Over 7.5 million students depend on public school special education to thrive. These programs exist to support kids with disabilities, yet when schools fall short, it's the students who suffer. Without proper assistance, they struggle in class, battle emotional challenges, and face social setbacks.
For parents in the Philly Metro Area, navigating special education can be daunting. The Education Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can hold schools accountable for providing the required support. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. We fight to level the playing field for your child's future.
Special Education Rights: What You Need to Know
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Schools mistook signs of a disability for misbehavior—IDEA made sure students got help, not punishment. Services provided by public schools must be designed to meet the unique needs of every child. In Pennsylvania, special education rules are established by the Bureau of Special Education.
It's crucial to stay on top of your child's education and seek legal assistance when needed. Teachers and administrators may quickly label your child, but as a parent, you have the most insight. The first challenge is ensuring that your child is properly identified for special education, and the second is determining the correct type of services.
What Exactly is Special Education?
Special education is personalized to fit each child's unique needs. For some, it means stepping out of the general classroom for focused reading support. For others, it's receiving additional help from a special ed teacher within the regular classroom. For some students, a self-contained classroom with specialized instruction in areas such as life skills, functional academics, and speech is the best fit.
And remember, just because your child has special needs in one area doesn't mean they cannot be a rock star in other areas and have a happy, productive life.
Philly Metro Area Schools
Each school's practices vary, but here are a few top schools in the area:
Baldwin School
In 1888, Miss Florence Baldwin founded "Miss Baldwin's School for Girls" and it's still an all-girls private school. Unlike some private schools in the area, Baldwin addresses special ed issues in their Academic Support and Enrichment Mission Statement:
As a community of diverse learners who believe that we all learn differently, we strive to create a collaborative professional environment where vulnerability of our practices through inquiry and dialogue are embraced, where implementation of research-based practices is standard and where students remain at the center of our mission.
Sounds good, right? But sometimes, there's a gap between what's on paper and what actually occurs. When that happens, it's helpful to contact a knowledgeable attorney.
The Shipley School
Shipley's another top private school that recognizes that students may have individualized needs. Shipley's SEED Program (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Development) provides assistance that is individual and developmental and designed to connect health (physical, social, and emotional) with academic skill development
AIM Academy
AIM Academy, an independent coeducational school near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the Delaware Valley's largest school dedicated to exceptional education for students in grades 1-12 with language-based learning differences like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
Their motto is: "Students who learn differently just need to be taught differently."
Championing Your Child's Special Education Needs
Steps to ensure your child receives the services they need:
- Learn About the Evaluation Process: Schools are required to evaluate students who may have disabilities. Familiarize yourself with this process to ensure it's done correctly and thoroughly.
- Create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP): The IEP outlines the services and accommodations your child will receive. It's more than just paperwork—it's your roadmap. This is where you highlight your child's strengths, challenges, and goals. Every year, revisit it to make sure it reflects your child's needs and helps guide their growth.
- Monitor Progress: Stay updated on how well the IEP is working. If it's not yielding the desired results, ask for a meeting to adjust it as needed.
- Seek Legal Assistance: If you face challenges or feel your child's rights aren't being respected, consult with a special education attorney who understands the system and can help you navigate it.
Your child deserves a fair path forward. We're here to make it happen.
The LLF Law Firm Holds Schools Accountable
We leave no stone unturned in the fight for your child's education.
- Tactical Advocacy: We know when to push hard and when to seek compromise. Our team reads the situation, understands the school's position, and develops solutions that defend your child's rights. We stay focused, composed, and committed to securing the best result.
- Tailored Advocacy: Every child is different, and so are their educational needs. We take the time to fully understand your child's unique challenges, ensuring our actions are always in their best interest and aligned with their long-term success.
- Nationwide Advocacy for Families: Our team is well-versed in federal and state special education laws, working relentlessly to protect your child's rights wherever you are located.
- Evolving Legal Strategies: Special education laws change over time, and so do we. We stay ahead of policy shifts, making sure your child continues to receive the services they deserve, even as rules and regulations evolve.
Your family's journey matters. We're here to listen, support, and guide you—because your child's education is a battle we fight together.
The LLF Law Firm: Empowering Your Child's Success
Standing up for a child with special needs in the Philly Metro Area demands a strong grasp of federal and state regulations, local district rules, and proven advocacy techniques. The LLF Law Firm's Education Law Team knows the ins and outs of special education law. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. With everything on the line, we're here to fight for you.
