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What is an educational advocate?
What is an IEP?
What is a Section 504 plan?
What are your options?
What can Dr. Serrantino
do for you as a parent?
About Dr. Jan Serrantino
How do I know if my child can be assisted by an education consultant?
What is an educational advocate?
An educational advocate is a professional who works with the family, the student and the school to assure that each student receives the appropriate education necessary to optimize his/her opportunity to achieve to the highest level of his/her potential
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What is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes the special education and related services specifically designed to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability. A team that includes at least a school administrator, the student's teacher, the parents and the student, when appropriate, develops the IEP. The IEP contains measurable goals and short term objectives based upon the student's present level of educational performance and assessed areas of need. The IEP specifies the educational placement or setting, and the related services necessary for the student to reach identified goals and objectives. It also includes the date the services will begin, how long they will last, and the way in which student progress will be evaluated. It is a document that is revised as the needs of the student change.
The IEP is a commitment in writing of the resources the school agrees to provide. Periodic reviews of the IEP serve as an evaluation of the student's progress toward meeting educational goals and objectives. The IEP serves as the focal point for clarifying issues and cooperative decision making by the entire team and in the best interest of the student.
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What is a Section 504 plan?
A federal law, Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on a person's disability in any program receiving federal funds. A student is eligible so long as he/she (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; (ii) has a record of such impairment or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment. The student is not required to need special education in order to be protected.
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What are your options?
After meeting with parents and the student, reviewing school records and test results, Dr Serrantino will make appropriate recommendations for modifications to the educational program of the student by designing a Section 504 Plan or assisting in the preparation of an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Dr. Serrantino confers with the student's teachers and support and administrative staff in order to implement the Section 504 contract or IEP; advises and assists parents regarding strategies and assures that due process rights are upheld; works with school personnel to act in the best interest of the student.
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What can Dr. Serrantino
do for you as a parent?
* Attend meetings at your child's school.
* Explain your child's needs.
* Make certain that your child has appropriate assessments.
* Assist in the writing and implementation of your child's goals and objectives.
* Help in determining the most appropriate placement for your child.
* Make sure that your child is receiving the appropriate support services in order to help him/her achieve to his/her highest potential.
* Assist school personnel in the implementation of appropriate accommodations for your child.
* Assist in transitions.
* Follow up with you and with school personnel to assure continuing compliance.
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About Dr. Jan Serrantino
Jan Serrantino, Ed. D. has been an educator since 1989 with teaching, administrative and advocacy experience in California, Kansas and Virginia. She has
credentials in K-8 education, special education and administration. In addition, she holds certification in teaching English language learners and in reading instruction. She received her doctorate in education from USC.
As an advocate, Dr. Serrantino represents the student and family in obtaining the best possible modifications, accommodations or auxiliary aids that will support the student in participating in and benefiting from all educational programs and activities. Furthermore, she works with families and schools to ensure that the appropriate assessments are used to determine a students current level of educational performance.
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How do I know if my child can be assisted by an education consultant?
Dr. Serrantino will ask you to complete a Client Intake and have you submit any education records you currently have for your child. She will complete a Records Review, then meet with you to determine further information needed and to develop a Plan of Action.
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