Frequently Asked Questions
Does FAPE Consulting work with parents or with school districts?
Both. FAPE Consulting with both parents and school districts as a neutral practice. Whether providing assessments, consultations, or training, we focus on analyzing data to determine the best strategies to support students with disabilities.
With extensive knowledge of special education laws and due process, FAPE Consulting understands the obligations and limitations faced by school districts and the goals and concerns of parents. In addition to providing assessments and consultations, we can also serve as a neutral third party for facilitated IEP meetings, alternative dispute resolutions (ADRs), and mediations.
Do school districts conduct psychoeducational assessments?
Yes. If a parent feels that their child may have a disability that requires special education services then they may submit a written request to their school district for a special education assessment at no cost to the parent. The school district will then review the request and determine whether or not they agree to proceed with the assessment.
Why would I be interested in a FAPE Consulting assessment?
Parents:
Consider a private-pay assessment through FAPE Consulting if:
Your child is in private school and you do not plan to enroll them in public school for special education services.
You suspect a disability (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, etc.) but do not feel that it warrants special education services.
You are interested in exploring a DSM-5 diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.).
You want diagnostic data for a Section 504 Plan or IEP consideration.
You are seeking IQ or giftedness evaluation.
You need behavior assessment data for your school to consider.
You would like to determine whether your child has a disability for consideration of SAT or ACT accommodations.
You would like a second opinion or an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) after a school district assessment.
Adult Students:
College, university, or vocational students who suspect they have a disability may need documentation to access accommodations in post.
FAPE Consulting offers assessments to establish the presence of a disability, meeting the documentation requirements of postsecondary institutions.
Private Schools:
Private schools can contract with or refer parents to FAPE Consulting for:
Disability assessments to identify student needs.
Ongoing consultation to develop tailored strategies for student support.
School Districts:
School districts may be interested in contracting with FAPE Consulting for psychoeducational assessments for:
Assessments during staff capacity overflow.
Impartial Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) conducted by experienced licensed educational psychologists.
Assessments that require a high level of expertise - FAPE Consulting's doctoral-level licensed educational psychologists (Dr. Ihori and Dr. Melara) have authored several books focused on best practices in assessment and IEP development.
Why might I want a licensed educational psychologist from FAPE Consulting to conduct an assessment rather than a clinical or neuropsychologist?
Dr. Ihori and Dr. Melara are doctoral-level licensed educational psychologists who specialize in school-based assessment and interventions, unlike many clinical or neuropsychologists who typically lack any direct K-12 experience.
Key advantages of using FAPE Consulting include:
Educational Expertise: Both Dr. Ihori and Dr. Melara hold doctorate degrees in educational psychology and master's degrees in school psychology. They have extensive experience identifying disabilities affecting academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning as well as making treatment recommendations that are targeted to address the child's educational needs and can be realistically implemented within the school and home environments.
Practical Recommendations: As former school psychologists, Dr. Ihori and Dr. Melara have extensive experience developing IEPs and Section 504 Plans tailored for practical implementation in school settings.
Research-Based Interventions: FAPE Consulting assessments include actionable, research-based recommendations linked to education.
Recognized Leaders in Special Education: Dr. Ihori and Dr. Melara are both published authors of multiple books focused on special education and psychoeducational assessments, with Dr. Ihori also serving as a nationally recognized professional development speaker.
How much do you charge?
Please contact us at info@fapeconsulting.com for information regarding rates for services.