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Every parent sends their child to school expecting a safe learning environment. Yet sometimes schools fail to protect students from potential harm through negligence and misconduct. Such failures can result in serious physical or emotional injuries that impact a child's well-being and future. The law practice of Gina DeCrescenzo PC appreciates the critical nature of school safety. We also understand the legal protections available to families when educational institutions don't meet the expected standards of care. Schools have a legal responsibility to maintain a secure environment where children can learn without facing needless risks. We will work hard to ensure you know and can protect your rights and those of your child. Legal Responsibilities of Schools  Schools have significant legal responsibilities to protect the students under their supervision. The duty of care represents a core legal concept that requires institutions to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm from negligence. For districts, this means creating and maintaining a safe environment that anticipates and mitigates potential risks to students who could be injured in school. In educational settings, the duty of care extends beyond basic physical safety. School administrators must protect students from reasonably predictable dangers including bullying, unsafe physical conditions, inadequate supervision and potential abuse. Students injured in school may have legal recourse. Most municipalities recognize that schools face complex liability challenges. To manage potential legal risks, large school districts like the ones in New York City or Yonkers, New York typically carry comprehensive insurance policies. Such insurance policies provide financial protection for settlements and judgments that might arise from negligence claims. This means you shouldn't worry about depriving the school district if you pursue a claim. Key Legal and Safety Responsibilities of Schools Schools have comprehensive responsibilities to ensure student safety across nearly all aspects of student life. Adequate supervision stands as the cornerstone of protecting students from potential harm. This means maintaining appropriate staff-to-student ratios. It also requires consistent and attentive monitoring during school hours, including: Classrooms Playgrounds Hallways School events Field trips Extracurricular activities Facility safety is another major responsibility. Schools must maintain buildings and grounds in a condition that minimizes risks of injury. This involves regular maintenance inspections, prompt repair of hazardous conditions, securing potentially dangerous areas and ensuring compliance with building and safety codes. Broken equipment, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting or poorly maintained spaces create environments where students might be injured in school. Addressing bullying and harassment requires proactive strategies. Schools must develop clear policies that define unacceptable behaviors, establish reporting mechanisms and implement consistent consequences for violations. Likewise, schools need to track behavior patterns and address repeat offenders before they harm others. Anti-bullying policies should protect students from physical, emotional and online forms of harassment. The goal is to create and maintain a safe learning environment that supports students' physical and psychological well-being. Even if the bullying is happening off of school grounds or over a computer in the comfort of your own home, the district may still be liable. Proper hiring and training of staff is fundamental to safety. Schools must conduct thorough background checks, verify professional credentials and provide ongoing training in student safety protocols. The training should include understanding the following: Child development Signs of abuse, bullying and harassment Appropriate guidelines for interacting with students How to respond to threats and other safety issues Emergency preparedness demands detailed planning and regular practice. Schools must develop protocols for many potential emergencies including medical incidents, natural disasters, potential security threats and other unexpected situations. Districts need to have clear evacuation plans, staff training in emergency response, essential medical supplies and communication systems that can quickly alert parents and authorities when incidents occur. What Is Negligence in a School Setting? Negligence and misconduct in schools represent serious breaches of institutional responsibility. In legal terms, negligence occurs when a school fails to exercise reasonable care that a prudent institution would typically provide under similar circumstances. This means the school did not take appropriate steps to prevent foreseeable harm to students. To establish a negligence claim, four key elements must be present. First, the school must owe a duty of care to the student. Second, the school must have breached that duty through action or inaction. Third, the breach must have directly caused an injury.F inally, the student must have suffered demonstrable damages, such as medical bills, as a result of the breach. In New York City, complex urban school environments create unique challenges. Specific scenarios might include inadequate supervision during physical education classes, failure to address known safety hazards in school facilities, ignored reports of persistent bullying or improper screening of staff members with access to students. Common examples of school negligence and misconduct include: Leaving young students or students with special needs inadequately supervised or unsupervised Ignoring repeated complaints about dangerous conditions Failing to intervene in clear cases of student harassment or bullyingN ot providing necessary medical assistance during emergencies If you child suffered any injuries as a consequence of these or any other form of negligence or misconduct (physical/sexual), do not hesitate to file a claim. Examples of School Negligence and Misconduct School environments present multiple