Representation with IEP and Special Education Issues
Getting nowhere with your child’s school when you need help with your child? The Orlando Law Group is here to help you and your family find the assistance you need.
Our firm is one of the few law firms working with parents and guardians in finding solutions for children who need extra help. Whether it is as simple as an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or specific instructions for Exceptional Student Education (ESE), our firm has helped thousands of children in their own unique situations.
Of course, hiring an attorney is probably the last thing you would have thought you needed. But, you’re dealing with school officials who have training in all the nuances of education law that, as a parent, you’ve had no need to learn – until now.
Our educational attorneys, led by our founder Jennifer Englert, understand you don’t want to fight your child’s school. That’s what we are here for – to use every tool allowed to provide your child with the best education specifically tailored for them.
We’re here to help. Reach out to us about your situation today.
Your Questions About IEPs and Special Education Issues
I think my child needs help. Should I hire an attorney first?
We find the schools truly want the best for your child, however, with hundreds and thousands of children at any one school, it can be difficult to give you the attention you need. Still, start with the options available with the school and see if you can come to an acceptable resolution.
What is an Individualized Educational Plan?
There are many reasons a student can not perform in a classroom, but it’s important that every child can succeed. That’s where an Individualized Educational Plan comes into play. By putting together, a plan custom made for your child’s needs, you’ll see opportunities for your child to learn in ways specific to them.
What’s the difference between and IEP and a 504?
Basically, the IEP includes the student and parent’s educational goals, whereas a 504 plan just covers the accommodations to ensure there is no discrimination against a student with a disability under federal law.
Should my child’s 504 plan be reviewed annually?
We highly recommend you meet with the school’s team on an annual basis to review 504 plan. Technically, it only has to be reviewed/renewed every three years but as you can imagine, your child’s needs change a lot from year to year. Never hesitate to request a meeting and our team can help ensure the school responds promptly to your request to ensure accommodations are implemented and fine-tuned
What qualifies a child for “Exceptional Student Education?”
Sometimes a child needs significant assistance with their education, such as a child with Cerebral Palsy or Down Syndrome. These programs help ensure all children can receive an education and we’re here to help you receive the best care for your child while they are at school.
I hit a dead end with my school, what now?
The law allows you to get outside testing to show an educational need for your child. We have quite a few professionals who we work with to provide these resources. Just reach out to us today to start the process.
Why do I need an attorney?
Even with the outside assessments, schools often do not agree with the assessment or continually do not follow the recommendations of the professional. This is where we shine – working with the school officials to ensure acceptance and compliance.
But I want to have a great relationship with my school. Doesn’t this put me at an adversarial relationship with them?
That’s one of the reasons why you should work with an attorney. By bringing on The Orlando Law Group, you can let us be adversarial while you enjoy your child’s academic career. Plus, educators have worked with ESE children, taught based on an IEP and worked through similar situations all throughout their career.
Will I need to go to court?
As we work to ensure your child has the best education, all options will be on the table. Litigating in court rarely happens in these cases, but it will be considered if all other options fail.
How much will this cost?
This depends on the specifics of your case, but we do not consider your child’s education a profit center for The Orlando Law Group. We’re parents ourselves who understand the stress that comes from trying to weed through the bureaucracy of an education system. We want to do what we can to help parents like us. We also provide these services at a flat fee to provide some certainty in what the costs will be.
What sort of results can I expect?
As with any legal case, the answer is dependent on your unique situation. But our goal is simple: Make sure your child has the support from their school to be successful and learn and to educate you on all the available resources to make you and your child’s experience better.
Read more about IEPs and other Special Education Issues below:
- Special Education Matters: Public vs. Private vs. Charter Schools
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan Eligibility in Florida
- How Can a Lawyer Help With My Child’s IEP?
- Individual Education Plan Enhanced: Our Top Five Tips
- Know Your Child’s Education Rights
- Know your rights, and your options, within individualized education program for children with disabilities
How can we help you?
Meet Your IEP and Special Education Issues Team
Jennifer Englert
IEP and Special Education Issues Law
Since first opening The Orlando Law Group, Jennifer has made a significant focus of her practice to helping parents like her wade through a wide array of legal issues that surround children, especially those who need extra help.
Cherice Fleming Togun
IEP and Special Education Issues Paralegal
Cherice Fleming Togun worked with agencies serving children with special needs before joining The Orlando Law Group and uses this knowledge to help families navigate the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.
As a mother of two children with special needs, she understands how challenging it can be to ensure the day-to-day implementation of the accommodations outlined in the IEP.