IEP Coaching & Advocacy - Debbie Gelinas, Director,Certified Special Needs Advocate
Expert and professional services for families who need help and guidance through the very stressful educational process, making sure that their child's needs are met, and that the rights established under federal and state laws are respected.
Does your child have anxiety associated with attending school? Is it hard for her to follow instructions, focus on undesirable tasks, or finish work independently?
Is your child struggling in school but you
are not sure why? How can you tell if your child is making progress? Have you been invited to a Student Study Group Meeting by the school? Is the school providing the right interventions to help your child stay on grade level?
IEP Coaching and Advocacy can address these questions and more. Our approach is family-centered and collaborative, encouraging win-win relationships between parents and schools in order to create the most appropriate educational plan and environment for your child. We are able to help you get what your child needs to be successful while maintaining a positive focus on what is most important: your child.
Services include but are not limited to:
  • Developing Individual Educational Plans
  • Facilitation of Family Strategic Plans
(Getting clarity and connection as a Family through Values, Vision and Mission educational and functional goals) 
  • Assisting in Parent Teacher Conferences,  IEP meetings,
  • Meetings with school administrators, community representatives, School Board Members
  • Communication with School: Letter writing or other correspondance
  • McKay scholarship, Matrix scores
  • Writing present levels of performance
  • Establishing appropriate goals
  • Transitions (Part C to B; pre-k to kindergarten; 14 year old functional and occupational goals)
  • School Record Reviews
  • MTSS
  • 504 Plans
  • Accommodations and Modifications
  • Diploma options
  • Developing academic and social goals
  • Training Workshops
  • Free Initial Phone Consult
When necessary we will assist with:
  • Writing State Complaints
  • Mediation and Due Process
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    Helpful sites to get information regardless of where you live in the United States:
    SeeMyIEP.com
     
     
     
     
    We understand how difficult it is to keep up with all the latest trends and developments in the world of
    special education.
    IEP Coaching & Advocacy can help you get a handle on what is most appropriate for your child. We take what you know your child needs and translate it so that the Team works together for the benefit of all, especially the
    STUDENT!
     
    It is especially important to keep school records organized in the event it becomes necessary to file due process against the school board. If you believe your child's FAPE rights have been violated, and the school has not responded by correcting errors, please contact us. We can help.
    Our emphasis is on innovative dispute resolution processes at the early stages, early disagreement assistance and alternative conflict resolution methods.
    We are skillful in mediation for the purpose of resolving issues before they become costly and burdensome.
     
    Click here for information on due process.
     
    What is MTSS?
     
    Who is required to take the FCAT?
     
    Countdown to Common Core
    Click here to stay informed.
     
    If you have a child with Down syndrome and live in Florida, click here!
     
     
    It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts...
    it is to teach them to think, if that is possible, and always to think for themselves. -Robert Hutchins
     
     
     
    There are many templates available for writing an appropriate request letter to obtain necessary evaluations for your child depending upon the existing conditions. 
    Send an e-mail, or call, letting us know if your child has ever been evaluated by the school system, and if so, what the outcome was. 
    It may be time for a reevaluation OR an Independent Educational Evaluation. 
    If you suspect your child may have a learning issue, and he has never been evaluated call for a free consult so that you can get what you need for your child!
     
    Phone calls are promptly returned within 24 hours. 
    407.766.5942
     
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