Bergen County Special Education Law Attorney

Sherwood, Johnson & Poles is committed to ensuring every child's right to an appropriate education. We actively advocate for students with disabilities, working diligently to obtain necessary services and accommodations. 

Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive legal support to parents and guardians, navigating complex regulations and addressing disputes with educational institutions. By leveraging our deep understanding of state and federal laws, we strive to achieve the best outcomes for your child’s education. Partner with us to help safeguard your child's educational needs and secure their future success.

For a free consultation with our special education advocacy lawyers, call our office today at (888) 224-1218.

IEP (Individualized Education Program) Advocacy

The IEP is crucial for providing tailored education to students with disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support and resources. Our team can assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining an effective IEP. Our attorneys work closely with parents, teachers, and school administrators to create a plan that helps accommodate each child.

We take proactive steps to help ensure compliance with state and federal laws. This process includes conducting thorough evaluations and holding regular IEP meetings. Our team reviews educational progress, makes necessary adjustments to the IEP, and advocates for services and accommodations your child requires. 

We meticulously examine all paperwork and communications, helping make sure they adhere to legal requirements and prevent potential disputes.

504 Plan Assistance

A 504 plan provides accommodations for students with disabilities who need support to access the general education curriculum. Our team can help you determine your child’s eligibility for a 504 plan, ensuring your child meets the criteria under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

We provide comprehensive support services for drafting and implementing a 504 Plan. Our team works closely with parents, teachers, and school administrators to develop accommodations that address your child's needs. 

Our attorneys are dedicated to securing the best educational environment for your child. We can help with everything from conducting thorough evaluations to ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Mediation and Due Process Hearings

Mediation is a voluntary, collaborative process where parents and schools work together to resolve education plan disputes. Our mediation services can provide a less adversarial atmosphere, quicker resolutions, and more flexibility in solutions. We can help prepare you for the process and represent your interests to achieve favorable outcomes.

Due process hearings are a more formal approach. They involve presenting evidence and arguments before an impartial hearing officer. These hearings follow strict legal procedures to address disagreements about a child's educational needs. We can support you through every phase, from filing the due process complaint to presenting the case.

Discipline Issues

Our team can help you advocate for fair treatment in disciplinary proceedings involving students with disabilities. We also help ensure that any disciplinary actions comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

Our attorneys take proactive steps to protect your child's rights, such as requesting manifestation determination reviews. These reviews assess whether the behavior in question is linked to their disability. If a disciplinary action proceeds, we represent your child in all meetings, hearings, and appeals to ensure a fair process. We can meticulously review all documentation and challenge any unfair or inappropriate measures.

School Placement 

Evaluating a School’s Appropriateness 

Determining the best placement for a child with disabilities involves carefully evaluating their academic, social, and emotional needs. Our team of experienced attorneys can help assess a school for the necessary resources, environment, and support to foster your child's growth.

We work closely with educational professionals to help ensure that placement is tailored to your student’s needs. This thorough evaluation process includes reviewing IEPs, 504 Plans, and other relevant documentation. We can also help with conducting observations and interviews.

Challenging Poor School Placements

When disputes arise over school placements, we provide robust legal representation to challenge inappropriate assignments. We fight to uphold your child's right to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), advocating for placements that truly address their needs. 

Our attorneys are skilled in handling various legal avenues, including filing complaints with the state education agency. We can initiate due process hearings and seek mediation when appropriate. Our team can also explore potential remedies such as private school placements or alternative educational programs.

Our special education advocacy attorneys are available in Bergen, NJ and beyond. You can schedule time with our team online.