Partners In Educational Advocacy

Special Education Consulting & Advocacy in New Jersey

Empowering Parents

Advocating for Children

Special Education Consulting

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Partners in Educational Advocacy supports New Jersey families and schools in developing effective, personalized education plans for students with disabilities that ensure they receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). We assist families in navigating Individual Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, and behavioral supports every step of the way. We offer a truly integrated approach that  ensures our services address the full spectrum of your child’s needs by consultation with other professionals including speech, occupational, physical, and mental health therapists. Through collaborative consultation, data-informed decisions, and targeted support, we can help you advocate for your child’s education, accessing the services and tools they need to succeed.

If you're a parent looking for direction we help turn challenges into meaningful educational outcomes, ensuring your child has the opportunity to succeed. As experienced Child Study Team members, we know how children learn, what helps them grow, and which supports truly make a difference.

Is your child struggling? Use our checklist to identify your concerns and contact us to schedule a free consultation today!

Let our expertise guide you in securing the right services so your child can thrive.

Special education consulting and educational advocacy services are based on your child’s unique needs. Partners in Educational Advocacy can provide short or long-term consultative services.

Services

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Services may include:

  • Providing help navigating the special education eligibility process

  • Reviewing your student’s educational records and making recommendations for educational support and services

  • Facilitating communication with your child’s school team

  • Guiding you to develop an initial evaluation request to determine if your child is eligible for Special Education Services through an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)

  • Reviewing a school's initial or re-evaluation reports and helping you to prepare for an upcoming Eligibility Meeting /IEP Meeting

  • Attending IEP or 504 meetings

  • Consulting with your child's private providers

  • Observing your child when appropriate

Three people sitting at a table in a bookstore or library, engaged in a conversation. Two women and one man, with books and plants in the background.

We Will:

  • Answer questions about the evaluation and IEP process and guide you throughout

  • Explain the Special Education Code (including special education classifications) and Parental Rights in Special Education

  • Help you articulate your questions throughout the process 

  • Create a positive, collaborative working relationship between you and Child Study Team members

  • Provide the knowledge and support you need to effectively advocate for your child’s needs

Empowering Parents. Advocating for Children.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know!

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Confused? You’re not the only one!

Navigating the special education eligibility process and understanding the range of supports and services available can be overwhelming. Consulting with a qualified advocate helps you participate more meaningfully in the decisions made at your child’s IEP meetings.

Partners in Educational Advocacy provides special education consulting and educational advocacy to families. Our goal in working together is to help you feel supported and knowledgeable so you can confidently and effectively advocate for your child’s needs.

Let us help you on this journey…

Meet Our Partners

Laurie Rochlin, MST, LDTC, BCASE

Laurie has over 25 years of experience as a teacher, Learning Consultant and CST Case Manager helping students with diverse learning needs succeed. She has worked in early intervention, public schools, and higher education.

Joan M. Romo, Psy.D., BCASE

Joan worked as a School Psychologist, CST member, and Case Manager covering grades Pre-K through Eight from 1994 to 2022, with 20 of those years in Closter, NJ.

romo@empowerparent.com

As Board Certified Advocates in Special Education with over 25 years of shared experience in the BergenCounty, New Jersey Public Schools, Laurie Rochlin and Joan Romo have worked side by side helping families navigate the special education process with clarity and confidence. As former Child Study Team members and Case Managers, they understand how schools work and what it takes to get students the support they need. Their expertise and collaborative approach will empower parents and foster positive, productive relationships with educators.

rochlin@empowerparent.com

FREE CONSULTATION

Let us work together to help you to feel supported and empowered while advocating for your child’s needs.

Empowering Parents.

Advocating for Children.