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🦃 Thankful for Progress, Focused on Advocacy 🍂

As the holidays approach, we’re reminded how much progress happens quietly—one goal, one meeting, one small win at a time. November is a time to take stock, express gratitude, and make sure each child’s support plan is on track before the year’s halfway mark.

Whether your family is preparing for a midyear IEP review, exploring new school options, or simply catching your breath before winter break, know that every step of advocacy matters. Thank you for trusting us to be part of that journey.

Warmly,

-Ariel & Chris

A Note on the Government Shutdown

With all the talk about a federal shutdown, many parents have been asking us whether schools will close or services will stop. The short answer: no.

Local schools will keep operating, teachers will keep teaching, and students will keep receiving services. That’s because state and local governments, not Washington, fund most daily school operations, and this year’s federal education dollars are already budgeted and distributed.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 remain fully in effect. Districts cannot delay or reduce special-education or related services due to a federal funding lapse. Evaluations, IEP meetings, and therapies must continue on schedule.

Where you might notice small ripples is in federal oversight or early-childhood programs. Offices like the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights may slow investigations or technical assistance. Some Head Start centers could experience temporary funding gaps if the shutdown drags on, but K-12 services and IEP supports should proceed normally.

Bottom line: for most students, including those with IEPs, the school year will move forward without interruption. Continue tracking services and progress as usual, but know that the foundations (state budgets, local control, and previously allocated federal funds) keep your child’s education steady even while Washington pauses.

In Your Advocacy Backpack

November marks the midpoint of the school year and offers a crucial opportunity to assess whether your child’s IEP is working in practice, not just on paper. This is when progress reports, service logs, and classroom data can reveal early trends that may require action.

Start by requesting updated data for each IEP goal. Ask that progress be shown numerically (percentages, frequency counts, or standardized measures), not only through narrative comments. Compare those figures to baseline levels from the most recent evaluations to determine whether progress is sufficient, slow, or stagnant. If you see minimal growth, identify which supports may need adjustment, such as service frequency, group size, or instructional method.

Review delivery of related services carefully. Check provider logs or session notes to confirm that sessions are happening as scheduled. Missed services must be tracked and made up, and repeated clinician absences can justify a compensatory services request. Parents should maintain their own service log to compare against school records.

Bring your own documentation to the midyear meeting: copies of the IEP, prior progress reports, and a brief written list of concerns. Concrete evidence helps teams respond more effectively than general statements about frustration or worry. If progress data are missing, outdated, or inconsistent, you have the right to request updated evaluations to ensure the IEP reflects current needs.

Finally, set measurable next steps. Ask for written confirmation of any agreed adjustments, including timelines for implementing changes. Documenting these details before the winter break positions you to start the new year with clarity and accountability.

Since late 2022, all New York City special education due process hearings have been administered by the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) rather than the former Impartial Hearing Office under the NYC Department of Education. This shift was intended to increase transparency, reduce backlog, and ensure more uniform case management.

Under OATH, cases follow a more formal administrative law model. Parents can expect detailed scheduling orders, fixed deadlines for evidence submission, and mandatory prehearing conferences that are strictly enforced. The administrative law judges (ALJs) now preside over hearings instead of DOE-appointed Impartial Hearing Officers (IHOs), and hearings are conducted with greater procedural structure—similar to other administrative proceedings in New York City.

Outside New York City, the rest of the state still uses the traditional Impartial Hearing Office system. There, IHOs are assigned by each district’s Board of Education from a state-certified rotation list. Those hearings generally move on more flexible schedules and with fewer procedural mandates than OATH matters, which can make the process feel more parent-friendly and less rigid. However, that same flexibility often results in unnecessary delays, inconsistent hearing practices, and wide variation in how cases are managed across regions.

For New York City families, the OATH system offers greater structure and predictability through strict scheduling orders, firm evidence deadlines, and consistent oversight by Administrative Law Judges. While this reduces ambiguity and helps enforce accountability, it can also limit flexibility when families or counsel need more time to prepare. The OATH framework demands early coordination, organized evidence, and strict compliance with procedural rules to maintain pendency protections and avoid dismissal for missed deadlines.

🎒Considering a Mid-Year School Change?🏫

Many private and specialized schools still have open seats or are accepting mid-year applications. For families whose current placements aren’t meeting their child’s needs (especially students with IEPs or 504 plans) this can be a good time to explore new environments before waiting for next fall.

Reach out directly to schools of interest to ask about availability, support programs, and whether they can review your child’s most recent evaluations or IEP. Mid-year transitions can be smoother than many families expect, particularly when handled with proper planning and documentation.

At AZ & CB Law & Consulting, we assist families in evaluating potential placements, reviewing program fit, and communicating with schools to ensure a child’s services and supports transfer seamlessly. Our team helps manage applications, correspondence, and documentation so parents can focus on what matters most—finding the right setting where their child can thrive.

Also, as we continue to expand advocacy for students across New York State, we are still accepting new IDEA, disciplinary and 310 Appeal matters for winter filings. Referrals from parents, professionals and advocates are always welcome. Free consultations are available by appointment and may be scheduled directly through our website.

🎁 Sensory-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas

With the holiday season quickly approaching, many parents are looking for gifts that do more than entertain. The right sensory-friendly toys can help children feel calm, focused, and confident while they play.

A few favorites:

• Weighted lap pads or plushies for cozy, calming pressure.

• Indoor swings or wobble boards to build balance and burn energy.

• Kinetic sand or textured kits for hands-on exploring and fine-motor fun.

• Noise-canceling headphones and soft light projectors for children who thrive in calmer spaces.

Choose toys that match your child’s interests, are easy to clean, and can stand up to daily play. The best gifts bring comfort and connection, while helping kids grow through play.

For more accessibility tips, events and resources, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Use fall parent–teacher conferences strategically. Go in with three focus questions:

1. What progress has been made toward IEP goals?

2. How is data collected?

3. What supports are used for behavior and/or social-emotional needs?

Follow up in writing after the meeting to summarize what was discussed and confirm next steps. Written documentation ensures accountability.