As parents ourselves, the GJK team of lawyers and advocates understands the importance of educational challenges for our children.  Navigating education challenges for our children can be overwhelming and exhausting.  We counsel parents on the law, so that they can advocate for children, and we are prepared to assist with advocacy if necessary. 

 

Obtaining a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for your child impacts his or her ability to pursue higher education and employment and gain independent living skills.  GJK advises parents and their children on their legal rights regarding education and works to ensure children are provided the education they are entitled to under the law.

 

We advise and work with parents, children, and schools on implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) from the initial assessment to implementation ensuring long term compliance.  Sometimes this means helping a parent prepare for the IEP meetings and other times it can lead to being involved directly in the advocacy.  

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We advise on challenges and issues related to:

• Eligibility and Education Assessment Options

• Transportation Issues/Options

• Disciplinary Issues

• Obtaining School Records

• Appeals of Special Education Decisions

• School Changes/Transitions

• MDRs (Multidisciplinary Review hearings)

• REDs (Review of Existing Data meetings)

• METs (Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team meetings)

• Mediations

• Due Process Hearings

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Our experience has taught us that helping parents also means finding ways to help our schools.  We offer internal training both in person and virtually on issues facing schools and parents.  Working together with the administration and teachers on everything from communication to changes in the law is vital to the process of ensuring all children get the education they deserve.  

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In addition to special education advocacy, GJK also represents students facing disciplinary issues, such as suspensions and expulsions, and students who have been subjected to bullying at school.