Top 5 Special Needs Preschools in Greater Boston and Massachusetts in 2019

by 2019 Family Favorites on July 07, 2020

Here are the 2019 Top 5 Special Needs Preschools as voted for by parents in Greater Boston and throughout New England ... Read full article

Help! We’re Getting on Each Other’s Nerves

on April 16, 2020

I’ll admit it. I’ve had a few days in the last month when I’ve lost it. I’ve been stuck in this house with my husband and my two boys. I love them with all my heart, but our togetherness is unrelenting, and there are moments when we’re having conflic... Read full article

Lessons from Remote Learning

on April 15, 2020

Seemingly overnight, schools everywhere have transitioned to a remote educational model for the foreseeable future as we enter a period of extended social distancing. For school leaders and families who are trying to adapt to the new normal... Read full article

How to Safeguard Children with Special Needs from Bullying

on April 15, 2020

When young Cody joined the peer inclusion preschool at his neighborhood public school, he fit in from the start. His class was a mix of neurotypical “peer mentors” and children with disabilities, including students like Cody with apraxia of speech, a... Read full article

Expert Advice on How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus

on April 01, 2020

These are some of the questions and comments I’ve heard from my three kids over the past week. Given the recent school closures, lack of toilet paper and bombarding messages about handwashing, it is understandable why kids may feel confused or scared... Read full article

Open Adoption and Diverse Families

on December 03, 2019

National Adoption Month provides an opportunity to turn a spotlight on adoption, acknowledge the many families created through adoption, and reflect on how the practice of adoption has evolved over the years. ... Read full article

Understanding the Special Education Process and Feeling Positive About Support Received in a School

by Andrea Freeman and Tiffany Palenscar, Easterseals Massachusetts on October 10, 2019

Each child learns differently, which may mean that additional support in school is needed in certain areas. If this is the case, your child’s teacher or a school administrator may discuss having your child evaluated for special education services wi... Read full article

Addressing Challenging Behavior and How it Relates to the IEP Process: A Reference Guide for Parents

by Dana Howell, Easterseals Massachusetts on October 10, 2019

When you have a child with academic, social, or behavioral challenges, providing them with the correct supports can be an overwhelming and confusing process. How do you ensure that teachers and therapists effectively meet the needs of your child? For... Read full article

Transition Assessments- What are they? Why are they beneficial?

by Lizzette Grattan, Easterseals Massachusetts on October 10, 2019

Transition Assessments are most commonly performed when a child has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or a 504 plan. By Federal law the transition age begins at 16 years old but in the state of Massachusetts it begins at 14 years old. When student... Read full article

Knowing When You Should Request a Third Party Evaluation

by Paul Medeiros, Easterseals Massachusetts on October 10, 2019

During the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) creation process, it is not unusual for a parent to disagree with a recommendation from one or more of the school’s team members. If a compromise cannot be reached, there is a risk that this difference ... Read full article