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Education Advocate & IEP Fixer Helping Children Giving Parents Hope

Education Advocate & IEP Fixer Helping Children Giving Parents HopeEducation Advocate & IEP Fixer Helping Children Giving Parents HopeEducation Advocate & IEP Fixer Helping Children Giving Parents Hope

Maureen Nelson, PMP

Education Advocate & IEP Fixer Helping Children Giving Parents Hope

Education Advocate & IEP Fixer Helping Children Giving Parents HopeEducation Advocate & IEP Fixer Helping Children Giving Parents HopeEducation Advocate & IEP Fixer Helping Children Giving Parents Hope

Maureen Nelson, PMP

Does Your Child Struggle in School?

Every Child Can Learn

Let's figure out what your child needs

 to be, and FEEL, successful!


Wait and see is not a plan.

Feeling Stuck?

Frustrated? Upset? Losing Sleep?

You're not alone. 

The processes are complicated.  

The paperwork is  overwhelming. 


How many people have you talked to?

How many emails have you sent? 

How is homework going?

What has improved?

Are you getting clear answers?

Is your child happier?


Nothing changes if nothing changes!


I'm here to help!

Customized Services for Individual Needs

Comprehensive Records Review

Representation Anywhere in the US

Representation Anywhere in the US

Your child's IEP should be a clear and useful tool for all working with them!


 A Records Review provides invaluable insights into your child's educational journey, highlighting their progress, strengths, struggles, and areas needing attention. You'll receive a comprehensive and detailed report based on an examination of:


  • Educational Records
  • Parent Input and Concerns
  • IEPs / 504s / Progress Reports
  • Evaluations & Assessments
  • Academic & Behavioral Data
  • Therapy & Related Services
  • Other Pertinent Information

Learn More - Records Review

Representation Anywhere in the US

Representation Anywhere in the US

Representation Anywhere in the US

Woman at a desk on a zoom call with 9 participants

 No matter where you are in the IEP or 504 process, I can help. 


I'm an IEP Fixer. 

Because IDEA is a Federal law, I can help negotiate better outcomes for your child in all 50 states. Virtual IEP meetings are far more productive and effective than in-person meetings.  


Your child's IEP is the law to be followed. 

Going into an IEP meeting without expert help can be like buying a house without an inspection. What you don't know could hurt your child.




Learn More - Representation

Parent Training & Consultation

Representation Anywhere in the US

Parent Training & Consultation

Need someone in your corner, but not necessarily at your meetings?


Heard something goofy? Unsure of next steps? 

IDEA recognizes parents as the experts on their children, but you're outnumbered at the IEP/504 table. Your input is critical and must be considered. Wait and see isn't a good strategy. 

I'll help you:


  • Understand Rights and Laws
  • Articulate Your Child's Needs
  • Identify Areas for Improving the IEP 
  • Troubleshoot Problems
  • Develop a Success Plan


Learn More - Parent Training

IEP Checkup

Speaking Engagements

Parent Training & Consultation

Your child's IEP should improve outcomes.


Go confidently into your next meeting knowing your IEP has had a wellness checkup!


 IEPs are for more than academics, your child's social emotional health, and functional needs are important too. Every page of the IEP serves a purpose. If your child's present levels of academic and functional performance aren't at least 2 pages long; it probably doesn't describe their needs in all settings. Needs drive goals, and goals drive services.  Let's fix your child's IEP together! 


Learn More - IEP Checkup

Full Evaluations

Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements

Evaluations identify or eliminate areas of need.

 

Child Find requires schools to evaluate all children with suspected disabilities who may need special education and related services. Evaluations identify or eliminate areas of need. 


 A child doesn't need a prior diagnosis or have bad grades to be evaluated. 

The valedictorian may need an IEP. 


Let's get your child what they need!



Learn More - General Help

Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements

It takes a village - we're all in this together!

