Frequently Asked Questions

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You are an expert on your child and advocates are experts on special education. Advocates have the expertise to navigate the intricacies of the special education system. We provide clear and unbiased explanations regarding the processes, rules, and available options. This enables you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the resources at your disposal and how to effectively utilize them. Moreover, many advocates have received training as educators, equipping us with valuable insights into educational modalities and best practices. We can assist you in selecting the most suitable accommodation and modification strategies tailored to your child.

With our experience we can guide you in working collaboratively with your school, addressing any challenges that may arise. We can accompany you to meetings and assist in negotiating with the school to obtain the necessary resources for your child. We can also carefully review proposed IEP and 504 plans to ensure they comply with legal requirements and meet your child’s specific needs. Additionally, we can help you identify, locate, and connect with external resources like evaluators and service providers when necessary.

We take a collaborative and solution-focused approach when working with families and schools. Our goal is to facilitate open communication, build understanding, and find agreeable solutions that truly benefit the student.

To obtain information regarding current fees, kindly fill out our questionnaire or send an email to info@theslatenetwork.com. We will promptly reach out to schedule a complimentary intake call where we can give you a better understanding of our pricing models based on your needs.

Our team has diverse professional backgrounds in areas like, special education teaching, educational evaluation, social work, and corporate negotiation. We are certified special education advocates through COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) and receive ongoing training. Most importantly, we have direct personal experience navigating the system for our own children with special needs.

We begin with an initial consultation to understand your specific concerns and needs. It is our job to evaluate where you are in the process and design a service program that will work best for you. We include four standard programs as a guide to better explain the types of service available to you.

We then request all relevant records, IEPs, evaluations, and progress reports to conduct an in-depth review. From this analysis, we determine potential goals, service recommendations, and outline a plan of action tailored to your child’s situation.

By thoroughly reviewing evaluations and present levels of performance, we identify areas where additional services, accommodations or modifications may be needed.

We analyze progress monitoring and data to ensure the current IEP is reasonably calculated to provide educational benefit. Our advocates then articulate a clear rationale for any changes during IEP meetings.

While we are based in Connecticut/Westchester County, we can provide remote services to families across the state and surrounding regions via video conferencing and secure document sharing. Many of our consultations and advocacy efforts can be conducted virtually.

Yes, absolutely. We understand that the decision to pursue a special education evaluation can be difficult. Our consulting services provide expert guidance to parents who have concerns about their child’s academic performance, behavior, or developmental progress. We can help you understand the signs that may indicate a need for an evaluation and walk you through the process step-by-step. Even if you’re unsure, our advocates can review your child’s records, observe them in the classroom setting if needed, and provide an informed perspective on next steps.

Definitely. Many parents feel overwhelmed by the special education system and evaluation procedures. Even if you haven’t officially started the process yet, our advocates are available to consult with you as parent mentors and educators. We can provide a comprehensive overview of the entire journey – from initiating an evaluation and determining eligibility to developing an IEP and securing appropriate services.

Our goal is to empower you with information every step of the way. Whether your child may need special education or you simply want to be prepared, we offer coaching specific to your family’s circumstances. Our services are tailored to give you the competence and confidence to be your child’s best advocate.