Dealing with a possible expulsion of your child from school is incredibly stressful. When your child has special needs, it can add even more layers of stress and confusion. Knowing your child’s rights and your next steps will help you as you navigate this situation. Understanding your child’s rights Children with special needs have specific protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law ensures children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.  Immediate steps If your child faces expul ..read more

If your child was identified as needing special education services, the term Individualized Education Program (IEP) likely came up. This legal document outlines the specialized instruction and support your child will receive at school. Part of the process is an IEP meeting, which can feel less overwhelming with good preparation. Right to meaningful educational progress Following the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), California law guarantees certain rights for parents of children with disabilities, which can include: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Your child has th ..read more

An individualized education program (IEP) should fit your child’s unique needs. A well-made one can help them make meaningful progress in school as they grow and develop. However, it is possible that your child’s IEP is not giving them all of the tools they need to hit their specific educational goals. Review the plan to advocate for your child A poorly made or unfinished IEP can be detrimental to your child’s education in California. The next time you look through your child’s plan, try to assess the following: Is it tailor-made to your child? As the name suggests, an IEP should be individual ..read more

Every child deserves to learn in a way that suits their unique needs. For parents of children who who require special education services, it is frustrating when a school denies your child needed supports. Filing a due process complaint is a significant step toward fighting for your child’s educational rights. However, receiving an unfavorable decision from a special education hearing can be challenging and emotionally draining. It is crucial to understand your options and prepare for the next steps to continue advocating effectively for your child. Understand the decision First, thoroughly rev ..read more

An individual education plan (IEP) caters to your child’s specific educational needs. There are many times your child may need additional learning support. For example, if they have autism. An IEP better ensures that child gets the emotional, academic and behavioral support they need. Or they may have dyslexia and may need extra help in learning to read. Whichever the case, you want to see your child make a certain level of progress throughout the school year, which is why following the IEP is critical. When your child’s educators fail to follow the IEP, you may want to address it the soonest ..read more

A functional behavior assessment helps people understand why a child behaves in a certain way. It looks at the reasons behind behaviors, especially challenging ones, to find ways to address them. This approach proves valuable in educational settings, ensuring that interventions meet the child’s needs. Steps in conducting an FBA An FBA starts with identifying and defining the specific behavior that needs to be addressed. This behavior might include actions like aggression, self-injury or disruptive outbursts. Clear definitions help everyone involved understand exactly what is being observed and ..read more

Among countless students going through the education system, some may have unique needs that require a different approach. Fortunately, federal and state laws have provisions allowing educators and parents to develop appropriate ways to address these needs through an individualized education program (IEP). An IEP involves a process that provides assessments, services, placement and goals, among other components, formulated to meet the student’s educational needs. Parents and educators form a team to establish these details in a written document during the IEP meeting. IEP team members The deve ..read more

Nearly all parents in California and throughout the country want what’s best for their children. They want to do whatever they can to help their children thrive, especially in school. If a parent has a child with special needs, it might feel frustrating or overwhelming trying to get the help he or she needs to be able to function in an academic setting. In some cases, parents have requested an individualized education plan (IEP), but their school district denied the request.  A concerned parent may feel at a loss when the system they thought could help their child has said that the child ..read more

In California and throughout the country, public schools must provide accommodation for students with special needs. There are several ways to do this. Many students receive what is known as an “individualized education program” (IEP), which is customized to help each student achieve full potential in an academic setting.   Not all students qualify for an IEP. Typically, a concerned parent or guardian will request one. School officials will then review the request and schedule a meeting with the parent or guardian, as well as other adults, such as the student’s teachers, as well as a ..read more

When a student with special needs or a disability attends public school in California, the school district must provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are integral components of FAPE. If concerned parents believe children are being denied IEPs or school officials are not accommodating a student’s needs in adherence to an IEP, it can spark serious legal arguments.   There is an ongoing legal battle in another state regarding a class action lawsuit a group of parents filed against a school district, stating that district officia ..read more