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.
Special Education Attorney in Santa Cruz, CA
Welcome to the Offices of Tsadik Law, we provide your child with legal aid if they are not receiving a free and appropriate education (FAPE) as defined by the law. We represent our clients with professionalism, first rate communication and zealous advocacy of their interests. The attorneys at Tsadik Law will guide and represent you throughout the process: the resolution session, mediation, and if required the due process hearing.
Our attorneys are very responsive, and we can find a place to meet with you when we mutually agree to move forward. We can represent clients in Santa Cruz California, and we have offices located in Northern and Southern California. Reach out to us right now at 831-856-9655 and we can have our first consultation, which will be no charge to you.
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Special Education Law in Santa Cruz, CA
At Tsadik Law, we understand taking care of a special needs child can be challenging for legal guardians and parents. Many families with a special needs child may feel overwhelmed with apprehension when it comes to their child’s education and development. It’s only natural that parents feel nervous about decisions concerning their child’s education, especially because of the complicated laws that involve special education. That’s why we are here to aid find solutions to improve your child’s education.
One of the top priorities is understanding what educational and support services your child is entitled to. Many regulations and laws have been written to ensure that schools provide special needs children with the appropriate education. Tsadik Law has years of experience, advocating for special needs children, to the school district to make sure the applicable necessary support is given.
Special Needs Attorneys
California
Families
Special Needs Lawyers Serving Santa Cruz, CA
Tsadik Law specializes in the field of Special Education Law. Our clients are families who might not be getting the required services for their special needs child at school. Our main objective is to obtain those educational services for special needs children. During the process we educate our clients about their children’s rights, and we hold the school district answerable to providing the vital support.
Our attorneys have years of legal practice fighting for our clients in Special Education cases, and have a great history of results. We are constantly ready with the knowledge and experience to compel school districts to provide the adequate support that is required by the law and having hundreds of cases in our history give us the expertise in the field.
There are a profusion of complicated laws and regulations in the world of special education, so working with an experienced attorney can be crucial. Tsadik Law has skillful attorneys in the Special Education field, and we use this experience to help navigate families through the complex procedures required to ensure children get the accommodations they need for their development.
Special Education Rights in Santa Cruz, CA
Many people are not aware of the regulations that were written for special needs children to get an education. For example in 1975 the Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) was created. At first called the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, the initial target was to give a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children, and to allow certain rights to the parents or legal guardians to decide their child’s curriculum.
Even with these protective measures, legal guardians have found it hard to obtain the services and accommodations that their child needs for an appropriate education. Tsadik Law is here to council and represent your family, and press for you to receive the full provisions that your child is entitled to by law.
Is My Child Eligible For IDEA?
There are legal guidelines that determine if your child is eligible for IDEA services. To qualify for special education services a child must meet the legal criteria of one or more of the following categories of eligibility:
Is My Child Eligible for IDEA?
There are some criteria to see if a child is eligible for IDEA. To qualify to obtain special education services, a child must meet one or more of the legal criteria listed in the categories below.
- Specific Learning Disability (includes Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Other Learning Differences)
- Multiple Disabilities
- Autism
- Hearing Impairment
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Visual Impairment Including Blindness
- Emotional disturbance
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Intellectual Disability
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Established Medical Disability
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Other Health Impairment (includes ADHD)
Even though a child is medically diagnosed with one of the eligibility criteria, this does not assure that this child is eligible for IDEA. The law stipulates that a child’s disability must impact their ability to access the curriculum, and as a consequence , they require special education to continue learning. If you are confused about whether your child qualifies for special education services, simply give us a call at 831-856-9655 for a free consultation. Tsadik Law can help you in figuring out the eligibility of your child and will council you on the next steps you can take to enrich your child’s education.
Services For Special Needs in Santa Cruz CA
If you are questioning if your child could benefit from legal representation, simply give us a call at 831-856-9655. You can talk to an experienced special education attorney during your free consultation, and find out what the next steps are for your child.
Here are a few common issues that special needs children might experience at school:
- Social and Emotional Problems
- Difficulty Concentrating and Focusing
- Difficulty With Writing
- Dealing with Bullying
- Lack of Behavioral Support
- Inappropriate Classroom Placement
- Issues With Navigating the School Campus
- Lack of Behavioral Support
- Suspension and/or Expulsion
- Difficulty Concentrating and Focusing
A parent with a disabled child has the right to lodge a complaint against their local school district alleging violation of the federal and state education laws. The complaint will oftentimes be taken to mediation, however if it can’t be resolved a due process hearing will take place with an administrative law judge. The attorneys at Tsadik Law prioritize being accessible, meet most of our clients in person, and we strive to be responsive and informative during the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you Qualify for Special Education in Santa Cruz CA?
If your child has not been assessed yet, or if the school district has determined your child ineligible for special education services, then you can contact us 831-856-9655. We will help you obtain a reevaluation.
How can I ask for Special Education For My Child?
If your child has been diagnosed with any of the conditions that are listed here, or if you conclude that your child may have one of these conditions, the first thing you should do is get your child evaluated by the school. The school district is duty-bound to evaluate your child at no cost to you. Present a request to have your child evaluated to the school district and keep a copy of the request as a record for yourself. After your child has received an evaluation, submit a written request for an IEP meeting. After the meeting is ended, you will receive the results of the evaluation, and the school will decide on your child’s eligibility.
What If The Santa Cruz District Says My Child Does Not Qualify?
After you receive an assessment and after the IEP meeting, if the school district decides your child is not eligible for special education services, there are a few courses of action available to you. You can have an independent evaluation for your child, which can be reimbursed by the school district after a legal process. The other option is to get professional help from a special education attorney. The attorney can file a due process request with the school district and you will receive another reevaluation.