July 20, 2023

On July 19, 2023, I facilitated a discussion on how parents can advocate for additional services for their children.  Please see link below for the presentation.

How to advocate for additional services.

May 25, 2023

On May 23, 2023, I was invited to facilitate another talk for Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children (DABC), with a focus on the Impartial Hearing Process in New York.  Click the link below for information about that process and a few additional slides with practical resources such as a list of 504 accommodations you can request for your child.  

Impartial Hearing Process in New York

 

April 26, 2023

On April 19th, I was invited by Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children for a talk on all things Special Education with a brief concentration on Specific Learning Disabilities.  Click below for information from that talk and tons of helpful resources.

Specific Learning Disabilities PowerPoint Presentation

 

January 3, 2023

NEW YEAR! NEW PROGRAM?

Happy New Year!!!!

The new year serves as an excellent point in the academic year to revisit your child’s current educational program. Your child has been in school and receiving their current program for three months now and three months is enough time to determine whether or not that program is meeting their educational and social-emotional needs.  Here are just a few questions to consider when evaluating whether their program is appropriate: Are they learning and retaining the skills and the content that are taught within the classroom?  Are they meeting their grade and classroom expectations?  Are they approaching the goals outlined in their IEP or IESP?  Are they in a general education class and require additional support ?  Are they withdrawing from their friends? Have their grades begun to suffer? Or, are they happy and engaged in school? 

If your child is benefitting from their program, FANTASTIC!  Keep doing what you’re doing and continue to monitor their progress.  If you have concerns, this is the time to request a meeting with their teacher to re-examine their program. 

If you have a child/children with an IEP, IESP, or 504 plan, you may already know that Districts are only legally required to review these programs annually.  However, do not let this mandate preclude you from advocating for your child and requesting a meeting to discuss whether additional supports and services can be added to meet your child’s needs now.  You are not required to wait until the annual review to address these present concerns.  

It is in your child’s best interest to modify their program now as opposed to allowing a problem that can be easily addressed, worsen over time. They should not have to endure a program that does not serve them for the remainder of the school year.  You have options. 

Until next time,

Magda