Signs that You May Need to Have Your Child's IEP Reevaluated If your child has a disability, he or she may need a 504 plan or IEP and special instructional services. That 504 plan or IEP should be reevaluated if your child: is getting poor or failing grades receives frequent discipline is sent to detention or suspended because of behavior issues doesn't want to go to school Any of these could be signals that your child is not getting appropriate services. If you have concerns about your child's education, contact me today to arrange a free consultation.

You want the best education for your child, and your child has a right to free, appropriate public education. For kids with special needs, that means that the school must provide any support services your child needs in order to ensure they receive that education.

I am attorney Claudette-Jean Girard, and I provide experienced, caring legal help for parents and kids in special education law. I am qualified both as a special education law advocate and as a courtroom representative, and I can help.

Contact my law office in Monson to arrange a free consultation. I represent kids and families throughout western Massachusetts, and I can meet with you at a location convenient to you.

A Dedicated Special Education Law Attorney Who Has "Been There"

My son Benjamin has a disability and requires special education services. When he started school, I had to navigate the system from the ground up. It wasn't easy to enforce his rights and obtain the educational support services he needed.

As a special education lawyer, I have made it my mission to provide dedicated legal help, care and advocacy for my clients as they work through many of the same issues Benjamin and I did.

Who Qualifies for Special Education Services?

Many physical, mental and developmental conditions qualify your child for special ed services. Your child's school is required to develop either an individualized education plan (IEP) or a 504 plan if your child has:

• Specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia
• Down Syndrome
• Autism spectrum disorders, such as Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS and executive function disorders
• Physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, hearing or vision impairments and many others
• ADD or ADHD
• Other disabilities

An IEP is intended to give your child access to the general curriculum and provide — without charge — any specialized instruction services your child may need in order to succeed in school.

How I Can Help Your Child Get the Free and Appropriate Education He or She Has a Right To

Working either as your child's advocate in the school system or as your legal representative in administrative or court hearings, I can help you develop and implement an appropriate IEP or 504 plan. Also, if your child already has an IEP or 504 plan but is still not succeeding in school, I can help you get the plan reevaluated and advocate for better services.

For a free consultation about special education law, contact me. I offer weekday, evening and weekend appointments, either at my law office in Monson, Massachusetts or at a location convenient to you. I also maintain a satellite office in Springfield for my clients' convenience.

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Claudette-Jean Girard

P.O. Box 278
Monson, MA 01057-0278
Phone: (413) 626-3699 | Fax: (413) 886-0200

Monson, Massachusetts attorney Claudette-Jean Girard represents clients throughout western Massachusetts in every community in the five western Massachusetts counties. Her clients come from communities such as Monson, Agawam, Amherst, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Greenfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Northampton, Palmer, Pittsfield, Springfield, Sturbridge, Westfield and Worcester.

Hampden County | Berkshire County | Hampshire County | Franklin County | Worcester County

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