Guidance on Your Rights, Navigating IEPs, 504 Plans and More
Is your child not getting the services or accommodations he or she needs in school? Have you attended meetings with school staff or teachers and feel like you’re getting nowhere? Are you worried your lack of knowledge or experience could hamper your child’s progress?
You’re not alone. Many children with reading, language, attention or other challenges do not get the proper assistance they need to perform academically, despite having parents actively working with them at home. Even the most involved parents feel unequipped to appropriately advocate for their child in meetings with teachers, administrators or school psychologists. You may be confused by the purpose or goals laid out by convoluted Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. Moreover, you may be unsure of what services are available — and how to ask for them.
Winston Center is passionate about assisting families through these complex processes. Our team has been in your shoes before — we’re here to offer you and your child hope, expertise and a way forward.
We’re Ready to Support You and Your Child
Not only do we help you identify the best course for your child, but we can also accompany you at meetings, parent-teacher conferences or on phone calls. We offer an invaluable and experienced third-party perspective, helping families sift through legal jargon and bureaucratic processes. In fact, our staff includes a Certified Dyslexia Advocate. Certified Dyslexia Advocates are deeply knowledgeable and offer support on a variety of topics:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Individuals with Disabilities and Education Act (IDEA)
- Right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- 504 plans
- Appropriate accommodations
- Letter writing
- Requesting services and interventions
- Dispute processes and resolutions
Upholding Your Child’s Rights
Children with learning or executive function challenges are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but many parents don’t know how this federal civil rights law applies to a school setting. The ADA prohibits discrimination in public spaces, including classrooms, and lays the groundwork for other education laws. We can work with you and the school to ensure your child’s rights are protected and their needs met.
What’s an IEP?
If your child has one or more of the 13 disabilities listed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (including ADHD, autism and/or other learning disabilities), then they qualify for an IEP. Their condition must impede their ability to learn based on the general education curriculum. These programs provide special education and related services to meet your child’s unique needs. An IEP is a written document that outlines specific learning goals and school obligations.
What’s a 504 Plan?
Your child may qualify for a 504 plan with any disability — the plan covers a wide range of different challenges your child may face in school. Like IEPs, the disability must prevent their ability to learn in a general educational setting. A child who does not qualify for an IEP may qualify for a 504 plan. These plans are written documents that include the specific accommodations or services for your child and the individuals who will be responsible implementing the plan.