Discipline at School
Maryland Statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process Guide
Prior Written Notice
Alternate Education Framework
Companion Guide to The Alternate Education Framework
PPMD’s State Special Education [IDEA] Complaint Toolkit
Secondary Transition – Guide 4
Understanding the IEP – Guide 3
Parental Rights – Guide 2
Special Education Process – Guide 1
Military Glossary for Special Education and Exceptional Family Military Program
Preparing for Your Child’s IEP Meeting
Least Restrictive Environment
Child Find and How to Refer – Age 3-21
This document describes the school systems’ obligation to locate, identify and evaluate children who are suspected of having a disability; ages 3-21. Local “Maryland Child Find” phone numbers are provided.
S.M.A.R.T. IEP Goals: Questions to Consider
It is important for IEP goals to be measurable, specific, realistic and attainable. This factsheet explains and provides examples of SMART IEP goals.
Collecting Data at Home
How do you know if your child is meeting their IEP goals? How can you collect data at home? Use the questions and suggestions attached to help you.
Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice
This notice includes an explanation of parental rights for children receiving services through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Dispute Resolution
PPMD has created this image to help you understand your available dispute resolution options.
History of Special Education
Do you know the history of Special Education? Use this factsheet to learn about the beginning of Special Education law to present day law.
Alphabet Soup: A Guide to Special Education Acronyms
There are lots of acronyms in the Special Education world, which can be very confusing. Use this list as a guide to understanding the meaning of Special Education acronyms.
Model Letters
To make sure your requests, concerns and/or questions are understood, it is important to document them in writing. PPMD has a new resource that parents can use for specific requests and situations. Use these samples letters as models when you write your own.
Benefits of Effective Family Engagement: For Students, Parents, and Educators
This factsheet provides examples of the benefits of effective family engagement in three categories: benefits for students, benefits for parents, and benefits for educators.
5 Special Factors in IEP Development
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) lists five special factors that your child’s IEP team must consider while developing your child’s IEP. Use this factsheet to learn about these five special factors.
Common Accommodations and Modifications in School
There are many ways teachers can help kids who are struggling in school. Here are some
common accommodations and modifications that schools and families can discuss as possible options for kids.
Integrated Tiered System of Supports
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) supports using a multi-tiered or level system of supports. This gives educators the tools needed to meet the needs of ALL students. Learn about Integrated Tiered System of Supports with this factsheet.
Free Appropriate Public Education
Use this factsheet to understand what it means to truly have Free and Appropriate Public Education.
Specially Designed Instruction Is and Is Not
Use this guide to understand what is and what isn’t Specially Designed Instruction (SDI).
Ditch the Clip! Why Clip Charts are NOT a PBIS Practice and What To Do Instead
Read this to learn why clip charts are inconsistent with a PBIS approach and can be harmful. This document also describes alternative strategies that are more likely to improve student behavior while promoting a safe, positive classroom.
MSDE TAB: Home and Hospital Teaching Supplement on Students with Disabilities
View the Maryland State Department of Education’s Technical Assistance Bulletin on Home and Hospital Teaching. This document answers frequently asked questions, that you may have, about about Home and Hospital Teaching.
Navigating the Special Education System Guide
Created by the Organization for Autism Research, this special education guide is designed to give each family the information and tools needed to successfully navigate the education system anywhere in the country.
Extended Early Intervention Services
This fact sheet informs families about extending services from age 3 until kindergarten, through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
What Is The 5-day Rule and How Does It Affect Me?
This resource explains Maryland’s 5-Day Rule, a law that enables parents to prepare and participate in their child’s IEP.
Introduccion a la Tecnologia de Asistencia
Infórmese sobre las opciones de la tecnología de asistencia (TA) que puden mejorar la independencia de personas con discapacidades.
IEP Meeting Tips
Parents are equal members of the IEP team. Finding ways to effectively advocate for your child during IEP meetings can be difficult. These tips will help prepare you for your next meeting.
Maryland ABLE Informational Webinar
ABLE accounts allow individuals who receive benefits to maintain those benefits while building assets in a tax advantaged account. This session will provide an overview of the ABLE Act, a look at the features and specifications of the Maryland ABLE plan, information on treatment of account funds, and an opportunity for questions and answers.
Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts
In this PPMD webinar, guest speaker Mr. Stephen Elville discussed Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts, the benefits and drawbacks of both and what are the questions every family should ask before opening these accounts.