Not every student in the California public school system excels educationally. However, every student is entitled to receive an education that helps the student pursue his or her greatest potential. Many kids have special education needs that make daily academic life more difficult than it might be for other students. Special education and IEC options exist to provide support to students in need so that they have the same learning opportunities as their peers.  When a parent requests an evaluation for a child who is struggling in school, a support team comes together to discuss the child ..read more

As a parent, you want to do whatever is best for your child, including for his or her education. If you notice signs that your child is struggling in school, you will do whatever it takes to ensure that he or she has what is necessary for a full and fair educational experience. It is possible that your child is demonstrating behavioral issues and other problems that may indicate that he or she has educational needs to address.  If you suspect the issues seen in your child’s behavior are related to specific types of learning needs, you may consider seeking an evaluation of your child. This ..read more

Most California parents do not see their children during school hours. Parent/teacher conferences enable parents and instructors to discuss a student’s academic progress and overall educational experience. If a child is struggling, parents and teachers and other school officials should work together to determine problems, as well as what resources are available, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), to help the student.   Some students have medical conditions that cause learning delays. Others experience trauma in life that interferes with their ability to function in an ac ..read more

In California and across the country, every child in the public school system is guaranteed an opportunity to access all available resources to help achieve their full academic potential. If a particular child has special needs, his or her parents may have already navigated the process to request an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If the parents now believe that school officials have violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), they can file a special education complaint. There are several reasons for filing a special education complaint. Many parents take this step ..read more

If a California school district denies accommodation to a student with special needs, the student’s parents or a guardian may turn to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to protect the child’s rights. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act also requires school officials to provide quality education to children with special needs. For a specific child to have an opportunity to achieve his or her full potential, accommodation is often needed.   Parents must first obtain an assessment and referral for their children to qualify for an individualized education program (IEP). A ..read more

As a parent, you want your child to have everything he or she needs for a full and fair educational experience. You know how important it is to advocate for your child, and that may mean seeking extra support for your child if he or she has specific types of learning needs. The first step in securing special education services is an initial evaluation of your child to determine if he or she qualifies for an Individualized Education Program.   An IEP is a learning plan designed for children with disabilities. Each IEP is customized according to the individual needs of the child, based ..read more

Complaints about the public school system in California and across the country are plentiful. However, in recent years, great strides have also been made to improve the learning experience for students in all grades, especially those with special needs. Parents who are new to the system may feel overwhelmed, so it is good to know that there is guidance and support available, such as when navigating the IEP program for the first time. It is helpful for concerned parents to seek experienced support, such as that which is offered by The American Advocacy Group in California. Such support can be p ..read more

In 1973, the Rehabilitation Act was signed into federal law to protect those with disabilities in California and throughout the country. It was the first law of its kind. The protections are specified in Section 504. They intersect with education law because the protections concern students with disabilities in schools that receive federal government assistance. The law details which students qualify for Section 504 protections. Parents concerned with these issues will want to gain an understanding of the relevant laws to assess whether they are applicable to their children’s cases. If it appe ..read more

California parents who have a child with disabilities understand the importance of individual needs. While those with disabilities might need to compensate for a particular issue (i.e., using a wheelchair when unable to walk) they are still entitled to the same rights and privileges provided to those without disabilities, especially concerning education. Education laws are in place to protect every child’s right to a meaningful education.  Parents can feel overwhelmed when discrimination, lack of planning or other issues interfere with their children achieving their potential. Many parent ..read more

Not all children learn the same. In fact, it is much more accurate to say that every student is unique in his or her learning style, abilities and needs. Thankfully, when children have a learning disability or a physical or mental disability that affects their learning, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be a great asset.  Think of an IEP like a customized workout program for people with special needs who are training in a gym with a personal fitness trainer. In terms of learning in a classroom setting, an IEP is a written statement that customizes a learning program for indivi ..read more