NAVIGATING THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS

     A seminar presented for parents & guardians of children with special needs

Integrated Center for Child Development

340 Turnpike Street, Canton

Thursday, September 18, 2008

7:00 – 9:00 PM

Presented by an attorney, an advocate, and a neuropsychologist

Dr. Jessica Benetti-McQuoid

Carolyn Kain, Esq.

&

Maureen Finaldi, special education advocate

Whether your child currently receives special education services or has been recently diagnosed with a disability requiring special education services, the special education process can be overwhelming.  In addition to the challenges of trying to understand the clinical and educational aspects of a diagnosis, parents are faced with a complex system of federal and state laws and regulations that impact their child’s education programs.

This seminar will focus on both the clinical and legal dimensions of the process, to provide parents with the information and educational tools necessary to help them understand their child’s needs and to enable them to effectively advocate for their child’s educational needs.  

The presentation will provide an orientation to the legal aspects of the special education process, with discussion of special education eligibility determination, the FAPE standard, and the procedural due process rights parents have to address disputes with a school district when they believe that their child’s needs are not being adequately met. As part of understanding this process, we will discuss the clinical assessment process, both in school and with an independent evaluator, with an emphasis on interpreting and understanding test findings and diagnoses. Finally, recommendations for pursuing appropriate assessments and interventions will also be offered.

This seminar is presented by ICCD, at no charge, as part of our mission of public education.  Space is limited; please rsvp to 781 619 1570 or email education@iccdpartners.org.