Find the right school fit for your student

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You’ve got this, now that you’ve got us.

Sometimes, the process can feel like a maze.

Perry Educational Consultants are experts in navigating the special education system. We know the twists, turns, and players involved to help you get to the other side.

We’re in this together.

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  • Mrs. Perry was very professional, honest, upfront, and strategic in assisting us at five IEP meetings over a six-month period. In the end, we succeeded and know that Shari made the difference.

    Reggie L., Grandparent of Student

  • We were completely overwhelmed and exhausted trying to navigate the path. Shari was a light in a dark tunnel.

    Jessica S., Parent of Student

  • Shari's expertise knows no bounds. She's full of joy, motivates you, and pushes you to the next level.

    Kelli C., Colleague

  • When initial testing wasn't enough to determine eligibility, Shari listened to my concerns and advocated on our behalf. My son received the services he needed and is now a successful college student.

    Caryn S., Parent of Student

Educational Advocacy

Academic & Social-Emotional Services

01 — Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

Students receiving special education services get an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This document outlines strengths, weaknesses, supports, and goals. It’s updated as needs change and reviewed annually. Perry Educational Consultants collaborates on creating a structured plan, recommendations, and advocating on your behalf at meetings.

02 —504 Plans

Students with disabilities who do not require special education services may receive a 504 plan. It outlines accommodations to help a child thrive in school. Perry Educational Consultants can provide recommendations, support plan development, and advocate on your behalf with the school.

03 — Program & School Placement

Sometimes a child’s assigned school can meet their needs, other times they may need a different environment to thrive. Perry Educational Consultants can advise on public, non-public, and private school programs in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

04 — Community Supports

Support doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Perry Educational Consultants can provide recommendations and connections to community professionals, including autism specialists, child psychologists, pediatricians, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, physical therapists, and social-emotional resources.

FAQs

  • Educational advocates can play a critical role in helping families and students access school-based and community-based academic, behavioral and social-emotional services and supports.

    An educational advocate is someone with extensive knowledge about special education programs, 504 Plans, IEPs, and academic support that students can receive. This person works with, and educates, families about the resources available to them and how to acquire each resource.

  • Schools may respond more quickly when they see you have an attorney. Advocates charge fees, but usually less than what attorneys charge. Attorneys can be expensive.

  • It is important to select an advocate who knows your geographic area. Often, out of area advocates don’t know the local laws and resources available.

    I have 30 years of experience serving students, families, and schools in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

    I serve both public school, non-public, and private school families in the region.

  • An Individualized Education Program identifies the specialized instruction needed for students to fully access the general education curriculum, while affording families the ability to be involved in decisions that impact their child’s education. It also gives students rights when it comes to school discipline.

  • A 504 Plan is developed for students who have a disability that does not require special education services. An IEP provides a program of specialized instruction and supports access and progress in the curriculum. Both plans provide for accommodations, but only an IEP provides for specialized instruction for students in grades K–12, while a 504 plan can serve students at both the K–12 and college levels.

  • To be eligible, the educational disability must affect how the child does at school. To decide on a child's eligibility, a team of professionals and you will consider several factors including, but not limited to, observations; as well as how the child does on standardized tests and daily work such as tests, quizzes, classwork, and homework.

  • Perry Educational Consultants have vast experience in both comprehensive and alternative school settings, supporting students with specific learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, autism, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and those identified as twice exceptional (2e).

  • Perry Educational Consultants help families understand available programs and services within them, interpret test results, and work with schools to plan Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

    If a current placement is not serving the student’s needs, an advocate can determine what steps should be taken, who should be contacted, and the possible outcomes including alternate placements.