What is the IEP Assessment Process? The IEP (Individualized Education Program) assessment process is a thorough evaluation used to determine whether a child qualifies for special education services and what those services should include. It is tailored to identify the unique needs of the child and to develop a plan that addresses these needs in the school environment. Step-by-Step through the Assessment Process 1. Initiation of the Assessment The process often begins with a referral, either by you as a parent or a school professional, when there is a concern that your child may have a disabili ..read more

Being a parent is a fulfilling yet demanding role, particularly when navigating the educational terrain for your child with special needs. In California, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is an integral part of this journey. However, disagreements over the IEP can occur. Thankfully, you have the right to disagree and contest the offer in the IEP. Understanding Your Rights As a parent, you have the right to ensure your child’s educational needs are met adequately. If you believe the proposed IEP does not serve your child’s needs, you have the right to challenge it. California law provides ..read more

As parents, our role is to support our children’s growth and education. But what do you do when that education is threatened by expulsion? Today, we want to provide some guidance and hope for those facing this difficult situation. The key takeaway? Yes, you can challenge expulsion. Understanding Expulsion First, it is important to understand what expulsion means. Expulsion is a disciplinary action taken by a school that removes a student’s right to attend that school for a specific period of time. This could range from a semester to one year in public schools K-12, and permanently from private ..read more

Bullying is an unfortunate reality that many students face. However, this issue becomes even more significant when we consider special education students, who are frequently targeted and disproportionately affected by bullying behaviors. We will discuss how you as a parent can address this issue and protect your child. Bullying and Special Education Students Children with special needs often become targets for bullying due to their differences, be they physical, emotional, or cognitive. Such bullying can take various forms – verbal, physical, and increasingly common, cyberbullying. Not only do ..read more

Understanding Adult Adoption Adoption is a beautiful journey of creating and expanding families. While we often think of it in the context of children, adult adoption is a beautiful part of the adoption landscape. Adult adoption involves legally establishing a parent-child relationship between two adults with the adoptor being at least ten years older than the adoptee. Unlike child adoption, adult adoption is usually less about parental duties and caretaking of a child.  It is more often about solidifying an existing bond, securing inheritance rights, or ensuring lifelong care for an adul ..read more

An IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, is an important tool designed to help children with disabilities succeed in school. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? Let’s take a closer look at what an IEP is and how a violation of the terms of an IEP could impact your child’s education. The Legal Background of IEP The legal foundation of an IEP lies in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that obligates all public schools to meet the unique learning needs of children with disabilities. IDEA requires public schools to provide a Free Appropriate Public ..read more

Safeguarding Your Most Precious Asset When it comes to estate planning, the word ‘asset’ might conjure images of real estate, stocks, or other material possessions. However, for parents, the most precious asset is not measured in financial terms, but in the love and concern they have for their children. This is where Moore Law for Children, an Orange County-based law firm, offers its unique approach in safeguarding what matters most – your family’s future. Understanding Estate Planning What is an estate plan and why is it important? Planning for your incapacity or passing may feel as like a da ..read more

We are officially starting our book club for 2023 ~ Are you ready for it? We are! We can’t wait to read a different book every month on personal development and share with you in our virtual book club.  My theme this year is “Attitude of Gratitude, so what better book to begin our journey than “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne.  It is all about how gratitude is the magic that can change your life.  The book is an easy read, with very short chapters to be read one a day, for 28 days. The author provides 28 simple gratitude exercises to be done over the same number of days. So, join us ..read more

Title IX and Its Application Title IX is a comprehensive Federal law that has removed many barriers that once prevented people, on the basis of sex, from participating in the educational opportunities and careers of their choosing. Title IX was passed on June 23, 1972, and states: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Title IX regulations apply to State and local educational institutions that receive ..read more

Please join Moore Law for Children and Council on Aging Southern California to create handmade Valentine’s Day cards for seniors in long term care. Mother Teresa said: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” In 2020, I decided to make a positive impact in our community, even if small. The goal was to create many ripples to make a wave of change. Each month my team and I invited the community to join us in different community service projects. In February of 2021, inspired by Valentine’s Day, I wanted to touch the lives of one of our mo ..read more