Every parent wants the best for his or her child. Every teacher wants the best for his or her student. Sometimes what one parent considers the ‘best for my child,’ may be in conflict with what that child’s teacher or school may feel is necessary or indicated. The reverse is also very common in that a school or teacher may see the child as needing more assistance, but the parent(s) may disagree. In either circumstance, CFA’s philosophy is clear: parents and teachers have a unique expertise in knowing the child and both points of concern need to be carefully understood so that the child does not ‘fall through the cracks.’

The Collaborative School Partners Program at CFA (CSP@CFA) has a particular expertise in working with schools by using a collaborative, non-adversarial and strength-based approach. We have a demonstrated track record of success for our clients in both public and private school settings. Our Educational Consultation Services include:

• Working with parents and schools to address areas of need via informal accommodations
• Facilitating consultations to uncover whether a child or teenager may benefit from further assessment within the school regarding the child’s eligibility for the 504 Plan Process
• Facilitating consultations to uncover whether a child or teenager may benefit from further assessment within the school regarding the child’s eligibility for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process

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Informal Accommodations

In many– if not all cases–the best way to start is by getting people together to talk about their observations and to identify specific academic or social concerns for the child or teenager at school. CSP@CFA consultants are available to help parents prepare for such meetings and even attend such meetings with the parents, acting as an advocate for the child’s best interests. We have found that many schools welcome our attendance at Child Study or Intervention Assistance Team meetings. Schools often appreciate our ability to facilitate productive discussion during such meetings.

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504 Plan Process

In some cases, a child or teenager has needs that cannot be met by informal accommodations or does not meet eligibility standards for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP.) For these cases, Section 504 under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted to assist parents and schools in establishing targeted and specific educational accommodations for qualified children.

CSP@CFA consultants have extensive experience and expertise in facilitating this 504 Plan process. We do so in a collaborative, non-adversarial and strength-based approach. This means that we are interested in working with the school and other providers from a team perspective, which is proven to produce outcomes in the best interests of the child or teenager in need. For more information about this federal law, please go to: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html

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Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process

In some cases, a child or teenager has needs that cannot be met by an informal accommodation plan or even a 504 Plan. For these cases, a federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted to assist parents and schools to establish targeted and specific educational accommodations for qualified children.

CSP@CFA consultants have extensive experience and expertise in facilitating this IEP process. We do so in a collaborative, non-adversarial and strength-based approach. This means that we are interested in working with the school and other providers from a team perspective, which is proven to produce outcomes in the best interests of the child or teenager in need. For more information about this federal law, please go to: http://idea.ed.gov/

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CSP@CFA Proven Processes

CSP@CFA is staffed with licensed clinical & school psychologists who have expertise in working within school systems and advocating for clients’ needs. As psychologists and licensed mental health clinicians, we have a unique perspective of not only the clinical needs of youth but also the intricacies of maneuvering the bureaucratic and legal processes required to access accommodations.

For more information about this program, please call our client care coordinator at 703-533-3930 and press extension 1 for new referrals. Our client care coordinator will promptly receive your inquiry and will make every effort to return your call within 48 hours.