Welcome to Student First Consulting.
Empowering Families Through Advocacy.
Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.
-Navigating Special Education Together.-
At Student First Consulting, we believe every child deserves a champion — someone who understands the system, hears your concerns, and advocates alongside you every step of the way. Whether you're navigating an IEP meeting, struggling with communication at school, or simply don’t know where to turn — you're not alone.
We're here to support families and individuals with disabilities through compassionate, professional, and personalized educational advocacy. Let’s work together to make sure your voice is heard and your child’s needs are met.
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Free Webinar Video
Preparing for Your Child’s 2025–2026 IEP
Get ready for the school year with expert guidance!
Preparing for your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this webinar, we walk you through the steps, tools, and timelines you’ll need to confidently plan for the 2025–2026 school year. Whether you’re new to the IEP process or looking to refine your advocacy skills, you’ll find clear, actionable guidance here.
This is a must-watch video for any parent navigating the IEP process!
Mission & Vision
Student First Consulting is dedicated to helping families navigate the special education process, highlighting the critical role of parental involvement. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have protected rights to provide input, and children who require additional support are entitled to a free, appropriate public education.
We advocate for equity in education and empower parents to actively engage with school IEP teams to create meaningful change for their children.
Meet Norah Schumann
Founder & Lead Educational Advocate
With over 25 years of experience in Special Education and Educational Leadership, Norah Schumann is passionate about supporting families through every stage of their special education journey.
Norah holds a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from Illinois State University and two Master’s degrees from Indiana University—one in Severe Disabilities and the other in Organizational Leadership.
She has served as a classroom teacher, assistive technology consultant, administrator, and most recently as Assistant Director of Special Education Advocacy at a law firm. After relocating from Chicago to North Port, Florida, she founded Student First Consulting to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.
Our Services
We offer a wide range of advocacy and consulting packages tailored to meet your family’s unique needs — at honest, affordable prices.
You'll never be upsold or pressured into a service you don't need. Our goal is your child's success.
Document Reviews (IEP / 504 Plan)
Eligibility and Initial Services
Individual Support for Existing IEP/504 Plans
Meeting Advocacy (Eligibility or IEP Meetings)
Programming and Service Revisions
Functional Behavioral Assessment / Behavior Intervention Plans
Transition Planning (School to Adult Services)
Early Intervention Services
Extended School Year (ESY) Services
Teacher Meetings (Non-IEP)
Change of Placement Consultations
IEP/504 Plan Non-Compliance Support
Trusted Advocate
25+ Years of Special Education Expertise, Empowering Families to Achieve Real Results
At Student First Consulting, we bring decades of hands-on experience guiding families through the special education process. From initial evaluations to complex IEP negotiations, we help you advocate with confidence and clarity — ensuring your child receives the support and services they deserve, every step of the way.
Making a Real Difference for Families
100+
Successful Outcomes in Eligibility and Service Meetings
200+
IEP and 504 Plans Reviewed and Strengthened
300+
Families Empowered Through Advocacy
25+ Years
Special Education and Educational Leadership Experience
Hear from Families We've Empowered
Our Simple Process
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We start by carefully reviewing your child’s needs, current documentation (IEP/504 plans), and educational challenges to build a clear foundation for advocacy.
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We develop a customized strategy, collaborate with school teams, attend meetings if needed, and advocate to ensure your child's rights and needs are fully addressed.
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We guide you through next steps, ensuring you feel confident, informed, and equipped to continue advocating for your child's long-term educational success.
Our blog
Let's work togetherOver 1,000+ clients worldwide trust our services
Get Started Today
You don’t have to navigate the special education system alone.
Partner with an advocate who puts your child first — every step of the way.
Parents often wonder what happens in a special education classroom, particularly when exploring ways to support children with unique learning needs. Special education classrooms are designed with individualized teaching methods and appropriate resources to help each student succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Based on our analysis, many parents and educators frequently ask what is the most common category of special education. According to several studies, including data from the 2020–21 school year (Understood), Specific Learning Disability (SLD) stands out as the most common special education category.
“Can I take my kid out of special education?” or “Is it advisable to remove a child from special education?” These questions can arise for many reasons, such as concerns about stigma, a belief that a child no longer requires specialized support, or a desire to explore other intervention methods.
“What are the 13 disabilities for IEP?” or wonder about the complete range of IEP disabilities outlined by federal law. These categories, established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), guide schools in providing tailored support to ensure that each student receives an appropriate educational experience.