Wed.: Education Services Seminar

By COLlive Staff

Many parents in our community can get free education services for their child, like tutoring, speech or occupational therapy, counseling, and more, according to Yitzchok Wagshul, long-time Crown Heights resident and an education advocate with Final Word Consulting, Ltd. The NYC Department of Education will provide these services right in a child’s yeshiva, or, in some cases, will actually pay for the cost of private school tuition.

“Federal and state law gives every child the right to a free, appropriate public education, or ‘FAPE,’” Mr. Wagshul explains. “The word ‘appropriate’ is used because every child is different, and some children have conditions that can be classified as disabilities affecting their education. Whether it’s a physical condition, a learning disability or ADHD, or even behavior problems, if the child
meets the legal requirements, he or she is entitled to free services or even tuition reimbursement—even in yeshiva.”

But many parents, and even some schools, don’t know their rights and the system well enough to get those services, or to get the maximum level of services for their children.

“Getting the right services for your child involves equal parts science, knowledge of law, and ability to negotiate and work the system,” the special education advocate clarifies. “The science part is understanding the standardized cognitive and behavioral tests used to evaluate your child’s performance. Knowing the law will tell you what your child’s rights are under the circumstances revealed by the test results. Then, it’s a matter of knowing what to ask for and how to negotiate for it, or, if need be, to win a case at an impartial hearing.”

Mr. Wagshul will be speaking to parents and educators Wednesday night, May 23, at 8:00 p.m. at the Shalom Center located at 483 Albany Avenue. The presentation is titled, “The Yeshiva Student and Special Education Services: A Free and Informative Seminar for All Parents,” and is being sponsored by Final Word Consulting in conjunction with the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council. Light pareve refreshments will be served, and yeshiva administrators will be on hand to answer questions.

Originally, the seminar had been scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, but it was rescheduled in deference to other important community events taking place that evening.

For more information or to reserve a place at the free May 23 seminar, parents can call Mr. Wagshul at 347-546-3770 or email the Jewish Community Council at [email protected].