Mission of our Special Education Program

The Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence is committed to providing students with disabilities access to the curriculum and general education programs. With in-district resources and necessary consultative services, we are able to provide the instruction necessary to help students with disabilities close the gap between their skill abilities and their grade level expectations.

Special education support and services should not be viewed as a separate model, but instead as a part of the continuum of supports, services and interventions created to ensure that the general education environment is responsive to the diverse learning needs of all students. Working together, general education staff and special education staff can ensure equal opportunity, full participation and increased outcomes for all learners, including students with disabilities.

Special Education Information

    For Reference: Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards

    In addition to the hard copies that parents/guardian receive as part of the Special Education process, we have included a digital copy of the Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards here as well for ease of reference.

    Other languages available here.

    Child Find Statement

    Child Find Statement, Public Awareness and Outreach

    MLKCSE is committed to the timely identification, evaluation, and provision of services for all students who may have a disability. In accordance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Special Education Law, and 603 CMR 28.00, MLKCSE implements procedures to identify, locate, and evaluate all children who may have disabilities and who are in need of special education and related services.

    Child Find applies to all students, including those who are homeless, wards of the state, English learners, highly mobile, or enrolled in private or charter schools. Parents, guardians, teachers, other school personnel, physicians, community agencies, or other concerned individuals may refer a child for a special education evaluation at any time. The school conducts ongoing Child Find activities to ensure that all eligible children with disabilities enrolled in the school are identified and referred for evaluation when appropriate.

    The school ensures that referrals are handled promptly and that evaluations are conducted in a timely manner, with appropriate parent consent and participation, to determine whether a student is eligible for services under IDEA.

    Child Find Notice for Parents/Guardians

    Does your child need special education services?

    MLKCSE is committed to identifying, locating, and evaluating all students who may have a disability and need special education or related services, in accordance with federal and Massachusetts law. This includes students who are:

    • Enrolled in our school
    • English learners
    • Homeless or highly mobile
    • Wards of the state

    If you suspect that your child may have a disability, you have the right to request a referral for a special education evaluation at any time.

    How to Request a Referral:

    • Contact the Special Education Team Leader: Amy Masi White
    • Email: amasi@mlkcs.org
    • Phone: (413) 214-7806 ext. 125
    • Mailing address: 285 Dorset Street, Springfield, MA 01108

    Once a referral is received, the school will respond within 5 school days and provide information about the evaluation process. Parent participation is an essential part of the process, and your consent will be obtained before any evaluation is conducted.