Special Education Advocacy Solutions
Specializing in supporting students with significant behavioral, emotional, and learning needs through collaborative, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirming advocacy.
OUR MISSION
Every child deserves to be understood, supported, and included at school.
At SEAS, we partner with families to navigate the special education process with confidence and clarity. We believe that the best educational outcomes happen when parents and schools make student-centered decisions to address each child's unique strengths, challenges, and needs.
Our work is grounded in collaboration, evidence-based practices, and a deep respect for neurodiversity. Through trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and Collaborative Problem Solving® approaches, we help families advocate for meaningful educational supports while fostering positive relationships with their school teams.
Whether preparing for an IEP meeting, reviewing evaluations, or addressing significant behavioral concerns, our goal is to help every child access an educational program where they feel safe and connected to their learning.
Does This Sound Familiar?
Are you receiving frequent calls from school about your child's behavior?
Has your child been disciplined, suspended, or repeatedly given consequences for behaviors that may be be related to their disability?
Are teachers relying on rewards and consequences, but nothing seems to change?
Did you leave your last IEP meeting feeling confused or unsure about what was decided?
Is your child's Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) ineffective or not being implemented consistently?
Is the school describing your child as "defiant" or "oppositional" without considering how their disability may be affecting their behavior?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you don't have to navigate this process alone. We can help you better understand your child's rights, advocate for appropriate supports, and work toward meaningful solutions that help your child succeed at school.
Schedule your free consultation today to learn how we can help.
PROUDLY PARTNERED WITH HELPING THE BEHAVIORALLY CHALLENGING CHILD (HBCC)
Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child (HBCC) is the only organization in Orange County focused exclusively on a system of care around Collaborative Problem Solving®. This exciting evidence-based approach helps with parenting, teaching and treating, children, teens, and young adults, with difficult-to-manage behaviors who are having trouble meeting the demands of home life, school and work expectations.
Since 2007 HBCC in Orange County, California has been a leader in this innovative model that has proven its efficacy at all levels of caregiver support. Both locally and nationally since 2002 this approach has realized improved outcomes in treatment and ultimately has improved relationships between children and their parents, their teachers, families, caregivers and their employers.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
— Albert Einstein
Meet Dr. Diane Lew
Throughout my 23-year career in public education as a general education teacher, special education teacher, special education coordinator, and school principal, I have learned that lasting change happens when we seek to understand a child's behavior rather than simply respond to it.
As an educator and advocate that is certified in Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS), I help families and school teams identify the unmet needs and lagging skills contributing to challenging behaviors so that interventions focus on teaching skills, strengthening relationships, and creating meaningful support.
My work is also grounded in trauma-informed and neuro-affirming practices. Every child deserves to be seen through the lens of their strengths, individual differences, and lived experiences and not simply through their challenges or diagnosis.
I believe families deserve an advocate who not only understands special education law and the IEP process, but also understands how schools function, how behavior impacts learning, and how collaborative partnerships can lead to better outcomes for students. I've been on both sides of the table, understand how schools and districts operate, and can help you navigate the process thoughtfully and collaboratively.
The Collaborative Problem Solving® certification reflects SEAS' commitment to compassionate, evidence-based advocacy. Developed by Think:Kids, this approach emphasizes understanding the underlying causes of behavioral and learning challenges while partnering with families and school teams to develop practical, individualized solutions. At SEAS, every child is viewed through a strengths-based lens with the belief that lasting progress begins with collaboration.
OUR SERVICES
The special education process can be difficult and overwhelming. It is important that you understand your rights as a parent and feel comfortable and knowledgeable every step of the way.
There are currently thirteen categories that may qualify a child for special education and/or related services. Some examples include: Autism, Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impairment, Speech and Language Impairment, and, Emotional Disturbance. There are numerous special education programs and services that can be offered to support students with disabilities. Some examples of these services include: specialized academic instruction, speech and language services, occupational therapy, behavior supports, or, a 1:1 instructional assistant.
Even if a child does not qualify for special education services, they may be eligible for 504 plan accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which may include extra time to complete assignments, modified assignments, additional adult support, preferential seating, etc.
We offer the following services to assist you in navigating this complex system:
File Review
Do you have questions about your child’s current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), eligibility for special education services or 504 plan accommodations, or assessment results? We will provide a comprehensive review of your child's entire file, review the current IEP, eligibility, and assessment results with you. We can also make appropriate recommendations to prepare for upcoming meetings with the school team.
Classroom Observations
Are you concerned about your child’s current placement, program, and/or supports? We’re available to observe your child across various educational environments and provide you with our recommendations for upcoming meetings.
IEP Attendance
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of information and educational jargon discussed at each school meeting that you attend? We will attend your child’s Student Study Team Meeting (SST) or IEP meeting and help advocate for your child to ensure that they receive the program, supports, and services that they require.
Ongoing Consultation
Are you worried about your child’s progress in school? We are available to provide ongoing consultation to ensure that your child is progressing appropriately with their current supports, services, and placement.
Contact
Contact us today to learn more about our advocacy services. We look forward to hearing from you!
Email
diane@seasorangecounty.com
