Special education advocate in Santa Monica. IEP and 504 support for Santa Monica families in SMMUSD, from early intervention through high school.
Santa Monica families tend to arrive at our door well-informed. They have read the procedural safeguards, they have researched the diagnosis, and they still cannot get the district to put the right services in the document. Information is not the same as leverage.
Most students here attend Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which serves both cities and operates a range of programs across its campuses. The district is known for strong general education and a committed teaching staff, which makes the gap between a child’s potential and the plan on paper especially frustrating.
We help families close that gap with documentation. That means a clear evaluation record, measurable goals, service minutes that match needs, and written follow-up that makes implementation visible. When the team is collaborative, this work is quiet and effective. When it is not, the record becomes the argument.
Anxiety and school avoidance are among the most common concerns we hear in Santa Monica. These are real educational issues, not discipline problems, and they require accommodations, counseling and sometimes a different placement rather than punishment.
Initial, triennial and independent evaluations with plain-language review.
Explore evaluationsAccommodation plans, counseling and re-entry strategies for students who cannot attend.
Explore support optionsOne session to clarify priorities and rehearse the conversation.
Prepare for a meetingMediation, compliance complaints and due process preparation.
Explore dispute optionsServes Santa Monica and Malibu with elementary, middle and high school programs and a range of special education services.
Serves adjacent neighborhoods on the eastern edge of Santa Monica.
A substantial private school presence; students may be eligible for district assessment and a services plan.
We read the records and identify the gap between need and service.
We put requests, data and follow-up in writing.
We attend the meeting and track what happens afterward.
Yes, if the anxiety substantially limits a major life activity and affects access to education. A 504 plan can include reduced workload, testing accommodations, breaks, counseling access and attendance flexibility.
It depends on your address. Most Santa Monica residents are served by SMMUSD, but some neighborhoods fall within LAUSD. We can confirm before you make a request.
Yes. School avoidance usually requires a coordinated plan involving accommodations, counseling and a gradual re-entry schedule. We help families build and document that plan.
Yes. We regularly support families in SMMUSD and neighboring districts, including preparation for IEP meetings, review of draft goals and advocacy around service minutes.
Yes. SMMUSD serves both Santa Monica and Malibu, and we attend meetings at either campus or by video.
Free consultation. We will review what you have and tell you what we would change.
