Special Education Law for Families

Serving Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and Southern California

Every child deserves an education that supports who they are and how they learn. Yet for many families, California’s special education system can feel overwhelming filled with unfamiliar acronyms, delays, and inconsistent support.

At Chaney Counsel, we help parents understand their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, guiding them through each step of the process with clarity and confidence.

As Los Angeles and Ventura County special education attorneys, we represent parents only. We help you prepare for meetings, communicate effectively with your district, and take action when your child is not receiving a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as required by law.

If your child’s needs are not being met, we are here to help.

504 Plans: Equal Access to Education

Section 504 entitles students with disabilities to equal access to school programs and activities. A 504 Plan is the tool schools use to provide that access.

A 504 Plan may include accommodations such as:

• Extended time on tests
• Modified assignments
• Assistive technology
• Preferential seating
• Behavioral supports

Although 504 Plans do not generate additional funding, they are legally enforceable and schools must follow them.

We help parents:

• Request a district evaluation for 504 eligibility
• Ensure the 504 Plan accurately reflects the child’s needs
• Address situations where the school is not following the plan
• Resolve disputes while keeping the focus on the student

If you need assistance obtaining or enforcing accommodations, we can step in and advocate for your child’s rights under federal and California law.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) & Due Process

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the foundation of special education in California. It must be tailored to your child’s unique needs and outline:

• Present levels of academic and functional performance
• Measurable annual goals
• Special education and related services (speech, OT, counseling, etc.)
• Accommodations and modifications
• The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• How progress will be measured and reported

Parents are equal members of the IEP team. You have the right to ask questions, request changes, and disagree with the district.

As a California IEP attorney, we assist families by:

• Reviewing assessments and requesting Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
• Preparing you for IEP meetings so you know what to ask for
• Attending IEP meetings and advocating for appropriate services
• Addressing refusals to assess or denials of needed services
• Filing for mediation or due process when the district is not providing FAPE

If the district will not provide the services your child needs, we can represent you in mediation or a Due Process Hearing to enforce your child’s rights.

Mediation & Parent Advocacy

Many school disputes arise not from the law, but from misunderstandings, poor communication, or incomplete information.

Mediation is a voluntary meeting with a neutral facilitator and is often faster, more collaborative, and less stressful than a hearing.

We support families by:

• Getting organized before mediation
• Identifying specific solutions and desired outcomes
• Keeping the discussion focused on the student
• Ensuring agreements are placed into clear, enforceable terms

We also provide parent advocacy services, including document review, drafting parent input statements, and coaching you before meetings. When parents understand the process, schools are far more likely to listen.

Private School Placement

Sometimes a public school cannot meet a student’s needs, and private or non-public school placement becomes necessary.

We help families:

• Determine whether private placement is appropriate
• Gather evidence showing the district did not provide FAPE
• Pursue district funding or tuition reimbursement when permitted under the law

No matter the setting, the goal is the same: your child should be educated in an environment where they can meaningfully progress.

Additional Special Education Services We Handle

Evaluations & Assessments

A strong educational plan begins with strong evaluations. We help parents request comprehensive assessments, challenge incomplete testing, and obtain Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) at district expense.

Behavior Support & School Discipline

Students with disabilities cannot be punished for disability-related behavior without proper protections. We assist with:

• Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
• Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)

Our goal is to ensure the school uses support, not removal.

Transition Planning (Age 16+)

By age 16 (and often earlier), the IEP must include a transition plan for life after high school. We help families secure:

• Post-secondary planning
• Employment and job-readiness support
• Connections to regional centers and disability services

Bullying, Harassment & Denial of FAPE

If bullying or an unsafe environment impacts your child’s learning, the district must respond. We help families implement safety plans, address harassment, and ensure missed learning is remedied.

Compensatory Education and Missed Services

If a school fails to deliver required services, your child may be entitled to compensatory education. We calculate missed services and negotiate—or litigate—so your child receives appropriate make-up support.

Early Intervention (Ages 0-3)

We help parents navigate California’s Early Start Program and transition smoothly from an IFSP to a school-based IEP at age three.

ADR and State Complaints

Not every dispute requires a hearing. We assist with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and California Department of Education (CDE) complaints for faster, targeted solutions.

Why Families Work with Chaney Counsel

Schools often have attorneys, case managers, and compliance officers advising them. Parents deserve the same level of informed guidance.

Attorney Lindsey Chaney is both a lawyer and the parent of a child with disabilities. She understands the emotional weight of these decisions. Her approach is simple:

Listen first. Explain clearly. Advocate firmly.

With Chaney Counsel, you will always know your options, your rights, and the next steps to take.

Related Service: Special Needs Planning

Many families seeking help with school issues also need long-term planning for their child’s future. We assist with:

• Special Needs Trusts
• Medi-Cal & SSI coordination
• Letters of Intent
• Guardianship and conservatorship guidance

Schedule a Consultation

If you need a special education attorney in Los Angeles or Ventura County who understands both the law and the lived experience of raising a child with disabilities, we would be honored to help.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your situation and develop a plan to protect your child’s educational rights.

Serving families across Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and surrounding Southern California communities.