Covid-19 Update from Tsadik Law
On Friday, March 13th, Governor Newsom signed an executive order ensuring state funding for schools throughout California. Among other things, this means that schools are required to continue instructing students during any closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. As a result, your child should continue to receive instructional services via packets or online programs while schools are closed.
This situation has significantly limited students’ access to services and education. At Tsadik Law we will continue to provide legal services. We are also committed to protecting the safety of our staff and clients. As a result, our consultations and meetings will occur with our clients over the phone or virtually.
We understand that you may not be getting the appropriate services and supports for your children. We will continue to fight and advocate on behalf of our clients and their children’s educational rights. If you are thinking about consulting an attorney over a special education issue, please contact us as we are still active during this time.
California Special Education Attorney | Special Needs Lawyer
Tsadik Law is a special education law firm dedicated to providing high quality legal representation to parents and guardians of children with special needs. We represent our clients with professionalism, excellent communication and zealous advocacy of their interests.
We care deeply about the parents, families and students we represent. We are easily accessible and are more than happy to meet with clients at a location near their home, school or place of work. We have successfully represented clients in both Southern and Northern California. Our primary offices are located in Los Angeles and Oakland.
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Special Education Law
We understand that having a special needs child can come with very unique challenges for both parents and guardians. Many families who have a child with special needs may feel overwhelmed with anxiety and fear when it comes to their child’s education and academic development. It’s natural for parents to feel unsure about decisions with respect to their child’s education.
One of the most important things is making sure you secure the educational and support services your child needs to learn and thrive. There are many laws and regulations in place that require schools to provide special needs children with an appropriate education. At Tsadik Law we are here to advocate for your child when your school district is not providing the appropriate services to meet legal requirements.
Special Needs Attorneys
California
Families
Special Needs Lawyers
Tsadik Law concentrates exclusively on Special Education Law. We represent families who may not be getting the services that are required at school. Our main goal is to obtain quality educational services for children with disabilities. Our hope is that we can educate parents about their children’s rights and hold school officials accountable to provide the required support and services.
All of our attorneys have extensive legal experience representing clients and obtaining successful outcomes . We are equipped with the experience and knowledge to compel schools to provide the proper accommodations which are legally required, and we have represented hundreds of special needs children, and we know how to take on the school system.
There are many complex laws and regulations that apply to special education, and finding an attorney who has years of experience in the field is important. At Tsadik Law we strive to help our parents understand what laws and regulations apply to their children, what services and supports your children are entitled to by law, and ensure that we are in regular communication with you throughout the legal process.
Special Needs Rights
Many people are unaware of the laws that were created for special needs children. For instance, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was codified and became federal law in 1975. Originally called the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, the main purpose of IDEA was to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to special needs children, and to give parents and legal guardians certain rights in deciding their children’s educational curriculum.
Even with these laws and protections in place, many parents have found it difficult to secure the services, supports, and accommodations their children need. Tsadik Law is here to represent your family, and make sure that you receive the rights and full protection of the laws that you and your child are entitled to.
Is My Child Eligible For IDEA?
There are specific guidelines that determine if a child is eligible for IDEA services. In order to qualify for special education a child must meet the legal criteria of one or more of the following eligibility categories:
- Autism
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment (includes ADHD)
- Established Medical Disability
- Specific Learning Disability (includes Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Other Learning Differences)
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment Including Blindness
It should be noted, however, that even if a child is medically diagnosed with one of the above disabilities, this does not automatically make them eligible for IDEA. The law states that the child must have a disability that impacts their ability to access the curriculum and, as a result of that disability, requires special education to make progress in school. If you are not sure if your child qualifies for special education services at school, give us a call for a free consultation. Tsadik Law can help you with choosing the best course of action to help your child get the education they need.
Services for Special Needs
If you have any questions about whether your child would benefit from legal representation, do not hesitate to call us. Our staff are more than happy to speak with you to answer any questions you may have.
Here are some of the more common issues that children experience at school:
- Lack of Behavior Support
- Inappropriate Classroom Placement
- Speech and Language Deficits
- Difficulty With Writing
- Issues With Navigating the School Campus
- Social and Emotional Problems
- Difficulty Concentrating and Focusing
- Lack of In-Classroom Support
- Challenges With Organization
- Bullying
- Suspension and/or Expulsion
A parent may file a complaint against their school district alleging violations of state and federal education laws. The issue or issues will often be taken to mediation, but if it cannot be resolved, a due process hearing takes place with an administrative law judge. Tsadik Law can provide an experienced Special Education Attorney to assist and represent you throughout the entire process, and attend the resolution session, mediation, and if necessary, the due process hearing.
Eligibility Assessment
If you believe that your child has special needs, and has yet to have an assessment, or if the school has determined your child ineligible for special education services, we can help you get a reevaluation.
How Do I Request Special Education Services For My Child?
If your child has been diagnosed with any of the disorders mentioned previously, or if you believe your child has one of these disabilities, the first step is to have your child assessed by the district. The district is required to have your child evaluated at no cost to you. Present your request to the district in writing and keep a record of that request. After your child is assessed, present a written request to your child’s school for an IEP team meeting. At this meeting, the results of the evaluation will determine your child’s special education eligibility.
What If The District Says My Child Does Not Qualify?
If, after assessment and an IEP meeting, the District disagrees with your opinion on your child’s need for special education, there are several steps you can take. You may pay for independent educational evaluations (which can be reimbursed by the district after a legal process). You may also contact an attorney and file a due process request with the district to re- evaluate your child if you feel the assessments were not sufficient.