Frequently Asked Questions from Parents of Special Needs Children in NJ

I use my observations of your child in their home or school environment, along with the information I collect from their teachers and therapists, to give you my recommendations.

In a sense, I am evaluating the home or school experience for your child. We focus on how he or she learns, communicates, socializes, deals with frustration and so on- rather than evaluating the child.

This consultation process is as follows. I first meet virtually or in-person with the parents to do an intake and hear about their child's development and day care or school experiences .

This is a time for parents to share concerns, as well as any opinions that your child's caregivers, teachers or pediatrician may have.

I will collect any formal evaluations, progress notes or report cards to create a more complete picture of your child’s needs. With this information, I will observe your child at home, daycare, or school. I will then speak to caregivers/teachers, as well as any therapists that might be working with your child.

Following this process, we will schedule a feedback meeting so that I can share my impressions and recommendations with you, and together we will make a plan for your next steps.

The fee for this consultation process as described above is $1,200. It includes a written summary of my observations, my recommendations and the plan that we create together.

I have been working with families of special needs children for over 40 years in a variety of daycare and school settings.

I have experience working at the Jewish Board of Family and Children Services at the Child Development Center in New York City.

I was a teacher-therapist at the Community Mental Health Center at University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark New Jersey.

I was the Developmental Interventionist at the Institute for Child Development at Hackensack Medical Center

I was the head teacher in a program for children with high functioning autism in the Therapeutic Nursery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

I also have experience as the Early Childhood Director at RYNJ with students ages 3-5.

I was most recently the Director of Early Childhood Support Services for 22 years at a mainstream private school, Yeshivat Noam, in Paramus New Jersey.

I am proud to have helped dozens of families make decisions in the best interest of their child.

I typically am able to schedule a feedback meeting with parents 1-2 weeks after I have observed your child and collected information from the professionals that work with him/her.

Yes, you will need to give the school your permission for me to observe your child there. Once this happens, I will coordinate with your child's teacher, or case manager, as to the best time to come in for the observation. I will also schedule a time to speak with the teacher and any other professional working with your child.

I typically do not need to meet with your child before offering advice and guidance. However, there are circumstances where it is best for me to observe your child in their home environment. These observations are included in the price of our initial consultation.

Emotional Strain: Parents of a special needs child often face emotional challenges, including feelings of guilt, grief, and worry about their child's well-being and future.

Financial Burden: The cost of medical care, therapies, specialized equipment, and educational support for a special needs child can place a significant financial strain on parents, impacting their ability to save for the future or cover everyday expenses.

Navigating the System: Parents must navigate a complex web of services, support systems, and educational options for their special needs child. Understanding and accessing these resources can be overwhelming and time-consuming, requiring advocacy and perseverance.

What are my child's current levels of performance in various areas such as academics, social skills, behavior, and communication?

What goals are being set for my child and how will progress be measured?

What specific accommodations and supports will be provided to help my child meet their goals?

How will the effectiveness of the IEP be monitored and how often will progress be reviewed?

Are there any supplementary aids or services that could benefit my child?

How will the school ensure that my child is included in general education classes and extracurricular activities to the greatest extent possible?

What training and experience do the staff members have in working with children with similar needs as my child?

How can I as a parent be involved in the implementation and review of my child's IEP?

What is the procedure for resolving disputes or making changes to the IEP if needed?

Are there any transition planning goals in place for my child as they move to a new grade or exit the school system?