Caring and Compassionate Education Law Attorneys Helping Students Achieve Their Education Rights

In all states, students, regardless of their immigration status, have a state constitutionally protected right to obtain a public education. Unfortunately, these rights protected by the U.S. and are not always protected, especially amongst vulnerable populations.  The caring and compassionate attorneys at The Harvey Law Group, PLLC are dedicated to representing the interests of children in educational matters.  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) offers students with disabilities, between the ages of 3 and 21, an education program tailored to their individual and unique needs.  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, along with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibits the discrimination of students, and individuals, based on disability status.

 

If you are a parent of a child with a disability or if your child has been suspended or expelled from school, been bullied, receive English as Second Language services, been denied enrollment or transfer options, or denied access to general education, The Harvey Law Group, PLLC can help.  Contact us now at 202-291-2914, by email at info@theharveylawgroup.com or fill out and submit this initial contact form to determine if you have a case against your school system.

 

Our caring and compassionate education law attorneys offer skilled representation in cases involving:

 

• Special Education Due Process Hearings and Mediations: If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) but has not progressed towards meeting his annual goals, is not receiving the services he was promised, or has an overall ineffective IEP, the school system may be violating his special education rights.  We file due process petitions to hold the schools accountable for ensuring children receive a free, appropriate public education.  If you believe your child’s special education rights have been violated, contact us today at 202-291-2914 to determine if you have a case against your school system.

 

• IDEA, 504 and ADA Claims: Every child receiving special education services is guaranteed a free and appropriate public education free from discrimination based on her disability. Each child with special needs is entitled to a personalized IEP or 504 Plan based on her unique needs detailing the supplementary supports, services, and aids she would need to receive her special education.  If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan and is being discriminated against because of her disability, contact us today at 202-291-2914 to determine if you have a case against your school system for that discrimination.

 

• Bullying at school: The law requires school districts to have a policy prohibiting bullying and harassment and outlining protocols for reporting and investigating the bullying.  If your child has suffered bullying in the school system, and you reported the bullying but the child is not being protected from the bullying, contact us today at 202-291-2914 to determine if you have a case against your school system for their failure to protect your child from bullying.

 

• Restraints, Seclusion, and Isolation:  In some instances the law allows restraints, seclusion and isolation of students.  However, school systems are not permitted to abuse these forms of behavior management.  If your child was secluded, restrained, or placed in isolation and suffered some form of serious harm, contact us today at 202-291-2914 to determine if you have a case against your school system.

 

• Abuse and injuries to children: Neglect and physical abuse of students with special needs or non-disabled children can happen at the hands of a teacher, principal, support staff or other students.   If your child was physically abused or injured or verbally assaulted and suffered some form of serious harm, contact us today at 202-291-2914 to determine if you have a case against your school system.

 

• Accommodations and unequal access claims: If a disabled student cannot participate in any part of the school day due to inadequate access accommodations, Section 504 and the ADA provide equal access remedies.  Contact us at 202-291-2914 to discuss your case if your child cannot access the school or school events due to inadequate access accommodations.

 

• Out of School Suspensions/Expulsions:  The IDEA provides protection for students that are suspended from school due to behaviors that are related to their disability.  Additionally, nondisabled students are entitled to representation and notice for school suspensions.  If your child receives an IEP and has been suspended for more than ten days (i.e., told to go home, placed in in-school suspension, received a bus suspension, etc.), your child’s rights may have been violated.  If your non-disabled child was suspended for more than 11 days and did not receive a hearing or right to a hearing, his rights may have been violated.  If either situation has occurred, contact our experienced attorneys at 202-291-2914 to determine if you have a case against the school system.

 

• Enrollment/Transfer: Every child has the right to attend public school. Sometimes school systems deny enrollment to homeless children or children moving from a different state or county.  This is illegal and should not occur.  If you attempted to enroll your child in a public school or public charter school and were denied, contact us at 202-291-2914 to determine if you have a case against the school system that denied your child access to the school.

 

• Resources for parents: Schools are mandated to provide free, appropriate services to parents of special needs students. We can provide the necessary information you need to learn more.  Please contact us at 202-291-2914.

 

Some education law practices and procedures vary between Maryland, Washington, D.C. and other U.S. states.  They can also vary locally from school district to school district, but all schools must be in compliance with state and federal regulations when it comes to special education. If your school is in violation of those regulations – whether from lack of funding or lack of attention – The Harvey Law Group, PLLC can help you and your family.

 

Call us today at 202-291-2914 or complete an initial contact form to determine if you have a case against the school system.