Area of Practice

Education Law

Parents and children have rights at all levels of the education system.  These rights include access to information, due process in discipline proceedings, accommodations for disabilities, equal protection and free speech.  

Teachers and administrators by-in-large do an amazing job of educating our children and communicating with parents.  The public school system in Northern Virginia has a tremendous host of resources for its diverse student body, including gifted students, students with physical disabilities and students with learning disabilities.  Northern Virginia abounds with private schools for those who have the opportunity and desire for their child to obtain a private school education.  

Whether in private school or public school, the school has certain obligations to you and your child.  Unfortunately, schools do not always get it right.  It is important for parents and students to understand their rights in the school system and options available if they feel their child has been unfairly treated.

Individual Education Plans

504 Education Plans

Disability Accommodations

Special Education

Disciplinary Proceedings

Administrative Hearings

Special Education

Both federal and state laws have been enacted to protect students with learning disabilities and ensure they have the resources they need to be successful at school.  Education laws designed to protect students’ rights to special education services include: Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Through these laws, each child is guaranteed a right to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and may qualify for one or more of the numerous educational resources available to students in need, including:

  • Individual Evaluation
  • Independent Education Evaluation (IEE)
  • 504 Education Plan
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
  • Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)

 

If you are concerned that your child is not being provided the resources he or she needs to succeed at school, call Cisneros, McElroy & Boone, PC.  Our attorneys can provide you with the advice and representation to help you advocate for your child.

School Discipline

Discipline in the public school system is governed by comprehensive body of laws setting forth the procedures and policies that schools must follow to ensure your child’s rights are protected.  If your child has been accused of violating his or her school’s code of conduct, your child could be facing a variety of sanctions, from in-school suspension to expulsion and possibly criminal charges.  

It is essential that parents know their rights and the rights of their child in the school disciplinary process.  Having knowledgeable and effective representation is often critical in ensuring the best outcome for your child.  Call Cisneros, McElroy & Boone, PC to schedule a consultation today.