For millions of kids, special education can make all the difference—when it's done right. But when schools fail, it's not just about falling behind. Kids get left out, feel confused, and are unfairly punished while dealing with struggles they shouldn't face on their own.
For parents in the Valley, navigating special education can feel like a constant battle. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can help. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. We help your child get the resources they deserve.
Understanding Your Child's Right to Special Education
If you're interested in sending your child to a top-notch public school, it's good to know that under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), kids are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). In the past, disability-related behaviors were unfairly labeled as bad behavior —IDEA made sure students got help, not punishment. Now, public schools must tailor special education to each child's needs.
In Arizona, special education rules are established by Exceptional Student Services, a division of the Arizona Department of Education.
What Does a Special Education Program Involve?
Let's look at some examples of how special ed might look. For some kids, special ed means extra reading help outside the classroom to work on reading comprehension. Other kids benefit from having a special education teacher right in the classroom, who helps them grasp reading or math concepts while their classmates continue at their regular pace. Another option is a self-contained classroom with special lessons.
Metro Phoenix School Districts
Here are a few top school districts in Metro Phoenix, and their approach to special ed:
Paradise Valley Unified School District
Paradise Valley Unified School District is a great choice and offers special ed programs. The District's special education page states: “The Special Education Team is committed to educating students ages 3 through 22 with identified educational disabilities. Individualized services are designed to meet each student's unique needs within the least restrictive environment.” The services range from intensive academic support to social, emotional, and behavioral programs.
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler is known for its excellence. Here is an excerpt from Chandler's special ed page: “In the Chandler Unified School District, we believe all students can learn! Some students may need more support and services than others, but providing students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens is our mission for ALL students.”
Deer Valley Unified School District
Deer Valley Unified School District is a well-regarded public school district. Deer Valley's Special Ed Mission Statement is as follows: “The mission of the DVHS Special Education department is to provide supports and services for extraordinary educational opportunities for every learner.”
At Deer Valley, the categories of special ed eligibility for ages 3 through 21 are:
- Autism
- Developmental Disability
- Cognitive Disability
- Hearing Impairment
- Learning Disability
- Multiple Disability
- Physical Disability
- Emotional Disability
- Speech and Language Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
These are three public school districts in which your child can thrive. But if you encounter red tape, lack of support, or harmful assumptions, the Lento Law Firm knows how to help get things back on track.
Making Sure Your Child Has the Right Support Plan
Here's how to be proactive about your child's needs:
- Understand the Evaluation Process: Schools should spot disabilities, but they are overworked, and sometimes they don't. Knowing the process helps ensure your child gets the evaluation they need.
- Create a Strong Individualized Education Plan (IEP): It's not just paperwork—it's the road map to your child's future. It's where they'll get their help, what they're shining at, where they're stumbling, and where they're heading. Don't let it gather dust; update it, keep it fresh every year.
- Monitor Your Child's Progress: Watch how that IEP plays out, keep it under your radar. If it's falling short, speak up, demand a meeting, and push for what works.
- Seek Legal Support: If the school is ignoring your concerns or your child's needs aren't being met, a special education attorney can help navigate the system and ensure their rights are upheld.
The right assistance at school is the key to your child's success, and sometimes legal help is needed to make it happen.
The Lento Law Firm: Your Partner in Special Education
We step in when schools fall short:
- Smart Advocacy: We know when to act and when to listen. We scan the landscape, spot the issues, and create a plan to keep your child's rights in check, all while moving toward the ultimate goal.
- Customized Support: We make sure your child gets the help they need, because every child is different. We focus on what will work best for them.
- Supporting Families Nationwide: No matter where you are, we know how to navigate both state and federal special education laws. We know how to speak your district's language too.
- Proactive Representation: With special education laws constantly evolving, we stay one step ahead. We adjust to changes and challenges to ensure your child has access to the resources they need now and in the future.
Every child's educational journey is as unique as they are.
The Lento Law Firm: Your Ally in Special Education
We know federal and State laws, local school district policies, and practical strategies. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team is on your side. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. Your child's rights are our priority, and we make schools respect them.