 

Engaging group trainings and talks are developed to support all participants in IEP/504 meetings. Sessions are customized. Popular topics include: 


  • IEP vs. 504
  • Requesting & Understanding Evaluations
  • Good vs. Bad IEP Goals
  • ADHD / Executive Functioning
  • Related Services
  • Rights & Laws


Learn More - Speaking Engagements

Frequently Asked Questions

Drop me a line if I can answer something else or help in any way!

maureen@iepmatters.com

Special education is specially designed instruction (SDI) to teach children strategies to self-manage and mitigate the impact(s) of their disability(ies). 


Needs drive goals. Goals drive services.



 An IEP and 504 are both educational plans designed to support students with disabilities, but they have different purposes, eligibility criteria, and processes. 

  • 504: Plan how the school will provide free support to students with qualifying disabilities who do not require specialized instruction through accommodations, modifications, and sometimes related services. 
  • IEP: Provides specially designed instructions and related services to students with disabilities who require special education. Outlines specific goals, objectives, accommodations and/or modifications, and related services tailored to the student's unique needs. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process


Accommodations are based upon your child's unique circumstances. While there are some common accommodations like preferential seating, or allowing extra time to complete work, the most important thing is for the IEP and 504 teams to consider your child's needs in each area of their educational day. The IRIS Center has a good resource on accommodations: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/micro-credential/micro-accommodations/p01/


Advocates can be invaluable in saving you time and maintaining peace of mind when you feel your child's educational needs aren't adequately met, or when navigating the special education system becomes challenging. Each step in the IEP/504 processes is grounded in Federal and State law. IEPs should be developed based upon what the data shows and the law says. IEPs should improve outcomes. Unfortunately, what you don't know can hurt your child's education.


Think of me as your child's Educational General Contractor and IEP Fixer. I specialize in interpreting and coordinating information from various educational specialists involved in your child's education journey including schools, teachers, districts, neuropsychiatrists, service providers, and therapists. My role is to synthesize complex data into easily understandable information for all stakeholders and present options aligned with Federal and State Law requirements. I help:


  • Address new diagnoses or disagreements about needs or evaluations
  • Advocate for special education and/or related services if your child has been denied
  • Improve ineffective IEPs and 504 Plans
  • Facilitate communication when breakdowns occur with the school
  • Manage disciplinary issues
  • Navigate school transitions
  • Plan for transition services as your child approaches adulthood
  • File formal complaints when all else fails (State, Due Process, Federal Office of Civil Rights)


Together, let's ensure your child receives the support and education they deserve.


 Rest assured that your child's future is in capable hands. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in special education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight as both a parent and an advocate for students like yours. My expertise spans the intricacies of IDEA, IEPs, and 504s, ensuring that your child's educational needs are not just met, but exceeded.


As a member of The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), I am part of a prestigious community dedicated to advocating for the rights of children with disabilities. I have undergone professional training by renowned experts such as Karen Mayer Cuningham, known as The Special Education Boss, and Pete Wright, Esq., founder of Wrightslaw.com. Additionally, my commitment to staying at the forefront of education advocacy is demonstrated by my participation in over 200 hours of specialized online training, including sessions by the Black Swan Group.


I'd be honored to be entrusted with shaping your child's bright future.


I help families nationwide because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that applies to every state. 


While there are some variations in implementation between states, these differences do not diminish the advantages provided by the federal law.


 I've found online IEP meetings are FAR MORE PRODUCTIVE and EFFICIENT than in-person IEP meetings ever were. 


Costs vary depending upon services. I will provide an estimate before beginning work and keep you informed along the way. 


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Education is a Civil Right

Education Unlocks Opportunities

Evaluations Tell Us What a Child's Needs

Evaluations Tell Us What a Child's Needs

Education prepares children for:


Employment

Independent Living

Lifelong Learning




Evaluations Tell Us What a Child's Needs

Evaluations Tell Us What a Child's Needs

Evaluations Tell Us What a Child's Needs

IDEA 300.111 CHILD FIND


Schools are required to evaluate children with suspected disabilities for special educaiton and related services.


Give Children What They Need

Evaluations Tell Us What a Child's Needs

Give Children What They Need

Education is not one size fits all


With Specially Designed Instruction we teach children skills to help them self manage the impact(s) of their disability(ies).

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  • Full Initial Evaluation
  • Records Review
  • IEP Check Up

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