Special Education Advocacy Solutions
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to ensure that every child is receiving the program, supports, and services that they require as well as the social-emotional support they need in order to feel safe and connected to their learning.
Academic success is not one size fits all. It looks different for every student. As your advocate, I will work collaboratively with your family to ensure that our conversations with the school team are grounded in transparency and student-centered decision-making to best support your child.
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
Since 1999, Dr. Diane Lew has supported students with disabilities as a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a district-level special education program coordinator, and a school principal. Through her background and experience, she has gained a thorough knowledge of K-12 standards and curriculum; assessment and data analysis; effective classroom management strategies and positive behavior support strategies; development of individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 accommodations plans; design, management, and revision of behavior support plans; design, procedures and legal aspects of special education; and, conflict resolution strategies.
Dr. Lew possesses a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Level II Education Specialist Instruction Specialist Credential with Autism Authorization, and an Administrative Services Credential. In addition to her bachelor’s degree, she has also earned a master’s degree in educational administration and doctoral degree in education.
MY 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
Feel free to contact me to learn more about my advocacy services. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!
Email
diane@seasorangecounty.com
Phone
(949) 689-7194
