Education Resources

On this page are some of the education resources we identify as potentially helpful to our constituents. The OCA is not affiliated with any of these resources, this is a non-exhaustive list of relevant sources of further information.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) provides assistance, through their helpline, for children who are facing barriers to receiving educational support and services to which they are legally entitled. They prioritize children with disabilities, children who have been expelled or suspended from school, and children traumatized by exposure to family violence or other adverse experiences. MAC can give advice about how to solve the issue and give referrals for further advocacy or services. In some instances, an attorney from MAC can provide legal help for the child.

For more information, call the helpline at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here: https://www.massadvocates.org/ 

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) - Information Center

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) Information Center can help with questions about: 

• eligibility for special education 
• application procedures 
• steps to obtain independent educational evaluations 
• determining whether the child is making progress 
• what to do if the child is not making progress 
• the school’s responsibilities in the special education process 
• the parent’s role as a member of the team 
• maintaining a collaborative relationship with the school 
• options for resolving differences with the school 
• when to involve a parent consultant or advocate 
• when to involve an attorney 

For more information, call the Call Center at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here: https://fcsn.org/ 

Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPaN)

Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPaN) maintains a directory of special education advocates and consultants that are available to help families and schools with special education issues. The directory is available on their website. Parents can also call for more information about special education advocates and how an advocate can help their child. 

For more information, and to view the directory, visit their website by clicking here: https://members.spanmass.org/advocateattorneydirectory, or call [phone]. 

EdLaw Project

The EdLaw Project provides direct educational advocacy for Massachusetts’ highest risk youth. Advocacy domains include school exclusion, having trouble reintegrating after detention or incarceration, receiving inadequate education while in state custody, and struggling with undetected and underserved special needs.

The Edlaw Project is an initiative between the Youth Advocacy Foundation and the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Children & Family Law and Youth Advocacy Divisions.

For more information about services, and to determine a child’s eligibility, call the helpline at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here: www.edlawproject.org  

Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts (CLCM)

The Children's Law Center of Massachusetts (CLCM) has a statewide helpline to help parents, youth, and other professionals with their legal issues, including help finding an attorney. CLCM commonly takes calls regarding educational issues, juvenile justice issues, and the rights of children who have aged out of foster care or other state services. 

For more information, call the helpline at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here: www.clcm.org  

Regional Education Resources

Boston Public Schools (BPS) – Helpline for Students & Families

The Boston Public Schools (BPS) Helpline for Students and Families is a new support service for the BPS Community that answers basic questions to help people get to the right place for support.

For more information, call the helpline at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/unsure/bps-helpline