Expert guidance for IEPs, 504 Plans, school meetings, evaluations & educational planning
Helping Massachusetts families advocate for the school support they need
Whether your child is struggling academically, needs additional support at school, or you're unsure how to move forward with an IEP, 504 Plan, or school recommendation, our experienced Educational Advocacy team can help you understand your options and advocate for your child's needs.
Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure of what steps to take next.
You may be asking:
- Is my child receiving the support they need at school?
- How do I prepare for an upcoming school meeting?
- Does my child qualify for an IEP or 504 Plan?
- How do I interpret the educational evaluation results and recommendations?
- What do I do if I disagree with the school's recommendations?
Comprehensive expertise
Our Educational Advocacy team helps families facing a wide range of school-related concerns:
IEP & 504 Plan Support
Reviewing existing plans, identifying gaps, and helping to ensure accommodations and services align with your child’s needs
School Meeting Support
Providing guidance before, during, and after important discussions with school teams
Evaluation Review
Interpreting educational, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluations and what the recommendations mean for your child.
Guidance with Placements
Helping understand placement options & advocate for an educational setting that meets your child's needs.
Ready to Talk?
If you're concerned about your child's educational experience, we're here to help. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today.
meet our advocate
Selena Graham, M.Ed., Special Education
Selena Graham works closely with families to navigate complex special education systems, advocate for appropriate services and placements, and ensure that students' educational, social, emotional, and medical needs are recognized and addressed. Known for her thoughtful, family-centered approach, Selena partners with schools, service providers, and caregivers to help children access educational environments where they can learn, grow, and succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child is struggling at school but does not have an IEP?
Many caregivers reach out because they know their child is struggling but aren't sure what support they need or where to begin. A child may be having difficulty academically, socially, behaviorally, emotionally, or managing the demands of the school environment.
Our Educational Advocacy team can help you identify areas of concern, understand available support options, and determine whether a school evaluation may be appropriate. We can also help you prepare for conversations with the school, review evaluation results, and navigate the process of securing services and accommodations that support your child's success.
Will my child qualify for an IEP?
Many people assume a child must have a specific diagnosis to qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), but that's not always the case.
In Massachusetts, students may be eligible for special education services under one of 13 disability categories. However, eligibility is based on more than a diagnosis alone. The school team must determine whether your child's disability is affecting their ability to make effective progress in school and whether they need specially designed instruction.
If you have concerns, we can help you understand whether a special education evaluation may be appropriate and guide you through the process of requesting one. If you've already been told your child “won’t” or “doesn’t” qualify or you're unsure about the school's decision, we can review the evaluation findings with you, explain your options, and help you advocate for appropriate support.
What if I disagree with my child's IEP, services, or school placement?
If you have concerns about your child's IEP, services, or school placement, it's important to know that you have the right to ask questions and seek additional information. You know your child best, and it's natural to want to understand whether the proposed supports are meeting their unique needs. Your child may not be making the progress you expected, services may have been reduced, or the recommended placement may not feel like the right fit. When this happens, it can be difficult to know what options are available or what steps to take next.
Our Educational Advocacy team can help you review evaluations, progress data, and IEP recommendations so you can make informed decisions. We work with you to understand your options and advocate for appropriate services and supports. Whether that involves requesting additional evaluations, convening another IEP meeting, pursuing mediation, or exploring alternative or out-of-district placements, we can help you navigate the process with confidence.
When should I hire a Special Education Advocate?
Many families contact us after spending months—or even years—trying to advocate for their child on their own. By that point, they are often feeling exhausted, frustrated, and concerned that their child isn't receiving the support they need to succeed.
The good news is that you don't have to wait until a situation reaches a crisis point. A special education advocate can provide guidance at any stage of the process. Whether you're preparing for an IEP meeting, trying to understand evaluation results, questioning the school's recommendations, considering a different placement, or simply unsure what to do next, we're here to help.
Sometimes, a single conversation is all that's needed. You may simply need answers to your questions, a second opinion, or guidance on your next steps. If your situation requires more in-depth advocacy, we'll be there to support you every step of the way.
Why Families Choose JF&CS
- Trusted nonprofit organization serving Greater Boston for over 160 years
- Experienced educational advocacy professionals
- Personalized support tailored to each child
Commitment to helping children access appropriate educational opportunities - Deep knowledge of Massachusetts special education laws, services and school processes.
- Collaborative approach focused on family's goals