Frequently Asked Questions
Special education comes with a lot of acronyms, timelines, and what-ifs. These answers are meant to give you a starting point. During a consultation, we tailor guidance to your specific situation.
Understanding The Process
What is the typical timeline for the IEP process?
- You have concerns and request a meeting - the school has 10 calendar days to schedule a meeting
- The school has 65 business days from the initial Special Education Committee meeting to complete all assessments and hold an Eligibility Meeting.
- If the student is found eligible for special education services the school has 30 calendar days to complete an initial IEP and meet to discuss it prior to implementation
We help families understand each step, track deadlines, and prepare for meetings along the way.
What's the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP?
- 504 Plan: Provides accommodations and supports so a student with a disability can access learning on an equal basis.
- IEP: Provides specialized instruction, related services, and accommodations when a disability impacts educational progress.
We help you determine which option may fit your child, and how to talk with the school about next steps.
When Things Are Not Going As Planned
What should I do if the IEP or 504 Plan is not being followed?
- Start by documenting what is (and is not) happening—dates, missed services, missing accommodations.
- Communicate in writing with the teacher or case manager to ask for clarification.
- If concerns continue, request an IEP or 504 meeting to address implementation and problem-solve.
We help you draft emails, interpret the school's responses, and decide when additional steps—such as formal complaints—might be appropriate.
What if my child has been suspended or is facing discipline?
- Ask for detailed information: what happened, what rules were allegedly broken, and what discipline is being considered.
- If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, the school may need to hold a "manifestation determination" meeting.
- This meeting looks at whether the behavior was caused by, or had a direct relationship to, your child's disability or the school's failure to follow the plan.
We explain this process in plain language, review discipline data, and help you prepare for high-stakes meetings.
Working With SDW Consulting
Are you attorneys?
No. We are special education advocates. We do not provide legal representation or legal advice. If we believe your situation needs an attorney, we will tell you and may suggest options to explore.
Do you attend meetings with parents?
Yes, when appropriate and available. We can attend meetings virtually or in person (in the Hampton Roads area), depending on your service level and needs.
Do you only serve families in Hampton Roads?
We are based in the Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads area and love supporting local families. We also work with families in other locations through virtual services, when appropriate.
How much do your services cost?
We offer different levels of support depending on your needs and the complexity of the case. During your free consultation, we walk through options and pricing so there are no surprises.
Still have questions? You’re not alone.
Every family’s situation is different, and the answers often live in real-world experience—not just timelines and acronyms.
See what families and professionals say about working with SDW Consulting.
