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Education Consulting
Education Consulting
Navigating the education system for your child can be challenging—especially when your child is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or learning difficulties. Understanding your options is key to getting the right support. Depending on your child’s age and stage of development, there are different educational supports and placements that may be available through your school district.
Tonya El-Hendi
LCSW #63584
P.P.S.C.
I have been working in education for more than 24 years. I have been a teacher, school counselor, foster youth liaison and currently a school-based mental health provider. I get how hard it is to navigate the school setting when your child needs a little extra to thrive. I primarily work with parents to guide them in finding the right school supports in addition to working with children and adolescents.
When an adolescent is my client I want to support their needs in addition to fostering their relationship with parents.
If you are considering whether your child may need a special education evaluation or an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is important to understand your options. Schools are legally required to evaluate students when there are concerns about learning or behavior that may impact their education. This process is typically provided at no cost to families and can help determine eligibility for services such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. In some cases, families also choose private evaluations for a more in-depth perspective, but it does not always require thousands of dollars to begin the process. Community resources, regional centers, and healthcare providers can also play an important role in supporting your child. Exploring these options with professional guidance ensures that your child receives the right type of assessment and access to the most appropriate services.
Common school-based support options include:
General Education with Classroom Accommodations
Students remain in the general education setting but receive accommodations (like extended test time or preferential seating) through a 504 Plan to support access to learning.
General Education with Specialized Support
Students may receive services such as counseling, speech therapy, or behavioral support through push-in services, where specialists work with the student in their regular classroom. School-based mental health services may be an option at your school district.
Special Education Services that require an Individualized Education Plan (IEP):
Resource Support (Pull-Out Services)
Students leave their general education class for part of the day to receive targeted instruction (e.g., reading, math, or social skills) in a smaller group setting, often with a special education teacher. Usually requires an IEP.
Special Day Class (SDC)
A more structured environment for students who require significant modifications to the curriculum or behavior support. These classrooms have smaller student-teacher ratios and are led by special education teachers.
Nonpublic School (NPS)
For students whose needs cannot be met in public school settings, districts may fund placement in a certified nonpublic school that provides specialized instruction and therapeutic services.