Back to School IEP Clinic
SpEdConnecticut will soon be holding two FREE IEP clinics. The first hour will be a brief overview of the IEP. The second hour will be 1:1 time with a parent advisor to discuss your child’s IEP.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQA) Youth in School
While June was officially Pride Month, the importance of creating safe, supportive and inclusive school environments for all children including LGBTQA students must a year-round effort. Evidence suggests that a school’s failure to provide a safe, supportive and non-discriminatory environment for transgender and gender non-conforming students can result in significant harm to the child.
Upcoming Training: What’s Next? What You Need to Know about Financial, Legal, and Special Education Transitions as your child reaches adulthood
Upcoming Training: What’s Next? What You Need to Know about Financial, Legal, and Special Education Transitions as your child reaches adulthood.
Upcoming Training: Protecting Children with Disabilities from Sexual Abuse
I am thrilled to partner with Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Connecticut Family Support Network (CTFSN), and Oak Hill to offer an upcoming training to parents and caregivers on the prevention of sexual abuse. One in 10 children will be sexually abused.
Welcome Emilee Guerrera!
It is with great pleasure that I announce the addition of Emilee Guerrera to my office. Emilee is an experienced paralegal with a strong educational background. She earned her Certificate in Legal Studies from Naugatuck Valley Community College before transferring to Central Connecticut State University where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree.
What is a Manifestation Determination Review?
When a child with a disability gets in trouble at school, the law requires that the school take steps not to discriminate against the child based on his or her disability. The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) creates a framework and a process for this, known as a manifestation determination review.
Can kids with anxiety and depression receive special education services?
Yes, they can! Schools often overlook children with mental health needs like anxiety and depression, particularly when those mental health needs that manifest themselves internally. Depression and anxiety are often invisible.
How do I get my child identified to receive special education services?
If you suspect your child may need special education services, it isn’t always easy to figure out how to get the school to provide special education services. The process can be pretty complex and daunting, especially for parents who are new to it.
Ten Things You Should Know About Section 504 and Expulsion in Connecticut
If your child has a 504 plan and is facing expulsion, you should know that your child has rights. In a nutshell, the school district cannot expel students for behavior that is caused by or substantially related to their disability.
OSEP Warns CT: Educate ALL Children
Reacting to the decision in Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding, Inc, et al v. Rell, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) sent out this letter, making it clear that ALL children are entitled to an education.