What Parents Should Know About IEP and 504 Eligibility in HCPSS
If you live in Howard County, Maryland, and your child is struggling in school, you’re not alone. We hear from families frequently who are told their child “doesn’t qualify” for an IEP or a 504 plan, even when it’s clear that their child is struggling. This often happens when parents suspect their child has a learning disability or having trouble learning to read. This often leads to the question “Do I need to hire an education lawyer in Howard County?
At The Law offices of Joseph & Rabb, in our experience, Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) is often unjustified in denying IEP eligibility, especially for bright students with disabilities. We believe the District’s internal policies and directives to staff play a big role. Whatever the reason, we see students fall through the system again and again.
Answering the Question: Do You Need an Education Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland?
Trust Your Gut
Parents usually know when something isn’t right. If your gut tells you your child is struggling, listen to it. You don’t need to wait for the school to agree before taking action, nor should you believe anyone who tells you your child is “fine” when you know they are not. Getting an outside evaluation from a private psychologist or educational consultant, someone who is not connected to the school system, can help you understand your child’s needs so they can feel more successful in school. Private evaluations often uncover needs that the school overlooked or minimized for both elementary and high school students in Howard County. An education lawyer familiar with Howard County Special Education can step in and encourage the school system to act on the information in the evaluation.
504 Plans Matter Too—Especially in High School
We also see Howard County high schools hesitate to approve 504 plans, even when students have clear diagnoses. This is especially common with teenagers who have previously “masked” their ADHD, anxiety, or other hidden disabilities for years. These students often do well enough to avoid attention, until they can’t anymore, and that doesn’t mean they don’t need support.
Being identified in high school can be life-changing. Accommodations like extra time, reduced distractions, or access to breaks can make a real difference for students trying to manage heavy workloads and increasing academic pressure along with anxiety or newly diagnosed ADHD.
When to Call an Education Lawyer
If any of this sounds familiar—
- Your child was denied an IEP but clearly needs help making meaningful academic progress or learning to read
- You’ve been told your teen doesn’t qualify for a 504 plan because their grades are good
- You feel like the school isn’t listening
—it may be time to talk to a special education lawyer who knows Howard County, Maryland schools specifically. If you’re in Howard County, you want someone who knows how HCPSS works. Specific knowledge of the people, the process, and the policies can help you understand your rights, prepare for meetings, and push for the support your child needs.
We’re Here to Help And Step In As Your Education Lawyer in Howard County
At Joseph & Rabb, LLC, this is what we do every day. We focus exclusively on education law in Maryland and have worked with many families in Howard County. We understand how emotional and exhausting this process can be. We’re here to make school easier to navigate.
If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply need someone to step in and help, we’re ready.