IEP, Expulsion & Suspension Hearings

Illinois Education Lawyers

Helping Families with IEPs, Suspension and Expulsion Hearings

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees "that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education . . . designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living."

If your child has special needs, however, getting the school district to provide an appropriate education can be a challenge.

• Has your child's school simply refused to do necessary and appropriate testing to determine if your child has a learning disability?
• Have you waited months for the school to begin special education services? Does the school insist your child has no special needs because he or she is passing each grade?
• Is the school district putting your child in a program that is not appropriate?
• Is the school refusing to provide the special ed services your child needs such as an educational assistant, counseling, or occupational, physical, or speech therapy?
• Have teachers and school officials used inappropriate disciplinary strategies, such as out-of-school suspension?

Does It Seem the School Never Listens to You?

At the law office of Ciesla & Ciesla in Northbrook, Illinois, our education attorneys amplify the voice of parents and students so they can get the educational services they need. We provide families with legal advice as well as advocacy and representation in hearings before the school board and in mediation or arbitration.

We're here to ensure that the due process rights of every student are preserved and protected. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with a lawyer if you are having problems with your child's elementary or high school.

Special Education Law and IEPs

Your student has rights, including the right to an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) that guides the educational resources he or she will receive. An IEP is the result of classroom observation, student testing, and medical and psychological reports.

As your education attorney, our first step is to ensure that you and your student understand your rights under Michigan education law, the process of requesting and obtaining an IEP, and the school district's responsibility to conduct a review and create a plan in a timely manner.

Suspensions and Expulsions

All too often a school thinks it can handle every behavioral problem with in-school or out-of-school suspension. This is not an appropriate method of discipline because your child is not receiving an education if he or she is not in the classroom. Suspension should be the school's last resort for dealing with behavioral problems, not their first.

You can challenge the school's disciplinary strategies. We represent students and parents in school disciplinary hearings and due process hearings. We can help you appeal disciplinary decisions to the Illinois State Board of Education, if need be.

You Are Not Alone - Help is Available

Children with special needs have so many challenges. We understand how difficult it can be to have one more fight on your hands. At Ciesla & Ciesla, we are your advocates in education law. Let us help you get the educational services your child needs and deserves. Contact our Chicago area law office to schedule a consultation.