The things parents ask me first.

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) provides specially designed instruction and services for a student who qualifies under one of the IDEA disability categories — it changes what and how a child is taught. A 504 plan provides accommodations — changes to how a child accesses the same instruction, like extended time, preferential seating, or breaks. Kids who don't qualify for an IEP often do qualify for a 504. Figuring out which fits your child is exactly the kind of thing the free call is for.

I'm an educational consultant, not an attorney, and nothing I do is legal advice or legal representation. Most IEP and 504 situations never need a lawyer — they need preparation, specific requests, and follow-through. If your situation genuinely calls for one (for example, a due-process hearing), I'll tell you that plainly and help you get organized for that conversation.

No — and you probably don't want someone who will. I spent twenty-plus years on the school side of the table, and most of the people sitting there want to help your child. My approach is preparation over confrontation: families who show up organized, specific, and calm get better plans. Firm is fine. Adversarial usually backfires.

The current IEP or 504 plan, the most recent evaluation report, the last round of progress reports or report cards, and any emails from the school that worried you. Work samples help too. Don't stress about having everything — I'll tell you on the call exactly what to gather, and you're entitled to request copies of your child's records from the school.

Two to three weeks before the meeting is ideal — enough time for a full records review and a prep session. Got a meeting this week? Reach out anyway. A one-hour prep session on short notice still changes how that meeting goes.

In-person support is included within roughly 30 miles of downtown Indianapolis; farther out in Indiana adds a travel fee that's quoted up front. Virtually, I work with families anywhere — records reviews and prep are video-friendly, and most schools offer a video option for case conferences.

With your written permission, yes — I can join meetings and be part of conversations with the team. But you remain the decision-maker at every step. My job is to make you the most prepared person in the room, not to replace your voice.

Your child's records stay private. I don't share them with anyone, I use them only for the work you hired me to do, and I delete them when we're done or whenever you ask, whichever comes first.