If your child has a disability or learning difference, you have significant legal rights under both federal and Massachusetts state law. Yet many South Shore parents feel overwhelmed navigating the special education system — confused by acronyms, uncertain of their options, and unsure what to do when they disagree with the school district.

What Is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document developed for eligible students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It outlines your child's present levels of performance, annual goals, the services the school will provide, and how progress will be measured. In Massachusetts, students are eligible through age 21 or until they graduate with a regular diploma.

Your Rights as a Parent

Massachusetts law — one of the strongest in the nation for special education — gives parents extensive rights. You have the right to be a full member of your child's IEP Team. You have the right to request an IEP evaluation at any time (the district has 30 days to respond). You have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation. You also have the right to accept, reject, or partially accept an IEP, and the right to prior written notice before the district changes or refuses to change your child's services.

What To Do If You Disagree with the IEP

If the school proposes an IEP you believe is inadequate, you have options. You can request mediation through the BSEA (Bureau of Special Education Appeals), file for a due process hearing, or file a complaint with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. These processes have strict deadlines, so acting promptly is important.

Common IEP Disputes on the South Shore

Families in Rockland, Weymouth, Hingham, Plymouth, and other South Shore communities frequently face disputes over placement decisions, related services (like speech therapy or occupational therapy), extended school year eligibility, and transition planning for older students.

When to Call a Special Education Attorney

You don't need a lawyer for every IEP meeting, but having one can be invaluable if the district is denying appropriate services, proposing a restrictive placement, or if mediation hasn't resolved a serious dispute. Attorney Jessica Sofio is a former teacher with firsthand classroom experience — she brings a uniquely informed perspective to every special education case.

Questions about your child's IEP? Contact Sofio Law — (774) 801-9774 or info@sofio.law