FAQs

How to build a collaborative relationship with schools?

Every child has different strengths and weaknesses, and meeting the diversity of their needs can be challenging for both parents and educators, which is why building a collaborative relationship between the home and school settings is vital in addressing concerns and developing interventions. Schools systems, however, like all organizations, have their own language, which at times can make understanding options of support available difficult for parents. Below are some of the questions often asked by parents:

What is a SST meeting?
Do I request a SST or IEP meeting?
What is a 504 plan?
How can I support my child at school?
Why do I get differing recommendations from my child's physician and the school staff?
What is a FAA/FBA?

The goal of Dr. Freidhoff is to help with explaining the school systems, related terms and processes that might help with enhancing the communication with your child's school and in the development of appropriate interventions/supports for him/her.

When to consider private educational consulting and assessment?

Private assessment and consultation can help parents gain understanding of their child's strengths and weaknesses, and how to access appropriate interventions and resources. Evaluations can be completed by your child's school; however, such assessments are only conducted to determine eligibility for special education services. Additionally, special education law mandates that all available general education resources be exhausted before considering special education services; thus, schools are not able to move forward with evaluation prior to doing so (and collecting appropriate data). The implementation of research based interventions by the schools is best practice (and in line with provisions outlined in the law); however, if data does not indicate special education assessment is warranted, private assessment can be considered to help in gaining insight into the intricacies of your child's needs. Some example situations of when maybe to consider a private evaluation and/or consultation:

Your child's physician has suggested a possible disability and you want further clarification.
Your child has been receiving intervention support for some time with limited positive outcomes observed.
Your child has demonstrated a sudden change in grades and/or interpersonal relationships.
You feel your child is bright, but he/she is not performing to their potential.

Notice of Privacy Practices

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) is a federal program that requires all medical records and other identifiable health information used or disclosed by me in any form, whether electronically, on paper or orally is kept confidential. This act gives you, the client, significant new rights to understand and control how your health information is used. HIPPA provides penalties for covered entities that misuse protected health information. I will maintain a record of your file. You have certain rights with regards to access of that record under California law. Confidentiality: All issues in the course of testing/consultation are strictly confidential with the following exceptions: judges order, protection of others from harm, threatening serious bodily harm to another or client threatening harm to him/herself, independent evaluation for public schools funded by the school district, consultation with other professional and/or agencies and treatment information provided to insurance companies or overdue accounts that are sent to collection agencies, etc.