What Is ESY and Why Should My Child Attend?
If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you may have heard about Extended School Year (ESY) services. But what exactly is ESY, and is it something your child should…
Tag: Special Education
As a parent of a child with a disability, how much do I need to worry about the dismantling of the Department of Education?
It can be worrisome to hear about the government’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education. It brings up a lot of “what if” questions for parents of students with…
IEP Meetings in the Summer – Essential Special Education Tips for the Summer IEP Process
Summer is the perfect time for parents to take steps to plan for the next school year. It is also an opportunity to document concerns from the previous school year…
Understanding the 504 Plan: Empowering Students for Success
A 504 plan is one vital tool that can support students who need accommodations (and sometimes more) to access a free and appropriate public education. It is crucial to ensure…
Can the School Take Away a Child’s IEP? Handling IEP and Service Removal
What do parents need to know when an IEP team at school suggests removing the IEP? Parents know how important IEP services are for meeting the unique educational needs of…
Communicating with Your Child’s School on Special Education Matters for Maximum Impact
How should you communicate with your child’s school so that you are more likely to get what you want in special education matters? We’ve previously talked in more detail about…
IEP Progress Reporting– What is “Meaningful” Progress?
Do you know whether your child is making meaningful IEP goal progress? Does your IEP team provide you with hard, objective data quarterly explaining how close to their IEP goal your student…
The Role of Private Evaluations: What Schools Must Consider
When it comes to updating IEPs, the inclusion of private evaluations can be a contentious issue. By private evaluations, we are talking about evaluations done outside of school that parents…
Understanding the 504 Plan: Empowering Students for Success
A 504 plan is one vital tool that can support students who need accommodations (and sometimes more) to access a free and appropriate public education. It is crucial to ensure…
Understanding Home & Hospital Services: Education for Students Outside of the School Building
Home & Hospital Services, also known as Home/Hospital or Homebound Services, are designed to provide educational services to students who are unable to attend school due to medical or mental…
Back to Basics – What is an IEP?
As a parent of a child with a disability, it can be overwhelming to navigate the education system and ensure your child is receiving the necessary support and accommodations to…
Are Private Schools Required to Provide Accommodations under Section 504?
Private Schools and accommodations under Section 504 is a frequent area of concern for our clients. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (which is where the term “504…
What NOT to Say to Your Child’s School
WHAT not to say is important, as is WHEN not to say anything to your child’s school. We’ve previously talked about when to get involved in school or special education…
Unilateral Placement Requirements – Placing Your Child in a Private Specialized or Special Education School
If you are placing your child in a private or special education school that works with students with disabilities for this fall, you need to send a unilateral placement letter…
I think my child needs special education. What should I do first?
Has observing distance learning made you wonder whether your child might need special education services? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you determine whether your child might be eligible for…
Compensatory Services and Returning to School
“Compensatory Services” refer to the make-up service a school district is required to provide when they “miss” or do not provide services under a child’s IEP for one reason or…
School Residency for Special Education and General Education Students
Where You Live Matters: Resolving Residency Issues for Special Education and other Students in Public Schools – Violating residency policies may cause your child to be removed from school and…
Webinar — Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 7:30pm — Covid Distance Learning and the IEP process with Special Education Attorney Nicole Joseph (recording posted below)
Webinar: Covid School Closures, the IEP process, and Your Child’s Special Education Rights with Attorney Nicole Joseph –Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 7:30pm