opportunities for potential negligence. Playground injuries are a common source of claims. Inadequate supervision, poorly maintained equipment or unsafe surface designs can lead to serious accidents. Children might sustain injuries from falls, improperly secured playground equipment or lack of appropriate safety monitoring or supervision. Bullying and harassment are ever-present challenges for student safety. New York state anti-bullying laws provide legal frameworks for addressing these issues, but implementation remains critical. Persistent patterns of harassment that go unaddressed can cause long-term psychological harm, transforming schools from learning environments into sources of significant emotional trauma. Transportation accidents present another complex negligence scenario. School buses and transportation systems require rigorous safety protocols. Driver training, vehicle maintenance, student supervision and adherence to traffic regulations become essential in preventing potentially catastrophic incidents. Unsafe facilities represent a direct threat to student well-being. Structural defects, electrical hazards, improper maintenance and unaddressed environmental risks can create dangerous conditions. Large urban school systems like those in New York City and Yonkers, New York face particular challenges in maintaining aging infrastructure across numerous locations. Faculty misconduct encompasses a range of serious issues. While most educators are dedicated professionals, instances of inattention, inappropriate behavior or abuse can cause significant harm. Sexual abuse, physical misconduct and systemic neglect represent severe violations of student, parental and public trust. Every incident requires thorough investigation and accountability. School negligence extends to seemingly mundane situations like inadequate cafeteria supervision. Moments of inattention can escalate quickly, with horseplay or uncontrolled interactions potentially leading to serious injuries. There are also choking risks associated with cafeterias. Likewise, kids are sometimes close to food service equipment which can injure them. In large urban school systems, individual students can easily fall through administrative cracks. However, that reality demands a proactive legal response from parents. No institutional, political, economic or social challenge justifies compromising your child's physical or emotional well-being. Common Challenges in Bringing Claims Against Schools Pursuing legal action against schools involves navigating complex legal obstacles. New York's legal landscape presents unique filing requirements. Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules , claimants face deadlines for notifying schools of the intent to file a claim. A short filing window demands swift action. Oftentimes, families must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident . Evidence collection is critical and challenging. Schools frequently won't volunteer documentation of their potential negligence. Families must proactively gather comprehensive evidence immediately after an incident. This includes collecting: Incident reports Medical records and doctors' reports Photographic evidence Witness statements Surveillance videos Phone recordings Institutional resistance creates additional barriers. Large schools, municipalities and their insurers have extensive legal resources and established defense strategies. Many families feel intimidated by the prospect of challenging a government entity or don't want to start a legal fight with people they'll still have to deal with. Despite these obstacles, holding institutions accountable is essential for protecting the safety and rights of your child and other students. Just turn the case over to Gina DeCrescenzo PC so that we can take the reigns. Conclusion The office of Gina DeCrescenzo PC stands with families navigating school negligence claims. Our firm provides comprehensive case evaluations, builds strong legal strategies and advocates tirelessly for justice. We understand the emotional challenges families face and offer our clients compassionate support at every step of the process. If your child has been harmed due to school negligence or teacher misconduct, contact us to learn about your legal options and to protect your family's rights.

Parents feel helpless when a child is injured in school. They are often left wondering how to determine the responsible party and how to get justice for their child. Every parent hopes that their child will return home in good health after school. School districts are legally obligated to ensure the safety of children while in school. Unfortunately due to negligence or worse, some students suffer injuries at school. GDPC holds school districts accountable for negligence and mistreatment, as the lasting impact injuries have on students and their families can be life changing. At GDPC, we are dedicated to providing resources to these families to ensure justice and future school improvements. School Districts Responsibility towards Children Schools are responsible for safeguarding students under their care. This involves providing secure premises, constant supervision to protect them from harm, including bullying, and delivering medical care when and if necessary. Where schools fail to implement safety measures, they are held responsible for the damages. Many parent have limited knowledge of their rights and the legal process they can take when their child is injured, this is where we come in. We advocate for families, ensuring schools are brought to justice for negligent injuries. We will not only advocate for justice but also educate you on your legal rights. We will walk with you on the long journey for justice. Causes of Injuries in School Improper supervision – schools should provide constant supervision to prevent fighting, bullying, and accidents. Some instances can be prevented if an adult is present. Poorly maintained school facilities. Since these facilities are always in use, schools should regularly repair and maintain facilities to prevent accidents. Bullying: schools should have anti-bullying practices