Jennifer Taylor, President of JET ED Consulting, is a Non-Attorney IEP Advocate and member of COPAA (Counsel of Parent and Attorney Advocates: https://www.copaa.org). As a therapeutic educational consultant, Jennifer has successfully negotiated with school districts to fund student residential care. For parents who would not otherwise be able to afford the residential care their child needs, this can be a game-changer. As part of her practice, Jennifer guides parents and programs on how this is possible. In brief, Jennifer says, “Even if a client has never had an IEP, I begin to evaluate whether this could be a funding source for families in the first call.”
While it is possible, it is unfair to tell a parent that their district will pay for it when there may be no legal obligation to do so. Having Jennifer, whose law degree comes in handy, provide this expertise is essential to uncovering if this funding option is possible. The general path involves having a client become eligible for special education or an IEP. This process starts with the school district’s own evaluation. It is not unusual for a student to be in a stabilization program first. Many parents tell Jennifer that the district will disenroll the child. She warns, “Disenrolling the student takes them out of any responsibility for the district to provide an IEP.” Instead, the best practice is to have the child be on a medical leave of
absence.
Beyond this initial process, there are many choices, including whether to file Due Process because the parents and district have not agreed to placement. While Jennifer is no longer licensed to practice law, she works with the families until this legal process may be necessary. This consultation can save families further financial investments in attorney fees. Though rare, if there is a trial, Jennifer has successfully testified for retroactive and future placement funds from the school. Jennifer says, “We are proud of the work we do for families that qualify for special education and district funding for residential treatment.”
About JET ED Consulting:
About JET ED Consulting: About JET ED Consulting: About JET ED Consulting: JET ED Consulting is a premier residential placement consulting firm and special education advocate. After her child needed residential care, she developed a relationship-based practice. Her skillful parent support creates feelings of trust alongside strategic clinical referrals. Jennifer specializes in therapeutic and learning differences placements for kids from 10-24. Well-versed in dual diagnosis and clinically complicated cases as well. Based in the Bay Area of California and Raleigh, NC, she is fortunate to have clients nationwide. www.jetedconsulitng.com
