IEPs and 504 Plans: A Primer for Psychologists
A special thank you to the Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy for making this webinar possible
Description
Led by an attorney with expertise in education law, this presentation provides psychologists working with youth a practical overview of the special education system and school-based accommodations. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of students’ rights under special education laws, including eligibility for 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The session will clarify key legal and educational concepts such as Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and explore how these principles apply in real-world school settings. Attendees will also learn effective strategies for guiding and supporting their clients who are experiencing school-related challenges, including tips for productive collaboration between parents, outside providers, 504 Teams and Child Study Teams to achieve better outcomes for children. Finally, the presentation will review available options and advocacy pathways when disputes between parents and school districts cannot be resolved informally, equipping practicing psychologists with practical tools to better support students and families. This workshop is intended for psychologists, social workers, school counselors, and other mental health professionals working in private practice or school settings looking for ways to assist their clients or students in an effective and collaborative manner.
Learning Objectives
- Describe 2 key differences between Section 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Identify 2 strategies for effective interdisciplinary collaboration between parents, teachers, and school-based special education teams to support youth experiencing academic and mental health challenges.
- Describe the dispute resolution processes, including informal problem-solving and formal legal options which families can use to support their child navigating school conflicts.
Instructor Bio
Jessica Weinberg is a Co-Founding Partner at Manes & Weinberg, LLC in Mountainside, New Jersey. With over 26 years combined experience as an attorney and mediator, she specializes in special education advocacy and bullying/discipline matters. Through her practice, she also serves as a court appointed attorney for alleged incapacitated individuals. In addition to her law practice. Jessica serves as a mediator for the District Court of New Jersey and an IEP Facilitator for the NJ Department of Education. She also served as a hearing panel officer for the Delaware Department of Education.
Jessica is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association Solo-Small Firm, New Jersey Association for Justice, JBar, and School Law Special Committee. She also served as a board member on Friends Connect Foundation and an inclusion committee member at the JCC of Central New Jersey. Jessica routinely undertakes pro bono assignments through Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and provides training workshops to lawyers, parent organizations, mental health practices, private schools, and child study teams.
Ms. Weinberg has no conflicts of interest for this webinar.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Provider Statements
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8145. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.