/** * Theme functions and definitions * * @package HelloElementor */ if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) { exit; // Exit if accessed directly. } define( 'HELLO_ELEMENTOR_VERSION', '3.4.4' ); define( 'EHP_THEME_SLUG', 'hello-elementor' ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_PATH', get_template_directory() ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_URL', get_template_directory_uri() ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_ASSETS_PATH', HELLO_THEME_PATH . '/assets/' ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_ASSETS_URL', HELLO_THEME_URL . '/assets/' ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_SCRIPTS_PATH', HELLO_THEME_ASSETS_PATH . 'js/' ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_SCRIPTS_URL', HELLO_THEME_ASSETS_URL . 'js/' ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_STYLE_PATH', HELLO_THEME_ASSETS_PATH . 'css/' ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_STYLE_URL', HELLO_THEME_ASSETS_URL . 'css/' ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_IMAGES_PATH', HELLO_THEME_ASSETS_PATH . 'images/' ); define( 'HELLO_THEME_IMAGES_URL', HELLO_THEME_ASSETS_URL . 'images/' ); if ( ! isset( $content_width ) ) { $content_width = 800; // Pixels. } if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_setup' ) ) { /** * Set up theme support. * * @return void */ function hello_elementor_setup() { if ( is_admin() ) { hello_maybe_update_theme_version_in_db(); } if ( apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_register_menus', true ) ) { register_nav_menus( [ 'menu-1' => esc_html__( 'Header', 'hello-elementor' ) ] ); register_nav_menus( [ 'menu-2' => esc_html__( 'Footer', 'hello-elementor' ) ] ); } if ( apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_post_type_support', true ) ) { add_post_type_support( 'page', 'excerpt' ); } if ( apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_add_theme_support', true ) ) { add_theme_support( 'post-thumbnails' ); add_theme_support( 'automatic-feed-links' ); add_theme_support( 'title-tag' ); add_theme_support( 'html5', [ 'search-form', 'comment-form', 'comment-list', 'gallery', 'caption', 'script', 'style', 'navigation-widgets', ] ); add_theme_support( 'custom-logo', [ 'height' => 100, 'width' => 350, 'flex-height' => true, 'flex-width' => true, ] ); add_theme_support( 'align-wide' ); add_theme_support( 'responsive-embeds' ); /* * Editor Styles */ add_theme_support( 'editor-styles' ); add_editor_style( 'editor-styles.css' ); /* * WooCommerce. */ if ( apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_add_woocommerce_support', true ) ) { // WooCommerce in general. add_theme_support( 'woocommerce' ); // Enabling WooCommerce product gallery features (are off by default since WC 3.0.0). // zoom. add_theme_support( 'wc-product-gallery-zoom' ); // lightbox. add_theme_support( 'wc-product-gallery-lightbox' ); // swipe. add_theme_support( 'wc-product-gallery-slider' ); } } } } add_action( 'after_setup_theme', 'hello_elementor_setup' ); function hello_maybe_update_theme_version_in_db() { $theme_version_option_name = 'hello_theme_version'; // The theme version saved in the database. $hello_theme_db_version = get_option( $theme_version_option_name ); // If the 'hello_theme_version' option does not exist in the DB, or the version needs to be updated, do the update. if ( ! $hello_theme_db_version || version_compare( $hello_theme_db_version, HELLO_ELEMENTOR_VERSION, '<' ) ) { update_option( $theme_version_option_name, HELLO_ELEMENTOR_VERSION ); } } if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_display_header_footer' ) ) { /** * Check whether to display header footer. * * @return bool */ function hello_elementor_display_header_footer() { $hello_elementor_header_footer = true; return apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_header_footer', $hello_elementor_header_footer ); } } if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_scripts_styles' ) ) { /** * Theme Scripts & Styles. * * @return void */ function hello_elementor_scripts_styles() { if ( apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_enqueue_style', true ) ) { wp_enqueue_style( 'hello-elementor', HELLO_THEME_STYLE_URL . 'reset.css', [], HELLO_ELEMENTOR_VERSION ); } if ( apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_enqueue_theme_style', true ) ) { wp_enqueue_style( 'hello-elementor-theme-style', HELLO_THEME_STYLE_URL . 'theme.css', [], HELLO_ELEMENTOR_VERSION ); } if ( hello_elementor_display_header_footer() ) { wp_enqueue_style( 'hello-elementor-header-footer', HELLO_THEME_STYLE_URL . 'header-footer.css', [], HELLO_ELEMENTOR_VERSION ); } } } add_action( 'wp_enqueue_scripts', 'hello_elementor_scripts_styles' ); if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_register_elementor_locations' ) ) { /** * Register Elementor Locations. * * @param ElementorPro\Modules\ThemeBuilder\Classes\Locations_Manager $elementor_theme_manager theme manager. * * @return void */ function hello_elementor_register_elementor_locations( $elementor_theme_manager ) { if ( apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_register_elementor_locations', true ) ) { $elementor_theme_manager->register_all_core_location(); } } } add_action( 'elementor/theme/register_locations', 'hello_elementor_register_elementor_locations' ); if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_content_width' ) ) { /** * Set default content width. * * @return void */ function hello_elementor_content_width() { $GLOBALS['content_width'] = apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_content_width', 800 ); } } add_action( 'after_setup_theme', 'hello_elementor_content_width', 0 ); if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_add_description_meta_tag' ) ) { /** * Add description meta tag with excerpt text. * * @return void */ function hello_elementor_add_description_meta_tag() { if ( ! apply_filters( 'hello_elementor_description_meta_tag', true ) ) { return; } if ( ! is_singular() ) { return; } $post = get_queried_object(); if ( empty( $post->post_excerpt ) ) { return; } echo '' . "\n"; } } add_action( 'wp_head', 'hello_elementor_add_description_meta_tag' ); // Settings page require get_template_directory() . '/includes/settings-functions.php'; // Header & footer styling option, inside Elementor require get_template_directory() . '/includes/elementor-functions.php'; if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_customizer' ) ) { // Customizer controls function hello_elementor_customizer() { if ( ! is_customize_preview() ) { return; } if ( ! hello_elementor_display_header_footer() ) { return; } require get_template_directory() . '/includes/customizer-functions.php'; } } add_action( 'init', 'hello_elementor_customizer' ); if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_check_hide_title' ) ) { /** * Check whether to display the page title. * * @param bool $val default value. * * @return bool */ function hello_elementor_check_hide_title( $val ) { if ( defined( 'ELEMENTOR_VERSION' ) ) { $current_doc = Elementor\Plugin::instance()->documents->get( get_the_ID() ); if ( $current_doc && 'yes' === $current_doc->get_settings( 'hide_title' ) ) { $val = false; } } return $val; } } add_filter( 'hello_elementor_page_title', 'hello_elementor_check_hide_title' ); /** * BC: * In v2.7.0 the theme removed the `hello_elementor_body_open()` from `header.php` replacing it with `wp_body_open()`. * The following code prevents fatal errors in child themes that still use this function. */ if ( ! function_exists( 'hello_elementor_body_open' ) ) { function hello_elementor_body_open() { wp_body_open(); } } require HELLO_THEME_PATH . '/theme.php'; HelloTheme\Theme::instance(); Understanding Massachusetts IEP Timelines: What Parents Need to Know – Brilliant Minds Advocacy
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Understanding Massachusetts IEP Timelines: What Parents Need to Know

