.org
To protect the educational rights of children with disabilities, MAC offers advice to families over the phone, referrals for further advocacy or services, or, in some instances, a pro-bono attorney or case advocate. The web site offers materials on the educational needs of children with autism spectrum disorders, school issues for children exposed to domestic violence, and MCAS testing for students with disabilities.

Massachusetts Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (MASSPAC)
Phone: (617) 962-4558
Web site: www.masspac.org
MASSPAC is a network of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils that work together to advocate for children who have special needs and learning disabilities. The web site includes information on federal and state special education laws and on selecting a special education school.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL)
Phone: (617) 542-7860
Web site: www.ppal.net
PAL is the Massachusetts Chapter of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. PAL works with families and professionals, and provides support, education and advocacy on behalf of children with mental, emotional, or behavioral special needs.

Parents for Residential Reform (PFRR)
Phone: (617) 236-7210 extension 345 or Hotline: (800) 672-7084
Web site: www.pfrr.org
A Project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs, PFRR provides information about selecting and working with the staff of residential schools and group homes. The organization offers referral services to families, training workshops to assist families in understanding their legal rights, and outreach to families who may require support.

Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPAN)
Phone: (508) 655-7999
Web site: www.SPANMASS.org
SPAN is an association of professional advocates. Professional advocates help families and students advocate for special education services that best meet the student’s needs. SPAN’s web site lists advocates by town in Massachusetts and by specialty.