We spoke about afterschool enrichment programs last month and now I’d like to discuss curriculum based programs that may be included in a child’s IEP.
MoreIs Karate in Your Child’s IEP?
The IEP Process Explained by an Attorney
Christopher Knauf is the founder of Knauf Associates in Santa Monica, CA. His law firm specializes in disability rights and education-related legal disputes. He has also served as an independent hearing officer for Section 504 special education...
MoreMaking IEP goals that support Language and Communication: Tweaking the plan in the New Year
As our kids spend many hours per day in the classroom, their teachers and specialists track their progress (or lack thereof) by following the goals in their Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Supporting your child’s daily opportunities to attend...
MoreWhy and When to Choose a Non-Public School
The “Three R’s” are a well-worn cliché of education, and often the traditional neighborhood school will meet your child’s needs. But if you think your special needs child needs more help than their district school is providing, or the district is...
MoreTransition Plans Matter
Transition plans are a vital part of an IEP document for any student over the age of sixteen. In California, the state law requires that no later than age sixteen, a student’s IEP must include appropriate, measurable post-secondary goals and...
MoreThe IEP Process: What You Need to Know
Beginning at age 3 and throughout your child’s education, if you suspect that your child has special needs, he/she may be eligible for support from the local school district. To determine this, assessments must be conducted, which can be...
MoreThe Importance of Independent Educational Evaluations
Evaluations, also called “assessments” in some states, provide valuable information regarding the nature and extent of your child’s disability as well as the impact the condition may have on his or her education. Strengths and...
MoreSpecial Education Advocates
When a parent of a special needs child becomes increasingly frustrated, experiencing roadblocks in their efforts to intercede with their child’s school to access educational supports and services for their child, a consultation with a special...
MoreThe Individual Education Plan
Federal and state law mandate a free appropriate public education tailored to the unique needs of the student. Many parents have come to know this free appropriate public education as the painfully traumatic Individual Educational Plan, or IEP...
MoreThe Individual Education Plan
Federal and state law mandate a free appropriate public education tailored to the unique needs of the student. Many parents have come to know this free appropriate public education as the painfully traumatic Individual Educational Plan, or IEP...
MoreTransition Plans Matter
Transition plans are a vital part of an IEP document for any student over the age of sixteen. In California, the state law requires that no later than age sixteen, a student’s IEP must include appropriate, measurable post-secondary goals and...
MoreIEP or 504 Plan: Which is Right For Your Child?
When a student qualifies for special education, the school district is required to develop an individual education program or “IEP” for the student. The IEP must include the basis for special education eligibility, measurable goals and...
MoreThree Steps To Better IEP Goals
Clear and measurable goals are the key to a successful IEP. Here are three steps to assure better goals in your child’s IEP. Understand Your Child’s Current Functioning
MoreThe IEP Process: What You Need to Know
Beginning at age 3 and throughout your child’s education, if you suspect that your child has special needs, he/she may be eligible for support from the local school district. To determine such, assessments must be conducted, which can be...
MoreThe Importance of Independent Educational Evaluations
Evaluations, also called assessments in some states, provide valuable information regarding the nature and extent of your child’s disability as well as the impact the condition may have on his or her education. Strengths and weaknesses identified...
MoreMy Child Has Dyslexia: Now What?
“When do I tell my child he or she has dyslexia?” Many parents agonize over this question. Susan Barton, creator of the Barton Reading & Spelling System and founder of Bright Solutions for Dyslexia, says that children with dyslexia know by...
MoreBullying and Children with Special Needs
Bullying is a serious problem affecting many children and teens, but it is not likely that most children, especially those with special needs, will walk up to their parents and tell them, “I’m being bullied.” Bullying can involve name-calling...
MoreUsing RtI Data to Get Ready for IEP Season
Now that the holidays are done and even though it is not yet Spring, the time is now to get ready for what is commonly known as “IEP season.” While the thought of the next annual review or domains meeting to decide on a round of...
MoreParents as Equal Partners at the IEP Table
As a private consultant I have the pleasure of supporting families as they work to become knowledgeable members of their son’s or daughter’s IEP team. They are often anxious weeks before the scheduled date, worrying if their student will receive...
MoreIntegrated Lesson Planning for Special Needs
A few weeks ago, as I was sitting in a professional development meeting with a team of educators at New York City Public School PS79, located in Harlem, I was overcome with unexpected emotion. For several years, I have been a vendor to New York’s...
MoreWhen Homeschooling Chooses You
I never thought I would be a homeschooling parent. My husband and I bought a house in a neighborhood that gave us access to the area’s best public elementary school. When my twin boys were babies, I would cruise by the school...
MoreSpecial Needs Advocacy 101
“Is my child getting all the services he/she needs or am I falling behind?” “My son is a year old, but all he does is make noises, I’ve never heard any words come out of his mouth. I’ve mentioned this to the...
MoreA Day in the Life of a Special Ed Teacher
A typical day for a special education teacher is hard to define because the job description varies widely, unlike that of a classroom teacher. What all special education teachers do have in common, though, include a case load of students who have...
More10 Things 14-Year-Olds Can Do to Transition
Ten Things That 14 Year Olds Can Do To Start Preparing For a Successful Transition to Adulthood1. Get a Jump start on Your Career Path — Explore!
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