Special education 504 plan

Parent Advocacy For Special Education - What Does YOUR Child

Need?Martina Sholitan and the team she works with at the company she founded, PACES, are experts in special education, the law, and school districts. We also have a lot of

experience with families who have struggled to find the solutions their special needs children need in the school system and have come up short. We understand how difficult it is for families to understand the educational jargon the school boards use,how hard it can be for

them to get a good conception of the law and how it affects special education in general and their child in particular, and advocate effectively for their child at the same time. Parent advocacy for special education certainly isn't easy - at PACES we understand the stresses, the worries, the frustrations families feel while trying to wade through a confusing system, all the while hoping they are making the best decision for their child.

By the time families get in touch with PACES, they are at a loss, and they usually have a lot of questions. One of the basic questions that comes up when parents of children with special needs attempt to understand the school district's

decisions is : What is the difference between a Special Education 504 Plan and an IEP? What can you expect from each, who do they serve, what laws do they each fall under, and where do you turn if your local School District isn’t fulfilling their responsibilities ? 244 In the most basic terms, an IEP is a specialized educational plan specific to your child that is governed by a federal special education law for kids with disabilities, it covers 13 particular diagnoses, It must be a written document, and there are people in specific positions within the school district who must be involved with its creation. It is also mandated in the law that parents must be involved with the creation of IEPs.

A Special Education 504 Plan, on the other hand, comes from a federal civil rights law (not an education law) that was put into place to stop discrimination against those with disabilities, including children in schools. A 504 Plan covers other disabilities beyond those in the IDEA . This would include learning disabilities and other cognitive disabilities that do not qualify for an IEP. It is not necessary that this be a written plan, though in many cases it will be. Also it is not mandated who within the school district / school must have responsibility for its creation. Regardless of whether your child is identified as needing a 504 Plan or an IEP – your child is going to need an advocate.

Martina Sholitan of PACES has the experience, the understanding of the law, the legal jargon, and of your child's unique needs. She is the perfect partner for familes who want to preserve the relationship with the school as much as possible, while advocating on your behalf with the school districts, ensuring that the law is followed and that your child gets the educational services they deserve. Parent advocacy for special education can be a long and frustrating path, but with Martina and PACES on your side, you can be assured that your child will be well prepared for their best successes.