How do I get the school to listen to me about my child?

If your child has an IEP, or a 504 plan, this needs to be implemented by law, and there should be data that is shared with you as evidence of this. If they don’t, you can still hold the school responsible and accountable for making sure they consider what needs to be done in order for your child to be successful and thrive. Joanna can talk to you about how to make sure that accountability takes place.

How often can I ask for an IEP meeting, or a 504 meeting?

You can ask for a meeting at any time, and it needs to be scheduled within a reasonable timeframe. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan, it is mandated that an annual meeting take place to review and revise the plan with new data, and new changes as appropriate.

How can I be an active participant in an IEP, a 504, or any meeting concerning my child and their needs?

By law, you should receive all documents to be discussed at the IEP or 504 meeting 5 business days prior to the meeting. This way, you can review the information, be prepared to ask questions, and give suggestions for the school to consider. Remember, you know your child best!

The school says my child’s grades are fine, so they dismiss my concerns. Is there anything I can do?

While grades are one data source, they don’t represent the whole child, and it doesn’t mean that everything is always ok. Your child might be suffering with social skills, emotionality, or skills such as organization, or attention, getting started with work, turning in assignments, etc. Sometimes we need to dig deeper than grades to see what is happening so it can be addressed in a supportive and purposeful way.

How do I know that JMS Education Consulting can help me with my individual problems and concerns for my child?

Joanna has been in the field of Special Education for 30 years. She has worked with families who have students who need minimal intervention and support in the general education classroom. She has also helped families to get services within the school system, in addition to outside the school system in a non-public setting. She has worked with families for 30 years from Pre-School through High School, and all different disabilities. There are not many situations that are new to Joanna, even though every child is different, and their individuality will always be paramount in identifying her support for them. She has been hired as an expert witness in the field of special education in Montgomery County, Maryland, in addition to as a consultant. She prides herself on knowing the procedures and laws, as well as being able to identify what students need to be successful.