Your Rights in Early Intervention:

A Simple Summary of Key Information

You are an important part of your child’s Early Intervention (EI) team. You have the right to ask questions, share ideas,

and help make decisions about EI for your child and family.

✓ Be Part of Every Decision

You can join meetings, help set goals, and say what matters most to your family.

✓ Say “Yes” or “No”

EI needs your permission before evaluations or services begin. You may refuse one service and still receive other services you have agreed to.

✓ Get Information Before Changes Are Made

You must receive written notice before EI proposes or refuses to complete an evaluation, provide a service, make a change, or take another important action. The notice must explain what EI plans to do—or not do—and why.

✓ Receive Information in Your Language

The EI program must provide required notices in your native language or preferred way of communicating unless it is clearly not possible to do so. The EI program must arrange an interpreter or other communication support when needed.

✓ Keep Your Information Private

Your child’s and family’s information is protected. In most cases, EI must get your written permission before sharing it.

✓ See Your Child’s Records

You may read your child’s EI records, ask questions about them, request copies, and ask for incorrect or misleading information to be corrected.

✓ Get Key Records at No Cost

You receive a copy of each EI evaluation, assessment, and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) at no cost.

✓ Get Help When You Disagree

You may request mediation, file a Formal Administrative Complaint, or request a due process hearing at no cost to your family. You may bring an advocate, attorney, or other support person, although you will have to pay any cost for a privately hired advocate or attorney.

✓ Continue Agreed-Upon Services During a Dispute

While a due process matter is being decided, your child usually continues receiving the EI services included in the IFSP that you and the EI program
have agreed to, unless you and the program agree to something different.

Questions or Concerns?

You may talk with your Service Coordinator or Program Director for help. You may also contact the Massachusetts Early Intervention Division directly
about family rights, complaints, mediation, or hearings. You do not have to speak with your EI program before using these options.

Massachusetts Early Intervention Division

Phone:
(508) 454-2007

Email:
EIDisputeResolution@mass.gov

Important Note:

This is a plain-language summary of key family rights. It does not include every right, rule, exception, deadline, or procedure and does not replace the complete Massachusetts Early Intervention Procedural Safeguards Notice (updated March 2026).

Read the complete Massachusetts Early Intervention Procedural Safeguards Notice