Question 1

Free Consultation

Accepted Answer

C Squared offers a free consultation up to 30 minutes to learn more about each family's individual needs and explore how C Squared can best support them. Send a message using our contact form (javascript:void(0))or call (773) 649-6022 to schedule a consult

Question 2

Starting the IEP Process

Accepted Answer

This service is for families who are considering starting or just beginning the special education process. C Squared advocates provide information and guidance on:
 •  Educating parents on commonly used jargon and acronyms
 •  What questions to ask and data to collect
 •  What information to include in letters to the school
 •  How to formally initiate the IEP evaluation process
 •  Including timelines for moving forward
 •  Helpful resources and information on parent and student rights, known as Procedural   Safeguards 
 •  Common pitfalls to avoid

Question 3

Document Review

Accepted Answer

The C Squared team is available to review documents relating to a child’s individual education plan and make recommendations on next steps. This might include review of:
 • The IEP or 504 document
 • IEP report card
 • Work samples from class 
 • School based evaluation reports
 • Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) reports
 • Communication between school and parents​​​

Question 4

Prep for IEP or 504 Meetings

Accepted Answer

C Squared advocates help families prep for upcoming IEP or 504 meetings. In addition to the services described under Document Review, preparing for an IEP meeting might include:
 • Prep for initial or annual IEP and 504 meetings, triennial domain and team meetings, and all informal team meetings
 • Guidance on what information and data to request ahead of the meeting
 • Information on appropriate timelines for receiving documents
 • Working with parents to clarify what they believe is needed for their child to continue to make progress
 • Help parents identify their primary concerns
 • Help develop language to best convey parent’s perspective to school teams

Question 5

IEP Meeting Attendance

Accepted Answer

Bringing an advocate to an IEP meeting ensures that families have a trusted third party whose priority is the family and child's needs. In addition to the services describe in document review and meeting prep above, IEP meeting attendance might include:
 • Recording notes and observations throughout the meeting
 • Pausing meeting to check for understanding and clarity
 • Help convey to the team what supports parents believe their child needs in order to make progress
 • Explain to parents how Least Restrictive Environment requirement applies to their child's case
 • Ask for and review baseline data
 • Provide input on goals with a focus on SMART goals that are appropriate and appropriately challenging
 • Post-meeting download to reflect on meeting and plan next steps
 • Educate and coach parents pre- and post- meeting, helping parents gain confidence in their own advocacy skills

Question 6

Behavioral Management Consultation

Accepted Answer

Disruptive behaviors often take center stage, creating an urgency to stop the behaviors above all else. C Squared provides expert insight and recommendations into understanding and addressing undesirable behaviors, including:
 • Review relevant documents
 • Help understand when a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is appropriate
 • Provide input into the resulting Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
 • Classroom observations
 • Work with parents and school team to identify appropriate behavior supports and suggest adjustments based on data

SCHOOL ADVOCACY