|
Our experienced Educational Consultant has completed the Parent Consultant Training by The Federation for Children with Special Needs, is a member of COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) and is a special needs parent who understands how difficult and confusing the special education process can be.
The purpose of our consultation program is to provide educational program decision guidance and clarity regarding legal responsibilities of school systems. We want to teach you how to understand reports, familiarize you with the laws and regulations that protect your child, and teach you to advocate effectively for your child's needs. Our approach is a very collaborative one which focuses on the needs of your child. We want to work with closely with your school system, outside providers and physicians as a team. We trust the due process provided for by federal and state laws (IDEA, NCLB, PL 504) and by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) when considering eligibility for special education / student support services and work to ensure that your child receives their entitlement of F.A.P.E. (free and appropriate public education.) |
Parent Resources
Federal Laws
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Americans with Disabilities Act Section 504 of ADA FAQs State Laws 603 CMR 28.00 - MA Special Ed Regulations 603 CMR 46.00 - Restraint Regulations 603 CMR 49.00 - Bullying Regulations 603 CMR 53.00 - Discipline Regulations Helpful Websites Wright's Law Federation for Children with Special Needs Mass Advocates for Children Bureau of Special Education Appeals (MA) Special Needs Advocacy Network |
Educational Consulting fees: $75/hour
Phone calls and Emails will be billed at a rate of $25 per 20 minute increments.
Step 1: Intake Meeting (typically 60-90 minutes):
Parents and Educational Consultant will discuss current performance and areas of concerns. Parents should bring any pertinent documents to this meeting (see list in Step 2). Initial recommendations can be given at this meeting based on special education regulations and information provided by parents at this meeting. Full and more comprehensive and case specific recommendations cannot be given until a record review has been completed. It is often not appropriate for the child and/or siblings to participate in this meeting.
Step 2: Comprehensive Record Review for cases with existing evaluation reports*
(Typically requires approximately 2-4 hours)
Parents provide copies of the following in a 2" binder, with dividers:
Step 3: Case Review Meeting (one hour):
Educational Consultant will meet with parents to review case recommendations and next steps. Parent will leave with a written summary of the plan.
If the evaluations have not yet been completed on the child, TWC may recommend that the parents request an initial evaluation by the school district. TWC can assist parents in this process at this Intake Meeting.
INITIAL & RE-EVALUATION REVIEW and Meeting Preparation:
Due to the short timeframe between delivery of evaluation reports and the scheduled meeting, there is not often time for a comprehensive record review, case meeting and production of a recommendation report. The Educational Consultant will prepare for the meeting based on the information provided in the reports and in regards to Eligibility guidelines. Brief phone calls or consults immediately before the meeting may be included if they can be accommodated.
Ongoing Consultation: $75 per hour
Including but not limited to:
Steps 1 and 2 are prerequisites for Annual Team Meeting Attendance and ongoing Consultation.
Exceptions to this may be made on a case-by-case basis for Emergency Medical or Discipline Issues.
Phone calls and Emails will be billed at a rate of $25 per 20 minute increments.
Step 1: Intake Meeting (typically 60-90 minutes):
Parents and Educational Consultant will discuss current performance and areas of concerns. Parents should bring any pertinent documents to this meeting (see list in Step 2). Initial recommendations can be given at this meeting based on special education regulations and information provided by parents at this meeting. Full and more comprehensive and case specific recommendations cannot be given until a record review has been completed. It is often not appropriate for the child and/or siblings to participate in this meeting.
Step 2: Comprehensive Record Review for cases with existing evaluation reports*
(Typically requires approximately 2-4 hours)
Parents provide copies of the following in a 2" binder, with dividers:
- Most recent evaluations by school and/or outside evaluators
- Most recent IEP/504/Behavior Plan/etc
- Report cards and IEP progress reports
- Copies of important communication between Parents and School Staff
Step 3: Case Review Meeting (one hour):
Educational Consultant will meet with parents to review case recommendations and next steps. Parent will leave with a written summary of the plan.
If the evaluations have not yet been completed on the child, TWC may recommend that the parents request an initial evaluation by the school district. TWC can assist parents in this process at this Intake Meeting.
INITIAL & RE-EVALUATION REVIEW and Meeting Preparation:
Due to the short timeframe between delivery of evaluation reports and the scheduled meeting, there is not often time for a comprehensive record review, case meeting and production of a recommendation report. The Educational Consultant will prepare for the meeting based on the information provided in the reports and in regards to Eligibility guidelines. Brief phone calls or consults immediately before the meeting may be included if they can be accommodated.
Ongoing Consultation: $75 per hour
Including but not limited to:
- Email correspondence and phone consultation with parents
- Email/Phone/In-person collaboration with school staff and/or outside providers
- Observation of child at school, including written report
- Attendance at team meetings
Steps 1 and 2 are prerequisites for Annual Team Meeting Attendance and ongoing Consultation.
Exceptions to this may be made on a case-by-case basis for Emergency Medical or Discipline Issues.