IEP | Woodsmall Law Group Articles
Tips for Writing Effective IEP Goals
Understanding the nuances and implications of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be a daunting task for parents of children with special needs. That’s why you’re encouraged to learn how to craft effective IEP goals. This is a valuable skill for parents and educators to attain and is a key…
Getting Prepared for an End-of-the-Year IEP Meeting
As the school year draws to a close, parents of children with special needs are presented with an important opportunity to review and plan for their child’s educational journey through the year-end Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. This is a good opportunity to reflect on the child’s progress, address any…
Understanding the Differences Between IEPs, ISPs, and FAPE Rights: A Critical Examination of Recent Trends in Special Education
Warning: The Risks of Agreeing to an ISP Agreeing to an ISP can potentially eclipse a parent’s right to pursue reimbursement for a unilateral private placement. By accepting an ISP, parents may inadvertently waive their right to assert that the school district failed to provide FAPE. This is because, in…
Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities for IEP Students in Los Angeles
Ensuring that field trips and extracurricular activities are inclusive for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) is a fundamental right that fosters equal opportunities and developmental growth. Schools are obligated to provide appropriate accommodations so IEP students can participate fully in these enriching experiences, from field trips to sports teams…
California Law and IEP Rules for Transfer Students
When a California student with an existing IEP transfers to a new school, specific regulations come into play to ensure continuity in special education services. Whether the child is transferring from an out-of-state school, a school from another district, or a school within the same district, the new school must…
Knowing when to bring an Attorney to Your Child’s IEP Meeting
An IEP meeting can be pretty intimidating. Even though the purpose of an IEP meeting is to create an educational program that allows your child with disabilities to thrive, the process needs to be handled with sensitivity. Otherwise, it may feel like a group of grownups came together to complain…
Occupational Therapy for Students with Special Needs
Under IDEA, students with special needs between the ages of three and 22 may be eligible to receive occupational therapy as a provision of the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). These services may also be available as part of a 504 plan or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
What Are Related Services in a California IEP?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all students with disabilities. Parents, administrators, special education teachers, school psychologists, and classroom teachers are called upon to work together to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP), spelling out the child’s needs…
Is Compassionate Applied Behavior Analysis Right for Your Student with Special Needs?
ABA is a valuable, research-validated instructional tool that can be quite effective in supporting students across their schools and communities. However, some parents express concern with the approach that emphasizes compliance over a more relationship-based behavior approach such as Floortime. Enter Compassionate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Compassionate ABA is an…
Support the RISE Act for College Students with Autism
Students with autism face significant challenges when they seek higher education. The types of services and support systems that helped these students get through high school are less available and more difficult to access when they get to college.