This section offers a combination of parent handbooks related to special education. Our own “AB SpEd PAC Special Education Parent Handbook” is a relatively comprehensive handbook for families in the Acton Public and Acton-Boxborough School districts. We have also included the Federation for Children with Special Needs’ “Parent Guide” along with two other useful guides “Selecting an Advocate” and “Closing the IEP Deal.”

• AB SpEd PAC Special Education Parent Handbook – Guides families through the often confusing world of special education. This handbook defines terminology, timelines and the different steps in the special education process from evaluation through IEP development and transition planning. It offers parent tips and resources and includes a list of the special education programs and services available in the Acton Public and Acton-Boxborough School districts.
• A Parent’s Guide to Special Education – A Joint Publication of The Federation for Children with Special Needs and The Massachusetts Department of Education.
• FCSN’s Guide to Selecting an Advocate, a guide by the Federation for Children with Special Needs on how to select a Special Education advocate in Massachusetts.
• Closing the IEP Deal, a report by Mary Romaniec on how to prepare for your role as a parent in creating your child’s IEP.