Special Education Advocacy · California
Learning knows no bounds;
all children can achieve.
We provide non-legal representation and help families secure the Free and Appropriate Public Education ("FAPE") their child is entitled to under California and federal laws — from IEP audits and meeting advocacy to dispute resolution and accountability.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
You are not alone.
Do you have a hard time getting the services your child needs?
If any of these questions keep you up at night, you are exactly who we help. Our advocates and consultants specialize in improving the educational outcomes of students with disabilities.
CALIFORNIA
EXPERIENCE IN MORE THAN 35 SCHOOL DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE
SINCE 2013
ADVOCATING AND PROTECTING THE EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Do you feel the school district does not listen to you at IEP/504 meetings?
Do you get phone calls to pick your child up early?
Is your child still struggling in school even though they have an IEP/504?
Is your child getting the right services to meet their unique needs?
6 SERVICES
FROM IEP ANALYSIS AND ADVOCAY TO DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Is your child being educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?
Our Educational Rights Advocates and Consultants specialize in improving the educational outcomes of students with disabilities by advocating and protecting their right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education.
Mission
To improve the educational outcome of students with disabilities by advocating and protecting their right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) — to advocate and take action, developing results that influence change for those who are most vulnerable.
Values
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Influence collaboration
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Lead with integrity
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Be passionate
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Accountability
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Individualized
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Serve & inspire
Philosophy
We think outside the box. We believe that all children can achieve their full potential with appropriate supports and services. Our motto: “Learning knows no bounds; all children can achieve
Mission, Values & Philosophy
ABOUT YOUR ADVOCATE
Rebecca Sabatino
Special Education Advocate & Consultant
“Her own children’s fight for FAPE became her life’s work.”
ADVOCATING SINCE
2013
SPECIALTIES
Learning & social/emotional disabilities, developmental delays, dyslexia
APPROACH
Collaborative, relationship-driven problem solving
Rebecca Sabatino is a highly experienced special education advocate and consultant, helping families secure the rights of students with special education needs through the IEP process under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ('IDEA'). She has been advocating for students with disabilities since 2013.
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Her decision to become a professional advocate was formed when she witnessed the impact a school district’s failure to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education ('FAPE') had on her own children. Her quest for knowledge was driven by her own experience raising children with special education needs — and the desire to see others get the help they need.
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Having children diagnosed with auditory and visual processing disorders, mixed dyslexia, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder gives her a keen understanding of the daily struggles individuals and families face — and of navigating the school system’s complexities.
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Known and appreciated for her collaborative approach, Rebecca builds relationships with schools on behalf of families to find solutions to the impasses parents so often hit. She has made remarkable strides securing evidence-based programs, special education, and related services that meet each client’s unique needs — and is known for her heartfelt work with underprivileged and underrepresented students.
Our Services
ADVOCACY & CONSULTATION SUPPORTS
IEP Audit
Know exactly where your child's program stands.
We review your child’s educational records and provide feedback on the school district’s offer of a Free and Appropriate Public Education ("FAPE") and compliance with your child’s Individualized Education Program ("IEP"). You receive clear recommendations on the areas that need to be addressed so your child receives appropriate supports and services to access the general education curriculum — and a comprehensive discussion of your educational program options and the direction to take when exercising your parental rights.
IEP Prep
Walk into the meeting with a plan, not just hope.
We review your child's educational records — including initial, triennial, and independent educational evaluations — and help develop a plan of action based on data analysis and a continuum of support and service options that appropriately address your child's needs. We prepare you for the next steps and formulate a parent agenda so your concerns are addressed during the IEP meeting.
IEP Development
Goals, accommodations, and assessments that actually fit.
We assist in the IEP development process by reviewing private and school assessment reports, proposing goals that address all areas of need, proposing classroom accommodations, and reviewing supportive evidence to determine whether additional data or assessments are needed. Our mission is an individualized education program that meets the unique needs of your child in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IEP Meeting Support
You don't have to face the table alone.
We attend your child's IEP meeting and advocate for your child's educational needs, helping facilitate the meeting so your voice is heard and your concerns are addressed. Parents can participate as little or as much as they wish. We engage the district on the issues — incomplete or inappropriate assessments, poorly written goals, inadequate supports and services, and more.
Representation
Goals, accommodations, and assessments that actually fit.
We assist in the IEP development process by reviewing private and school assessment reports, proposing goals that address all areas of need, proposing classroom accommodations, and reviewing supportive evidence to determine whether additional data or assessments are needed. Our mission is an individualized education program that meets the unique needs of your child in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Accountability & ADR
When the district falls short, there are remedies.
We specialize in assisting families, as non-attorney special education advocates, through the Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") process to resolve disputes with school districts and pursue appropriate remedies, including reimbursement for privately funded services when a district has failed to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education ("FAPE").
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When a school district is out of compliance with special education laws or fails to implement a student’s IEP, we also help families hold the district accountable by preparing and filing compliance complaints with the California Department of Education ("CDE") on their behalf.
Not sure where to start?
A free consultation is the best first step.
What families say
“Rebecca Sabatino is an exceptional advocate. She has extensive knowledge of IDEA and the IEP process, and she comes thoroughly prepared for every meeting. My husband and I always felt supported.”
TYLER Z. ~ YELP REVIEW
“Amazing advocate — I really enjoy working with her. She has done a lot for my son. I will never go into another IEP without her.”
LEAH C. ~ YELP REVIEW
“Rebecca is an extraordinary advocate. She advocated for our daughter with passion and urgency. She is extremely educated in the laws, rights, and services, and she pays attention to details.”
JENNIFER E. ~ YELP REVIEW
“Rebecca is one of the best advocates — she goes above and beyond to advocate for the needs of students. My son has made so much progress in reading.”
INES L. ~ YELP REVIEW
Student & Parent Educational Rights
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
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Special education is a legal process
It is governed by multiple federal and state laws. Initial eligibility and developing an IEP consist of multiple steps that must be taken in a specific order. Parents who don’t understand the process can struggle to participate meaningfully in their child’s IEP — and often become extremely frustrated.
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Think long-term
Most children spend 13 or more years in the education system. After the initial evaluation and eligibility, the IEP is built on the progress made in one year. Familiarize yourself with both your parental rights and your child’s right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education ("FAPE").
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You can request an IEP meeting at any time
If you have concerns with your child’s program or progress, you can request an IEP meeting at any time — and the district is obligated to hold an IEP meeting within 30 days of your request.