By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq.
Summer break is arriving soon! It is time to unwind, perhaps soak up some sun. For many families, summer is spent relaxing. But, for the parent of a child with a disability or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), summer can also be a great time to get ahead and set your child up for a successful school year. One of the best ways to get a head start? Schedule a summer meeting with Shefter Law, P.A.
Why Now Is the Right Time
During the school year, it feels like everything moves a mile a minute—meetings, homework, therapy sessions, and a whole lot of emails. Summer gives you a little space to pause, think clearly, and plan ahead. That’s why it’s the perfect time to check in with Shefter Law.
Meeting with Shefter Law early in the summer means you can:
- Go over your child’s IEP without distractions
- Spot any problems that need to be fixed before school starts
- Talk through your concerns with an attorney who understands the system
- Make sure you’re ready for any fall IEP meetings
It’s all about getting a game plan in place—before the school year rush starts again.
How to Prepare for the Meeting
To get the most out of your meeting, gather up anything that tells the story of your child’s school year. That includes:
- Progress reports and report cards
- Emails or notes from teachers or school staff
- Evaluations or test results
Also, think about what’s been working—and what hasn’t. Ask yourself:
- Did my child get all the services listed in their IEP?
- Were they making progress?
- Did I feel heard by the school team?
- Do I think my child needs different support?
Write your thoughts down so you can bring them up during your meeting.
What to Expect from Shefter Law
Meeting with Shefter Law guarantees that you’ll sit down with an attorney who knows the ins and outs of special education law. They’ll discuss your concerns, review your paperwork, and collaborate with you on getting the best resolution.
That might mean:
- Helping you request changes to your child’s IEP
- Getting ready for a meeting with the school
- Explaining your rights in plain language
- Talking about what to do if the school isn’t following the IEP
The Shefter Law team is here to back you up and make sure your child gets the support they need and deserve.
A Better Start to the School Year
This isn’t necessarily about solving problems—it’s about avoiding them. By taking the time to meet with Shefter Law over the summer, you’re making sure that you and your child are starting the school year strong, with a clear plan in place, and a trusted attorney on your side.
You will be more prepared, more in control, and less stressed when back-to-school season comes around.
Final Reflections
Summer definitely shouldn’t be all school talk, but taking a little time to meet with Shefter Law can make a big difference and save you a lot of stress in the future. It’s a simple step that brings peace of mind and helps set your child up for success.
So, while you’re planning beach days and playdates, add one more thing to your summer list: a quick meeting with Shefter Law. You’ll be glad you did.