Finding a school that fits your child's needs will provide them with a positive learning experience and allow them to thrive.
The resource links provided below will help you learn more about selecting special education services and implementing an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The websites listed below are available to help you find child care in Baltimore and surrounding areas for young children that may or may not have developmental disabilities.
Abilities Network: Child Care Resource Centers
To better support local child care providers in the Baltimore County area, the Abilities Network established a Child Resource Center at the Towson office. Harford and Cecil County Child Resource Center locations are temporarily located in the Towson office.
Adventures in Parenting
Try RPM3—a no-frills approach to parenting from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). RPM3 stands for: Responding to your child in an appropriate manner; Preventing risky behavior or problems before they arise; Monitoring your child’s contact with his or her surrounding world; Mentoring your child to support and encourage desired behaviors; Modeling your own behavior to provide a consistent, positive example for your child. It is designed for parents of every background, from first-time parents to grandparents, so that anyone who interacts with children can benefit from this valuable information.
Family Navigator Services
Any parent or caregiver can call their local Family Navigator to request assistance for their child, aged 0–21 years, with mental health, substance use and/or other behavioral health challenges. There is no cost for Family Navigation Services
Maryland Family Network: Choosing Child Care for Children with Special Needs
Maryland Family Network provides a step-by-step guide, A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Child Care: Special Needs Enhanced Service, assisting parents and guardians in choosing the best child care services for their family.
Maryland Family Network: LOCATE: Child Care
LOCATE: Child Care is a service of Maryland Family Network. Parents can search and select the best child care services, after-school activities, and resources across the state through an online search or telephone by requesting the assistance of the Child Care Referral Specialist.
PACT
PACT operates two unique child care programs, World of Care and Therapeutic Nursery, to serve young children and families from Baltimore City and the surrounding areas.
Use the resources below to identify local training and support groups for the parents of children with disabilities, locate alternative special education facilities that will meet your child's needs, and learn more about special education services.
Maryland Public Schools Systems
Find your county’s public school system website by using the map and clicking on the county of interest or by clicking on the county name below the map.
The Center for Parent Information and Resources
Use this link to find your local Parent Training and Information Center, which offers support and training to parents of children with disabilities.
Locate a Special Education Facility in Maryland
The resources on this page can help families identify alternative special education facilities to meet their children’s needs.
Maryland Special Education State Advisory Council (SESAC)
The Maryland Special Education State Advisory Council (SESAC) assists Maryland State Department of Education (Department), Division of Special
Education/Early Intervention Services in the delivery of special education and related services to assure that all children with disabilities and their families have access to appropriate education and related services. This resource provides a list of Special Education State Advisory Council meetings that are open to the public.
Questions Often Asked About Special Education Services
This resource answers the most commonly asked questions in regard to special education.
The below resources provide information on the implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Building IEPs with Maryland Families: What a Great Idea!
This handbook includes a guide for developing, implementing, and reviewing IEPs for students with disabilities.
Maryland State Department of Education: IEP Document
The Maryland IEP form may assist in preparing for an IEP meeting.
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Your Individualized Education Program (IEP) Rights and Responsibilities in Maryland
The Maryland State Department of Education provides a guide for parents of students with disabilities so they can better understand the evaluation, eligibility, and IEP process in the state.
Special Education Rights: A Handbook for Maryland Families and Professionals
This handbook, provided by Maryland Disability Law Center, is intended to provide caregivers with basic information regarding the special education process so they can advocate effectively for their children.