Editing Openai/695c2a7d-de9c-8006-a97b-db86849d4859 (section)

=== Assistant: Emma, this is strong information—it just needs structure and a slightly tighter, legally safer framing so families can … ===
Emma, this is strong information—it just needs structure and a slightly tighter, legally safer framing so families can actually use it and share it without confusion or pushback.

Below is a cleaned, organized, NYC-specific resource guide you can post or send as-is. I preserved your substance and intent, just clarified language and flow.

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In NYC, if you place your child in a private school or homeschool at your own expense, you may request an Individualized Education Services Program (IESP) — not a full IEP.

An IESP can require NYC DOE to provide certain special education services, such as:
* SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services)
* Related services (speech, OT, PT, counseling)
* Itinerant/specialized supports

===== To access IESP services, families must notify NYC DOE in writing and submit a Notice of Intent requesting an IESP. =====

📌 Tip: Keep copies of everything. Documentation is critical.

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* Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) - Education specialists, attorney assistance, free workshops, and rights guides
* INCLUDEnyc - Parent support center with workshops on IEP/IESP rights and processes (free)
* NYC DOE Special Education Contacts - Official DOE contacts for questions, complaints, and escalation

===== - NY Advocates 4 Kids — Educational consulting & advocacy =====
* Wayne Rock – Special Education Advocate (Mineola, NY)
* Being Special NYC / Advocate of Choice, Inc.
* J&J IEP Special Education Consulting Corp
* Lead With Your Voice
* Smart Idea Group Special Education Advocates
* Starting Point Services: Special Education Advocacy
* PASEN (Parent Alliance for Students with Exceptional Needs)
* Advocacy for the Special Ones
* IEP Help for Children with Special Needs
* Wynn Advocacy
* Waypoint Advocates
* Graham Behavior Services

===== - Susan Luger Associates - Legal advocacy, disputes, due process, and private tuition reimbursement cases =====

==== - If possible, keep your child’s IEP open with your home district - This preserves documentation and can support transitions back to public placement ====
* Families often supplement services through: - Private therapy providers - Insurance-covered services - Nonprofits and regional agencies
* Some homeschool associations and advocates can help interpret NYS requirements and negotiate services

==== Seeking mental health supports for the scholar(s) is critical. ====
This process is:
* Overstimulating
* Time-consuming
* Often met with significant pushback

💡 Many families benefit from bi-weekly or weekly family support meetings throughout the process to manage stress, regulation, and advocacy fatigue.

==== ✔️ Record meetings (when legally permitted) ====
✔️ Document every interaction
✔️ Follow up everything in writing
✔️ Track timelines and compliance

Accountability is built through paper trails, not promises.

If you want, I can:
* Turn this into a one-page NYC parent handout
* Rewrite it for a Facebook or WhatsApp group post
* Add a step-by-step IESP request checklist
* Tailor it for families dealing with DOE denial or delay

Just tell me how you want to use it.