A Special Education Attorney I work with says “You only want to do this once” that is to file a hearing for an alternative placement. I tell all families, it’s a very large undertaking, usually one that is not determined in just one meeting, but several over 3-9 months.

When making a case for an out of district placement for special education, it is important to follow certain steps to increase the likelihood of success. Here are some tips to help you make a good case: The first thing I would recommend is that you hire a special education advocate that works with an attorney if the case needs to go to a hearing, and one that has a high level of expertise in special education law, and out of district placements. As a parent, you want to start by:

1. Gathering information: Collect information about your child's disability and educational needs. This can include medical records, evaluations, and reports from therapists, teachers, and other professionals. Make sure you have an updated Independent Neuropsychological evaluation that lists specifically the type of placement your child needs if it is not one within the district. (Example. A language based program …)

2. Research options: Look into potential schools or programs that may be better equipped to meet your child's needs. This can include public or private schools, charter schools, and specialized programs.

3. Contact the school district: Schedule a meeting with the school district to discuss your concerns and the options you have identified. Bring any relevant documents and be prepared to discuss your child's needs and the reasons why an out of district placement may be necessary.

4. Make a formal request: Submit a formal request for an out-of-district placement in writing. This should include a detailed explanation of your child's needs, the reasons why the current school is not meeting those needs, and the specific school or program you are requesting.

5. Attend hearings and meetings: Attend any hearings or meetings related to your request, and be prepared to provide additional information or answer questions.

Remember, making a case for an out-of-district placement can be a complex time-consuming, and very expensive process. It is important to be patient, and persistent, and to advocate strongly for your child's needs.

We can help you decide if you are ready to go to a hearing and build a case with you.

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Ask The Advocate, Maureen Brown

Special Education Advocate Massachusetts