Eligibility, Initial Services & Early Intervention
Starting the special education process can feel like stepping into a system with its own language, timelines, and rules. Whether your child is just beginning the evaluation process, or is under age five and may qualify for early intervention, we help you understand what's happening, what your rights are, and how to make sure your child's needs are recognized from the very start.
Eligibility & Initial Services Support
What to Expect at Your Eligibility Meeting
● Who it's for: Families beginning the process of establishing their child's special education eligibility for the first time.
● What's included: Document review of educational, medical, health, and behavioral records; written and verbal communication with the school team; virtual attendance at three meetings (eligibility, IEP, and follow-up); collaboration to build an appropriate IEP/504 plan; and a final review of the draft IEP and Prior Written Notice before it's finalized.
● Who it's for: Parents of children under age five who may need special education services before they reach school age.
● What's included: The same comprehensive document review and three-meeting support as our Eligibility & Initial Services package, plus coordination with Head Start, Pre-K, or other early childhood programs to build an appropriate plan.
Early Intervention Guidance (Birth–5)
An eligibility meeting determines whether your child qualifies for special education services under federal law, and if so, under which category. We prepare you beforehand by reviewing all available evaluations and records, explaining what the school team's findings mean, and making sure your questions and concerns are documented and addressed before any decisions are finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends on their specific needs and evaluation results. We help you understand the early intervention eligibility process in your state and what documentation is needed to move forward.
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Federal law sets specific timelines for evaluations and eligibility meetings, though they vary by state and district. We'll walk you through the exact timeline that applies to your situation.
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You have the right to request an independent evaluation or challenge the decision. We help you understand your options and next steps.
Let's Get Your Child the Right Start
Book a free consultation to talk through your child's evaluation, eligibility, or early intervention needs.