About
Throughout her career, Dr. Pelangka has met a number of wonderful teachers and educators; however, it is often the case that parents of a child with different abilities are not informed of SPED laws, leaving them unprepared and at times, confused by their child’s IEP process. IEP meetings can be intimidating, due to the number of school personnel in attendance, as compared to one-to-two parents sitting on the opposite side of the table. Dr. Pelangka works to ensure parents walk into their child’s meeting with confidence, with the knowledge to make sound decisions and to ensure their child’s IEP team is working collaboratively, to meet the needs of their child.
No parent wants to experience confrontation or discord, especially at a time that is supposed to be positive; a time meant for supporting and encouraging your child. Dr. Pelangka works to establish a positive collaborative relationship between the family and the school district; however, in the event parents’ rights are in question, Dr. Pelangka will afford parents a voice. Dr. Pelangka accompanies families to their IEP/504 Plan meetings, however most importantly, Dr. Pelangka informs and educates families on their rights, providing them with invaluable information they can take with them for years to come.
Services
Interested in seeing if Know IEPs? is the right service for you? Let’s talk and at the end of the 15 minutes, you can decide. If so, we can discuss next steps! Know IEPs? understands finances can be a challenge. Don’t let this stop you from pursuing needed supports for your child. Take advantage of the free 15-minute consultation.
Dr. Pelangka is available to advocate in both English and Spanish. For more information on service pricing, please email or call
The following IEP services are available:
Trainings
Trainings cover a variety of topics, including but not limited to:
- Parent Advocacy Tips
- Special Education Law
- Contents of an IEP/504 Plan
- Strategies for Enhancing the IEP Experience
- BIP, PBIP, CBIP: What is a Behavior Intervention Plan?
Behavior Consultation Services
Dr. Pelangka is available to consult with school districts, to provide the following services:
- Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA’s), Aide Assessments, and Inclusion Assessments
- Write and develop Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBIP) and Comprehensive Behavior Support Plans (CBIP)
- Attend IEP meetings, to review assessments and behavior plans, on behalf of the school district
- Assist in training of school staff and implementation of BIP’s
- Provide district-wide trainings to include but not limited to the following topics:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- IEP Development
- Implementation of Positive Behavior Supports
- How to Read and Adhere to Behavior Support Plans
Special Education Services
Case File Review
IEP Review and Discussion
Direct observation of your child
Meeting Attendance and advocacy services
● 504 Plan Meeting
● IEP Meeting
Attendance and Representation services
Tele-Support Services
Statewide support services
Travel services
BCBA Supervision Services
*Dr. Pelangka is registered through the BACB to provide BCBA supervision for individuals seeking a supervisor, to complete their BCBA hours. Please contact Dr. Sarah Pelangka for more information, at drpelangka@knowieps.com
Info & Education
What is an IEP?
A child’s IEP must be reviewed at least annually to determine whether the annual goals are being achieved and must be revised as appropriate.
Legal guardians have the legal right to request an IEP at any time. The school is required to hold the meeting within 30-days of the guardian’s written request. Parents have the legal right to bring anyone they feel fit with them, to an IEP meeting.
What is a 504 Plan?
Accommodations involve changes to how a child is learning/receiving content; they do not change what a child is learning.
Modifications are changes to what your child is learning. In some cases, a skill that would normally be taught at a certain grade level is changed, eliminated or postponed.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
A 504 plan is less detailed. For example, a 504 plan does not include annual goals.
What is a “Manifestation Determination”?
• A parent’s request to hold a manifestation determination meeting, following a disciplinary incident
• A student being suspended for 5 or more consecutive days
• A student being suspended for more than 10 cumulative days in a school year (and for every suspension thereafter)
• A change in placement for more than 10 consecutive days is being discussed/recommended as an alternative, for disciplinary reasons
• Exclusion or expulsion is being considered
What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how does it affect your child?
In addition to having a qualifying diagnosis, the student’s academic performance must be negatively affected, as a direct result of the student’s diagnosis. If, for example, a student has a medical diagnosis of autism however he is performing well in the school setting, he may not be covered by the IDEA.
IDEA calls for students with disabilities to have the right to access a free and appropriate public education in their least restrictive environment. This means that, whenever possible, a student should be placed in their general education setting. Per the IDEA, parents have a say at every point throughout the decision-making process; parents are covered by the law and given specific rights and protections (called procedural safeguards).
Tell me more about a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Appropriate – Your child is entitled to receive an education that meets his or her needs. Your child’s education will be tailored to meet his or her needs, such that s/he will make the maximum amount of progress possible.
Public – This refers to the public school system. Any student, no matter the severity of their disability, has the right to be educated under public supervision.
Education – Your child has the right to be educated, in the public school system. Your child’s education must follow their individualized education plan (IEP) and should prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.
What is a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?
1. Your child should be with kids in general education to the “maximum extent that is appropriate.” This means to the maximum extent that your child’s ability to learn will not be negatively affected.
2. Separate classes or separate schools should only happen when your child’s learning or attention issue—his “disability” under IDEA—is so severe that supplementary aids and services cannot provide him with an appropriate education.
Testimonials / Reviews
Contact
Nobody knows your child better than you. Let’s meet and discover how endless your child’s possibilities can be. You talk, I listen. I’ll share what I know. I’ll work with you to support your child’s needs.
For a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your child’s endless possibilities: please email via the contact form below – or – if you prefer a chat, click the “Book an Appointment” button.
Dr. Sarah E. Pelangka
Camarillo, CA 93010
Mon-Fri • 8:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Sat-Sun • Upon request