Support Implementing of Updated Regulations Regarding Time-Out Practices Grant

Support Implementing of Updated Regulations Regarding Time-Out Practices Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: November 20, 2025

Summary

This grant program aims to assist Massachusetts schools in implementing updated regulations regarding time-out practices, ensuring compliance with DESE standards. It focuses on enhancing educational practices, promoting inclusive environments, and safeguarding student rights. By prioritizing professional development, restorative practices, and community engagement, this initiative seeks to reduce reliance on time-out rooms. With a funding pool of $3 million available, eligible entities can apply for up to $50,000 to support these critical improvements.

Overview

Support Implementing of Updated Regulations Regarding Time-Out Practices The purpose of this federally funded competitive grant program is to support schools and districts in implementing strategies, interventions, and supports that promote full compliance with the revised DESE regulations adopted by the Board in June 2025. These regulations Updated the definition of seclusion in 603 CMR 46.02 to align more closely with the definition used by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights for data collection purposes.Updated the definition of time-out to specifically include "in an unlocked setting from which the student is permitted to leave."Added requirements that any room or area used for time-out must be of appropriate size for the age and the needs of the student; appropriately lighted, ventilated, and heated or cooled, consistent with the remainder of the building; free of objects or fixtures that are inherently dangerous to the student; in compliance with any applicable local fire and building code requirements; and in compliance with any other standards listed by DESE in guidance.Added emergency circumstances under which a type of seclusion, where an adult is present and monitoring the student, may be used as a last resort, and lists specific conditions that must be met before its use.Added various safeguards when such an emergency intervention is used, such as parental notification, conducting weekly and monthly reviews of data relating to the use of such an emergency intervention, and documenting and reporting such use to DESE.Simplified language in 603 CMR 46.07(2) for the purpose of clarifying the use of the emergency exception. This grant is intended to help applicants further align their practices with 603 CMR 46.00 and 603 CMR 18.05, strengthen oversight and reporting systems, and build capacity to reduce reliance on time-out rooms. By doing so, schools and districts will expand inclusive learning environments, safeguard student rights, and ensure consistency with state and federal expectations. Priorities: Through this competitive grant initiative, applicants will prioritize one or more of the following areas as they relate to the implementation of strategies, interventions, and supports, and the reduction and elimination of the use of time-out rooms: High Quality Professional Development (HQPD): Conduct comprehensive HQPD for educators, administrators, and support staff on trauma-informed teaching, culturally and linguistically sustaining positive behavior interventions, and alternatives to use of time-out rooms.Implementation of Restorative Practices: Introduce and integrate restorative practices within the school community to build positive relationships, resolve conflicts, and create a sense of belonging among students.Behavioral Support Teams: Establish, build capacity, and empower behavioral support teams within each school to assess, plan, and implement individualized culturally and linguistically sustaining interventions for students displaying challenging behaviors.Parent and Community Engagement: Foster collaboration with parents and guardians, including parent advisory councils (SEPAC and ELPAC), and community members to create a holistic support system for students, ensuring a consistent approach to behavior management both at home and in school.Data Collection and Evaluation: Implement a robust data collection system to monitor the effectiveness of the implemented strategies to reduce the use of time-out rooms, allowing for ongoing evaluation and adjustment. Funding: A total of approximately $3,000,000 is available through this grant. Each LEA, School, District, or program is eligible for up to $50,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Any Massachusetts public school district, public school, collaborative, approved special education program, or charter district/school that currently employs the use of time out strategies. Competitive priority will be given to Approved Special Education Schools or Collaboratives with a finding under 9.1a and LEAs that have a finding under SE 55i or have received a written summary indicating concerns or a PRS finding related to the use of time-out rooms. The final group of successful applicants will represent a geographically diverse group of grantees as well as varying types (large districts/schools, small districts/schools, charter districts/schools, collaboratives, and approved special education programs). All grantees will be asked to complete a pre-and-post survey.