Advocacy
A practicing non-attorney advocate and member of the Council for Parent Advocate and Attorneys(COPAA), therightfit ensure’s your child’s needs are fully supported in the school setting. Assess the “goodness of fit” guiding parents through the IEP and 504 Plan processes, coaching using educational law to empower parent’s voices, request appropriate services, due process, independent educational evaluations, and effectively communicate your child’s strengths and challenges to find therightfit in learning.
We are here to walk this journey with you.
5. Prior Written Notice (PWN)
Schools are required to provide you with a written notice before making changes to your child’s education plan. This notice includes any proposal, refusal, or significant shift in services. It’s a critical step in keeping you informed, giving you the opportunity to understand and respond to decisions regarding your child’s needs.
1.Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
The IDEA mandate that requires children with disabilities to be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
4. Parent Impact Statement
A statement written by parents to highlight their child’s unique needs, strengths, and family goals and concerns relevant to their child’s education, which can be included in the IEP process for advocacy.
8.504 Plan
A 504 Plan provides accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities can access the general education curriculum as fully as possible. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, this plan is available to students with a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, walking, or speaking. A 504 Plan may include adjustments like extended time on tests, preferential seating, or assistive technology. Unlike an IEP, a 504 Plan does not typically provide specialized instruction but focuses on removing barriers to access in the general education setting. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
2. SST (Student Study Team):
The SST, or Student Study Team, is a collaborative approach within schools to help support students who may be struggling academically, socially, or behaviorally. An SST meeting typically involves teachers, parents, school administrators, and sometimes specialists like counselors or speech therapists. The goal is to identify a student’s needs, discuss concerns, and develop interventions or strategies to assist the student. If initial interventions don’t lead to improvement, the team may consider additional supports, accommodations, or even assessments for special education services.
6. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
A right under IDEA ensuring that all students with disabilities receive an individualized education program that meets their unique needs at no cost to the family.
9. Individualized Education Plan(IEP)
An IEP is a detailed plan for students eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An IEP includes specific goals tailored to the student’s unique needs, specialized instruction, and any additional support services (like speech or occupational therapy) that will help the student succeed in school. IEPs are legally binding and reviewed annually to monitor the student’s progress and adjust goals and supports as needed. The IEP team, which includes parents, educators, and specialists, collaborates to ensure the plan aligns with the child’s strengths and needs in the least restrictive environment possible. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
“You know your child best, partner with us to know your educational rights”
3. ASSESSMENT PLAN
Schools are required to provide you with a written notice before making changes to your child’s education plan. This notice includes any proposal, refusal, or significant shift in services. It’s a critical step in keeping you informed, giving you the opportunity to understand and respond to decisions regarding your child’s needs.
7. IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan
An IFSP is an early intervention plan for children from birth to age three who qualify under IDEA Part C. It’s designed for children with developmental delays or specific disabilities and involves both the child and family. The IFSP outlines the child’s developmental goals, the services needed (such as physical therapy or family counseling), and supports the family to foster the child’s growth in everyday routines. IFSPs are family-centered, focusing not only on the child’s developmental needs but also on the family’s ability to support their child’s development. Transition planning from an IFSP to an IEP (if eligible) starts when the child nears age three, ensuring a smooth move to services in a preschool setting.
10. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school district. Parents can request an IEE if they disagree with the results of an evaluation conducted by the school. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request that the school district pay for an IEE at public expense, although the district can deny the request if it can demonstrate that its own evaluation is appropriate.
The IEE provides a second opinion on a child’s educational needs, often covering areas such as cognitive abilities, academic achievement, speech and language, behavior, or social-emotional skills. This evaluation is valuable because it can offer additional insights, support specific educational recommendations, and help parents advocate for appropriate services and supports in their child’s IEP or 504 Plan.