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Pardon Our Dust: We're currently moving to a new platform to improve usability and accessibility. If something’s missing, please check the previous site archive.
These official resources can help you understand your rights, find support, and navigate the special education process in Maryland and across the U.S.
We’ve grouped them by what you need to do so you can find information quickly.
Full explanation of your rights under Maryland special education law, including IFSP and IEP services.
A step-by-step guide to the Maryland IEP process from the Maryland State Department of Education.
Coordinators in each local school system help families navigate special education, connect to resources, and resolve disputes.
This newly updated guide (2024) provides a plain-language overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It covers your child’s rights, how special education services should be delivered, and what to do when things go wrong. Designed for families, educators, and advocates, it breaks down key protections like the IEP process, evaluations, timelines, and dispute resolution.
Note: This replaces the older 2004, 2006, and 2014 IDEA Parent Guides, offering the most up-to-date guidance on IDEA implementation.
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Understand the laws and protections that ensure your child’s access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
Overview of your child’s rights and the school’s responsibilities under federal law.
Our archived copies of the complete federal law from 2004 establishing the right to special education services, Regulations that guide how IDEA is implemented for children ages 3–21, and a historical draft of proposed rules for IDEA Part C.
These documents reflect the official legal language of IDEA and COMAR. While still current, some formats or sections may differ from simplified family-friendly guides, such as the up-to-date IDEA site above.
Resources on disability rights and accessibility in education and public life.
The U.S. Department of Education office that administers programs and services under IDEA, including guidance, policy, and resources for special education and rehabilitation.
Answers to frequently asked questions about federal special education law and services.
Guidance on disability discrimination and how to file a complaint.
MSDE’s main special education page with program information, resources, and services.
Full explanation of your rights under Maryland special education law, including IFSP and IEP services.
MSDE’s official branch for resolving special education disputes, including mediation, state complaints, and due process hearings. Provides step-by-step process guides, required forms, and timelines for each option.
Halfway down the page, you can view the findings of when families file a complaint about their child not receiving appropriate services through their special education department.
MSDE’s curated list of education regulations, including those for special education services, with links to the full text in the official COMAR database.
A side-by-side comparison of the federal IDEA statute, federal regulations, and Maryland COMAR regulations, and a summary of specific areas where Maryland law provides additional protections.
For Legal Reference Only – Not a Plain-Language Guide
Understand the laws and protections that ensure your child’s access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
Educational modules explaining the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Center for Parent Information and Resources was previously National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
Coordinators in each local school system help families navigate special education, connect to resources, and resolve disputes.
A collection of short, easy-to-read guides from MSDE covering IEPs, evaluations, dispute resolution, and other special education topics.
A parent-friendly guide to help you prepare and file a state special education complaint, with sample forms and tips for gathering evidence.
From Parent's Place of Maryland (PPMD) / Disability Rights Maryland
View our collection archive of Parent’s Place of Maryland (PPMD) training presentations and handouts, developed in partnership with MSDE to guide families through the special education process, advocacy strategies, and IEP planning.
The official final recommendations report, outlining the finance model later enacted through the Bridge to Excellence Act. It includes key findings and proposals on equity, adequacy, and weighted funding for special needs students - central to the framework underlying current Maryland school finance law.
For legal and historical reference.
Access official documents and step-by-step guides for Maryland’s special education process.
A step-by-step guide to the Maryland IEP process from the Maryland State Department of Education.
Introduction to the facilitated IEP process, designed to help teams reach agreements in a collaborative way.
Helps families and educators plan for life after high school, including college, career, and independent living goals for students with disabilities.
Understand the laws and protections that ensure your child’s access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
State education reform plan aimed at improving educational equity and quality and information about the Expert Review Team that evaluates the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
Maryland’s current academic benchmarks to ensure students graduate prepared for college, technical training, or the workforce. Covers multiple subjects and aligns with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
If you have questions about any of the links above or need help understanding how these policies affect your child, our board is here to help. We’re parents and advocates too - and we’re happy to connect.
Contact Our BoardThis page was last updated: August, 2025.
