Question 1

Are you a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

No. I'm a special-education advocate. I help you understand the process, prepare documents, and represent your child's needs at meetings. If a case escalates to due process or litigation, I refer to qualified attorneys.

Question 2

What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

Accepted Answer

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is for students who qualify for special education under IDEA — it includes specialized instruction. A 504 Plan provides accommodations for students with disabilities who don't need specialized instruction. Both are enforceable; they protect different things.

Question 3

How do I know if my child needs an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

If you suspect a disability is affecting your child's learning, behavior, or access to school — even if the school says 'wait and see' — you have the right to request an evaluation in writing. NY districts are required to respond within strict timelines.

Question 4

What are the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE)?

Accepted Answer

The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is the team in your NY school district that handles children ages 3 through 5. The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is the team that handles school-age students, kindergarten through 21. Both decide whether a child qualifies for special-education services and what those services look like — and parents are required members of the team.

Question 5

How fast does the district have to act on my request?

Accepted Answer

In NY, once you consent in writing to an initial evaluation, the district has 60 calendar days to evaluate and hold a CSE meeting. Other timelines (re-evaluations, IEP reviews, prior written notice) have their own rules.

Question 6

What Long Island districts do you work with?

Accepted Answer

All of them — Nassau and Suffolk. Long Island has dozens of small districts, and each one runs its CSE a little differently. Working across so many is part of how I learn what's negotiable in your specific district.

Question 7

Do you only work on Long Island?

Accepted Answer

Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) is the primary practice, but I also work with families across NYC's five boroughs. NYC DOE has its own structure — a single mega-district with regional CSEs and District 75 for specialized programs — and I know that landscape too.

Question 8

Will the school be hostile if I bring an advocate?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes there's friction at first. But districts respond to professionalism and documentation, not anger. Most teams shift tone once they realize you're prepared.

Question 9

How much does this cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the service. The IEP Audit is a flat fee. Meeting representation is per-meeting. The retainer is monthly. Pricing is shared on each service page and confirmed before any work begins.

The questions parents ask most.