Special education can really help, but only when schools do it the right way. If they don't, kids don't just fall behind—they feel left out, confused, and punished for challenges they shouldn't have to handle alone.
For parents, navigating special education can be exhausting. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is your ally. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. Helping your child get the help, services, and advocacy they need.
What Parents Need to Know About Special Education Rights
If you're interested in sending your child to a well-regarded public school, it's good to know that under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), kids are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). In the past, disability-related behaviors were unfairly labeled as bad behavior —IDEA made sure students got help, not punishment. Every child's needs must be met through personalized special education in public schools.
In Massachusetts, special education rules are established by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Of course, you know that your child has gifts just waiting to be unlocked, but let's make sure that their school does. After all, special ed students can make it anywhere—take a look at this book about special ed students who succeeded at Harvard.
What to Expect from a Special Education Program
Special education can take many forms. Some children receive extra reading support outside the classroom, while others have a teacher in the classroom to help with subjects like reading or math. For some kids, a self-contained classroom with special lessons is the best fit.
Boston Area School Districts
Here are some good public school districts in Boston and what they do to help kids with special needs:
Weston Public School District
Public School Districtis a great choice and offers special education programs. The Weston Schools Special Education Mission Statement includes the following:
We strive to ensure that students with disabilities are:
- Educated in a positive and productive learning environment where they can make effective progress.
- Receive specialized instruction at their instructional level.
- Educated in the least restrictive environment alongside their typical peers to the greatest extent possible.
- Afforded opportunities to increase their independence so that personal and career goals can be achieved.
If you want a good public school, Weston is a great pick.
Public Schools of Brookline
This school district is known for its excellence. This excerpt from Brookline's special education page describes its services: “A wide range of services are provided to meet the individual needs of students, from academic intervention to related services in areas such as: counseling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Availability of therapeutic services for students requiring special education intervention in the realm of social, emotional, and adjustment areas is present at all schools and levels.”
This school is also a strong choice.
Belmont Public Schools
Belmont Public Schools (PBS)is a well-regarded public school district. BPS creates and updates its Parents' Notice of Procedural Safeguards to let parents know their rights in regard to special education. It is also translated into many languages. This lengthy document spells out the school's procedures.
Your child can do well in these three public school districts, but if you run into problems like red tape, not enough support, or unfair assumptions, the Lento Law Firm is here.
The Right Support Plan for Your Child
Here's how to make sure your child gets the support they need:
- Understand the Evaluation Process: Schools are supposed to catch disabilities, but they're often busy and sometimes miss things. Knowing how the evaluation process works makes sure your child gets the assessment they need.
- Build a Strong IEP: The IEP isn't just paperwork—it's a plan for your child's future. It shows where they need help, what they're good at, and where they're struggling. Don't let it sit there—update it and review it every year.
- Keep Track of Your Child's Progress: Pay attention to how that IEP is working. If it's not cutting it, speak up, ask for a meeting, and make sure things are being adjusted.
- Get Legal Help: If the school isn't listening to you or your child isn't getting the support they need, a special education lawyer can help you make sure their rights are being respected.
Your child deserves the best support at school, and if you're not getting it, legal help can turn things around.
The Lento Law Firm: Your Special Education Ally
We step in when schools fall short:
- Smart Advocacy: We know when to act and when to listen. We scan the landscape, spot the issues, and create a plan to keep your child's rights in check, all while moving toward the ultimate goal.
- Customized Support: We make sure your child gets the help they need, because every child is different. We focus on what will work best for them.
- Supporting Families Nationwide: No matter where you are, we know how to navigate both state and federal special education laws. We know how to speak your district's language, too.
- Proactive Representation: With special education laws constantly evolving, we stay one step ahead. We adjust to changes and challenges to ensure your child has access to the resources they need now and in the future.
Every child's educational journey is as unique as they are.
The Lento Law Firm: Your Ally in Special Education
We know the laws, school rules, and ways to help you get what you need. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team is on your side. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. Your child's rights are our priority, and we make schools respect them.
