Services

IEP Review

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1975 and has been updated several times. The purpose of the IDEA is “to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.” With the enactment of this law, children with disabilities could go to school and be educated with children without disabilities. The child must need special education and related services (e.g., occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, etc.) to be able to access the general education curriculum.

If your child is determined to be eligible under IDEA, then an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed which describes your child’s needs and how the school district will meet those needs.

If you are having difficulties with

• Understanding the process

• Communicating your child's needs to the school

• Getting the school to evaluate your child

• Understanding your child's evaluation

• Getting the supports your child needs in the IEP

Evaluations & Reevaluations

We can help you start the process of determining if your child needs an IEP and getting an evaluation started. We can work with you and your school to maneuver the process and develop an IEP should eligibility be met.

Meetings with Districts & other agencies

We will work with you to meet with the district and any other outside agencies to meet your students needs. Sometimes these meetings are called ‘Creative Solutions’ meetings. We also work with Community Centered Boards for additional funding (for those who meet eligibility) and who would need long term services and supports.

We believe participants should: 

• Speak openly and honestly

• Always be respectful even when we disagree

• Always presume good intentions

• Honor timelines (for meetings and documents)

• Read/answer emails, vm, texts in a reasonable amount of time and that

• All opinions should be considered

504 Plans

If your child has a disability, whether it is a short-term (e.g.,fractured leg) or long-term (e.g.,dyslexia) disability, under the 504, the school must ensure your child gets the supports "designed to meet the student's individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met." Here is a short list of disabilities that may be handled under the 504:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Asthma

• Food allergies

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

If you are having difficulties with

• Getting your child on a 504

• Communicating your child's needs to the school

• Agreeing on the accommodations that your child needs

Advanced Learning Plan (ALP)

Colorado is one of the few states that has legislated support for children who are gifted and talented. This law is the Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) and is the primary law with requirements for the implementation of specific elements and procedures for gifted education programs.

The Colorado Department of Education defines gifted students as students who are capable of high performance, exceptional production, or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any or a combination of these areas of giftedness:

• General or specific intellectual ability

• Specific academic aptitude

• Creative or productive thinking

• Leadership abilities

• Visual arts, performing arts, musical or psychomotor abilities

See the Colorado Department of Education's Gifted Education website for more information.

If your child is determined to be gifted, then the school will develop an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP). This plan will describe how your child abilities will be enhanced and supported over the coming years.

If you are having difficulties with

• Getting your child on an ALP

• Communicating your child's abilities to the school

• Developing the right supports in the ALP