Navigating the special education process in Massachusetts can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding deadlines and timelines. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) sets out strict rules in 603 CMR 28.00 to ensure that children are evaluated and supported in a timely way. Knowing these timelines can help you advocate for your child and hold schools accountable.

Below is a breakdown of the IEP process, step by step.

Step 1: Referral for Evaluation

A referral can be made by a parent, professional, or school staff member (603 CMR 28.04(1)). This is the official request for special education testing.

Step 2: District Notification Within 5 School Days

Once the referral is received, the school district has 5 school days to notify the parent and request written consent to begin an evaluation.

Step 3: Evaluation Within 30 School Days

After you sign the consent form, the school has 30 school days to complete the evaluation. A credentialed specialist will conduct assessments based on your child’s suspected areas of need (603 CMR 28.05(1)).

Step 4: Eligibility Determination Within 45 School Days

Within 45 school days of receiving your consent, the IEP Team must meet to determine if your child is eligible for special education services.

  • The school must provide you with summaries of the assessments, a proposed IEP, and a proposed placement at least 2 days before the IEP meeting (603 CMR 28.05(1)).
  • Parent Tip: Always request this in writing so you have time to review before the meeting.
  • If your child is found eligible, the Team will also develop and write the IEP during this period.

Step 5: Parent Review of IEP (30 Days)

Once the IEP is written, you have 30 days to review and decide whether to accept all, some, or none of it (603 CMR 28.05(7)).

Step 6: Placement Determination

The IEP Team will meet to determine placement, which is where your child will receive services (603 CMR 28.06(2)).

Step 7: Services Begin Within 30 Days of Consent

After you consent to the IEP and placement, services must begin within 30 days. If you only consent to certain parts of the IEP, those approved services must begin immediately while other portions are worked out.

Step 8: Annual Review

At least once a year, the IEP Team meets to review your child’s progress and make updates as needed (603 CMR 28.04(3)).

Step 9: Three-Year Reevaluation

Every 3 years, a credentialed specialist must reevaluate your child to confirm eligibility and ensure that services still match your child’s needs (603 CMR 28.04(3)).

Why This Matters

Understanding these timelines is essential. Delays can impact your child’s learning and access to services. As a parent, you have the right to hold the school accountable and ensure the process moves forward on time.

Pro Tip: Always communicate in writing, keep copies of all documents, and track dates carefully.

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