Our Services
EDUCATE PARENTS ON THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS
Education is key, and when you begin the journey through the special education process, we can help guide you along the way. Whether it is understanding the acronyms, knowing the legalities behind decisions, or understanding what options are available, we will walk you through it. We want to provide the education and explanations parents need to navigate the system to become the advocate their child needs. Areas of consultation include:
- What is an IEP? What does all of this mean?
- Accommodation vs. Modification.
- STAAR testing eligibility and accommodations.
- Functional Behavior Analysis and Behavior Intervention Plans
- How do I advocate for my child?
- Goal writing? What should I look for?
- What are related services?
- What is assistive technology?
- How do I get my child tested? What is a Full Individual Evaluation?
- What is the procedure to receive special education services?
- And more....
REVIEW DOCUMENTATION
Our advocates are available to review your child’s current special education documents.
- Review initial or current evaluation to determine if there is a need for additional testing
- Make SMART goal recommendations, to create measurable and trackable goals.
- Advise on schedule of services and placement
- Recommend additional accommodations or modifications
- Evaluate related services such as PT, OT, Speech
- Review the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) required for the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and make recommendations as needed
- Review your child's transition plan and what future programs/supports they may need
- When a chid's educational rights are violated, filing for Due Process may be recommended. We do not offer legal advice or engage in the practice of law. Should those needs arise, we work closely with Special Education Attorneys and will make referrals should you want to move forward with a complaint.
ATTEND SPECIAL EDUCATION MEETINGS
Attending ARD meetings for your child can be an emotional and intimidating experience. Parents are crucial members of the ARD committee, but often get lost in the "alphabet soup" of special education.
Olive Branch Advocates accompany parents to IEP, 504, and other Special Education meetings.
- We offer an objective, experienced perspective that will ensure your voice is heard.
- We will educate and explain the process before and during the meeting so you are prepared to participate.
- We will make recommendations as you collaborate with the district to create the individualized plan most appropriate for your child.
- We will help interpret your concerns and share them with the district.
- We will ensure services your child is entitled to based on their educational needs.
- We will suggest and rewrite goals and accommodations to submit to the school as needed.
- We will make professional recommendations with regard to additional testing.
- We can guide you in the decision making process to ensure your child's success.
Behavior Support
At Olive Branch Educational Advocates, we have our very own behavior specialists on staff. Our specialists can review current functional behavior assessments used to create behavior intervention plans and propose changes.
Signs your child's behavior plan isn't working & action is needed...
- Your child is being sent home/placed in ISS often
- The current strategies outlined on the behavior plan are not reducing the frequency or intensity of the behavior.
- Your child's teachers are calling/emailing frequently.