Department of Education Advocacy
Natasha Schneider, Director
The quality of education provided to children with disabilities is a major determining factor in their ability to successfully transition to employment and community living. Unfortunately, both schools and parents are often uninformed about various requirements of special education law and best practices in educating students with disabilities. Parents are often not trained in special education issues or informed about their rights and responsibilities in the process and as a result, have significant difficulty navigating the system as an advocate for the needs of their child.
The Arc of New Jersey's Department of Education Advocacy was developed to assist families and school districts in ensuring that children with disabilities receive quality educational services appropriately tailored to their needs.
Our Director of Education Advocacy serves as a statewide resource on special education issues for both parents and professionals; develops and distributes fact sheets and other resources and training materials for parents and professionals, including the department's informational newsletter, The Education Advocate; provides trainings and technical support to the local chapters of The Arc of New Jersey and member families; provides trainings for parents and parent groups throughout the state; and works directly with parents who need assistance with special education issues.
Help, I need an Advocate!
-Are you feeling overwhelmed by the special education system?
-Do you have questions about the special education process?
-Do you need an advocate to accompany you to your IEP meeting?
The Arc of New Jersey's Department of Education Advocacy can help! nschneider@arcnj.org">Email or call 732.246.2525, x20
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION LINKS:
New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
Federal Office of Special Education Programs
New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities
Special Education Resources on the Internet (SERI)
Wrightslaw
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)
National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC)
Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004 (information about The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)