Education Consulting
IEP & 504 Plan Support
Navigating the special education maze can be overwhelming.
If you’re feeling lost in acronyms, paperwork, and school meetings where nothing gets resolved, you’re not alone – and we can help.
What We Do
SHC provides hands-on guidance for parents and students in the special education process. We help you:
We break down what the laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA) mean for your student. No more guessing if the school is doing what it should – we’ll clarify what supports your student is entitled to (in plain language).
School meetings can be nerve-wracking. We review evaluations, draft parent input statements, and develop a game-plan with you before the meeting. You’ll know what to ask for and how to say it effectively.
From writing emails to administrators to following up on action items, we coach you on effective communication that gets results (and stays collaborative whenever possible). We can even sit by your side (virtually or in-person) during key meetings as your consulting partner – providing prompts and clarification as needed.
If the school says “no” or “we can’t,” we help figure out “how.” Whether it’s requesting an independent evaluation, exploring alternative supports, or involving outside advocates, we strategize next steps when you hit a wall. Our goal is always to keep the focus on how to help your student succeed.
What We Don’t Do
We are not lawyers or adversarial advocates, so we don’t offer legal representation in due process hearings or formal disputes. Our role isn’t to fight the school district in court – it’s to empower you with knowledge and a plan, and to foster cooperation with your school whenever possible.
If your situation does require legal action, we’ll be honest and will help connect you with a qualified special education attorney or professional advocate. Our commitment is to stay within our scope (so you get the best expertise at every step), and to work hand-in-hand with any other professionals on your team.
Our Approach
Free Initial Consultation
We start with a conversation (phone or video) to hear your story. What are your student’s strengths and challenges? What issues are you facing with the school? We’ll review any key documents (IEP, evaluations, letters) you provide and identify potential concerns.
Customized Game Plan
After understanding your needs, we create a plan. This could include a to-do list for getting documentation in order, a list of accommodations or goals to request, role-playing tough conversations, or scheduling a prep session before the big meeting. You’ll receive a summary of strategies and priorities – essentially a roadmap for the next steps.
Meeting Preparation & Support
Prior to your IEP or 504 meeting, we meet (or connect via email) to finalize talking points and prepare for what to expect. If desired, Joslynn can join the meeting as a support person, helping you track decisions, stay focused on your goals, and clarify information in real time.
Post-Meeting Follow-Up
After the meeting, we debrief. Did you get the outcome you wanted? Is the new plan working? We adjust our strategy based on the results. We’ll help you draft any follow-up emails or plan next actions, whether it’s monitoring progress or preparing for an appeal, etc. We stick with you through the school year as needed – you’re not alone.
Why It Matters
Every student deserves the chance to thrive in school. Unfortunately, bureaucracy or miscommunication can get in the way of services that a student truly needs. By partnering with SHC, you gain:
- Confidence: Know that you’re asking the right questions and standing on solid ground.
- Clarity: No more mystery around terms like “FAPE” or “LRE” – we’ll make sure you understand the process.
- Support: An experienced educator and consultant in your corner, validating your concerns and offering solutions.
- Results: While we can’t guarantee specific services (those decisions lie with schools), we have a track record of helping families achieve positive changes. From securing one-on-one aides to getting assistive technology and beyond – we guide you toward outcomes that improve your student’s daily school experience.
Success Story
“Our son was struggling and the school kept delaying evaluations. We felt helpless. Joslynn at Say How Consulting walked us through writing a formal request and understanding our rights. By the time we went into the meeting, we were prepared and confident. The school agreed to the evaluation and even added a one-on-one aide for him. I can’t thank SHC enough for helping us find a way to yes.”