What is Extended School Year (ESY)?
ESY is NOT summer school. Learn more about what it is and how it can help the special education student you love.
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Ask the Advocate Blog
The Answers Special Education Families Need Now!
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Melissa Minnick
- Apr 6
- 5 min
Evaluation & Special Education Eligibility
A diagnosis of dyslexia does not guarantee that your child will receive special education services. Here's what teams consider...
Melissa Minnick
- Mar 23
- 3 min
What is an evaluation for special education services?
The evaluation is critical to every step of the special education process moving forward.
Melissa Minnick
- Feb 25
- 3 min
How do students get special education services?
The initial referral is a critical first step in acquiring the services and support your child needs in school. Learn more here.
Melissa Minnick
- Feb 17
- 3 min
Why Your Dyslexic Child Needs the Protection of a Formal Plan…Not Just “Extra Help”
"Extra help" is not enough. Formal special education plans exist to provide students with the services they need and parents with rights.
Melissa Minnick
- Feb 8
- 3 min
What kind of help is available for a dyslexic child in public school?
How public schools fulfill their obligation to provide children with dyslexia, or any disability, a Free and Appropriate Public Education.
Melissa Minnick
- Aug 12, 2022
- 7 min
Starting Your Dyslexic Child’s School Year Off Right!
Tips and advice for parents of dyslexic children- no matter where they are in the special education process.
Melissa Minnick
- Apr 14, 2022
- 8 min
The Re-evaluation Question: What Parents Need to Know About Special Education Re-evaluation
Read our advice for parents' one main fear when discussing reevaluation. Plus, understand the purposes and benefits.
Melissa Minnick
- Nov 29, 2021
- 9 min
5 Things to Do Now to Help Your Struggling Student (PLUS 3 Mistakes to Avoid!)
If your child is struggling in school, do not wait to take action! We share what to do now and critical mistakes to avoid.
Melissa Minnick
- May 20, 2021
- 6 min
Covid-19 Recovery Services and ESY: Can They Help Your Child Rebound After the Covid 19 Crisis?
This summer many parents are scrambling to help their child after the Covid 19 global pandemic disrupted education.
Melissa Minnick
- Jan 25, 2021
- 7 min
New Year, Same Story: How to Advocate for Change in 2021
The pandemic continues and the challenges that families faced in 2020 are still with us in 2021. But we can still advocate for change!
Melissa Minnick
- Dec 2, 2020
- 7 min
504 Plan or IEP: What Is The Best Plan For Your Child's Needs?
There are some important differences between 504 Plans and IEPs that parents should know about!
Melissa Minnick
- Oct 30, 2020
- 7 min
Assistive Technology: A Game Changer for Students with Disabilities
Assistive Technology is the missing piece that allows a child the ability to access the curriculum and show their strengths.
Melissa Minnick
- Sep 1, 2020
- 6 min
Understanding Compensatory Education
What are compensatory education services? Does your child meet the criteria to receive them? Find out all you need to know here!