FAQ's
Q:
How much does it cost for an initial consultation?
A:
We offer a free 45 minute initial consultation. We advise that you bring to your consult the last IEP and or assessments done for your child and any other information you think is pertinent.
Q:
How much does it cost to hire you?
A:
At your initial consultation, after we discuss your case and how we can service your family, we will review our retainer agreement with you. Our hourly rate is very reasonable, but you can decide if you’d like to retain us to help your family.
Q:
I'm not sure if I need an attorney or an advocate. What is the difference?
A:
It depends on your specific case. Generally speaking, some attorneys refrain from attending IEP’s or 504's with parents because should your case proceed to due process, they can’t be their own witness. That’s not to say that they never go with parents- sometimes it is necessary, especially if the district is bringing an attorney to a meeting. As advocates, we review your case, work with educational teams, conduct observations, and attend meetings to ensure your child is progressing. We understand how to deal with teams to make sure present levels, goals and placement are appropriate. We can tell if your case is headed for due process, and we will manage it to ensure it is viable once we transition to your attorney. We do not file for due process for you. You need an attorney to file. But we do work with Special Education Attorneys here in our office suite and in other law offices throughout the county. Together we come up with a big picture strategy for your case, and if it needs to proceed to due process we can transition you to an attorney familiar with your family and your case. When appropriate,we offer consults with our both an advocate and an attorney at the same time to help determine your needs.
Q:
I’m having a difficult time understanding what is going on in my child’s IEP, there is so much unfamiliar lingo. I don’t know enough about this process to know if my child is getting what he needs. But I’m not sure I want to bring an advocate to my child’s IEP. Won’t that make things more adversarial between me and my child’s team?
It is difficult for parents to understand the special education process, particularly parents new to special education. We can help you to understand all the lingo and to feel like a comfortable equal member of your child's team. Our job is not to build walls between you and your child’s team, but to help facilitate a collaborative relationship so we can create appropriate goals and see your child progress. Most teams appreciate our collaborative approach. If a situation does not warrant you attend with an advocate, we do offer services where we can prepare you to attend without an advocate. We do recommend (as does Wrightslaw and other advocates/agencies) that you do not attend alone. Do at least bring a friend, fellow parent or loved one for support.
Q:
Our situation is an ugly mess. My child is not progressing, the goals are not appropriate and I do not agree with the assessments. The teachers do not treat my child well. There is such animosity between us and the team. We don't agree on anything and they treat me like I am the problem. They say I need to sign the IEP or they will sue me. I feel intimidated and don't know what to do.
A:
Q:
My child has behavior. The IEP has a plan to address his behavior, but I don't think it is very meaningful. Even though the team knows the behavior comes from his disability, he is sometimes punished. I don't feel this is right. I am somehow made to feel like his behavior is my fault or my child's. What can I do?
A:
Teams should be using research based positive behavior support interventions to address your childs behavior. There should be an appropriate plan and supports to address these problems. Assessment of behavior is key- if there is not an appropriate assessment, they cannot craft an appropriate plan. We can help determine if your child has or needs an appropriate Behavior Support Plan, or Behavior Intervention Plan. We’ll help set expectations with the team to implement a plan to address the needs of your child.
Q:
My child does well academically, but struggles socially and functionally. The team is not sure she needs an IEP because her grades are ok. Can't she have goals to address her social and functional needs?
A:
Yes. An IEP does not have to include academic goals. A team needs to look at what her developmental and functional needs are to address her unique needs and independent living skills.
Q:
I have friends who have children in non-public schools. I think my child may need a non-public school. How can I get the team to agree to this and the district to pay for it?
A:
For your Free Consultation call:
619.872.2511
We are located at:
3505 Camino Del Rio S
Suite 340
San Diego 92108
Testimonial:
"I don't know where we'd be without Jennifer's help. I used to feel so intimidated at the IEP table like it was all them against me. Jennifer helped me find my voice. She is patient and professional and helped bring the team together. My son is finally getting the service he needs. I don't feel alone anymore and now I feel like I can participate in developing my sons plan. I am so grateful for Jennifer's guidance. She is an amazing advocate to have by your side."
-J. Flores