to prevent bullying. And then tailor anti-bullying plans to individual student's unique circumstances. Failing to implement these practices and anti-bullying or safety plans can lead to catastrophic injuries and schools need to be held accountable. Injuries during transportation, untrained staff, no seatbelts, and poorly maintained vehicles can lead to injuries. Students should always be protected during the commute to and from school. Lack of prompt medical attention: students should always have access to proper and immediate medical attention in case of injuries. Injuries should not be ignored by non-medical personnel to avoid worsening of child injuries at school. Coaches should follow the appropriate safety guidelines during sports to reduce injuries. If necessary students should use protective gear. Long-term Consequences of Childhood Injuries Injuries in childhood can have a long-lasting impact on the life of an individual. Below are a few examples of the impact of childhood injuries: A fall in school due to slippery floors or a tumble on the stairs can lead to spinal injury leading to permanent disability. An injury without prompt and effective treatment may lead to chronic pain which will negatively impact the daily life of the child. Negligence-caused injuries can lead children to develop depression, anxiety or school phobia, dramatically impacting their educational experience. A bullying incident may cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression or interfence with sleep patterns or cause suicidal ideations. Teacher misconduct could negatively impact the confidence levels of children which subsequently affects their academic performance and social relationships. The duration of medical treatment followed by recovery from an injury may result in children missing school days which leads to schoolwork delays. When a child suffers head injuries it may lead to cognitive impairments which may affect the learning abilities of the child. Some injuries may cause the children to have special education needs. How Gina DeCrescenzo P..C Advocates for Families Conducting proper investigations Our law office begins each case by making the proper investigations in order to gather all of the evidence. This entails checking school documents, medical records, witness statements, and police or incident reports. This process helps in the creation of a strong lawsuit where negligence is established, and necessary evidence is recorded. GDPC also consults experts such as psychologists or doctors or school administration experts to further build the case. Holding Schools Legally Accountable We employ New York City education law, civil rights, and personal injury laws to bring justice to your family. Whether through courtroom procedures or negotiations, we will ensure your child gets justice. We have highly experienced attorneys who stop at nothing to meet your goals and exceed your expectations. We will champion for compensation Families incur significant medical expenses ranging from hospital charges, therapy costs, and legal costs when a child is injured. Families also suffer emotional distress due to watching their children in pain. Compensation could cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and educational costs for children who suffer long-term injuries. Creating Awareness and helping change policies GDPC is committed to bringing about change in educational law in Yonkers, New York City, throughout the Hudson Valley and in all areas of New York State. By holding schools accountable for negligence and educating you on your rights, we hope to achieve real change. By pressuring schools, they will take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its learners. Success Stories Case Example 1: Sexual Assault Response A teacher sexually assaulted a child, and the district failed to act promptly and properly. Our firm's investigation revealed that the district had ignored numerous red flags and that the Board of Education ultimately became aware but did nothing. The settlement not only funded the child's therapy but set the child up financially in the future. Case Example 2: Bullying by Classmates One student developed PTSD and severe anxiety and depression due to persistent bullying that the school failed to prevent. We worked with mental health experts to document the emotional toll and secured compensation that allowed the family to access therapy and specialized tutoring. The school district also implemented new staff anti-bullying training. Case Example 3: Denied medical care One student was denied from going to school if his Medicaid Nurse was not present in school. GDPC was able to get the school to provide a nurse instead of using the family’s nurse. This was essential for the child's successful educational career. The Legal Process: What To Expect If your child has been injured at school First Consultation – Our firm offers a free initial consultation for personal injury actions to hear your case details and discuss possible courses of action. Parents may ask questions and receive guidance regarding how to further develop their case and get the justice they deserve. Investigation and Evidence Collection – Lawyers will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain expert opinions in a bid to build a solid case. Filing Suit – GDPC will proceed to sue the parties responsible, whether the school district, school employees, or independent contractors. We ensure all legal requirements are met in a bid to strengthen the case. Negotiation or Litigation – The majority of personal injury actions are resolved through settlement, but if unavoidable, Gina DeCrescenzo P.C. will go to trial to make an argument for the best outcome. We are adequately trained in settlement negotiation and litigation. Securing Compensation – After a settlement is achieved, families are paid compensation to compensate for damages and provide for the child's needs. Our firm also consults parents on how to utilize settlements for long-term care. Why Choose GDPC We focus ONLY on Educational Law Educational law is our main focus, and we are committed to holding school districts accountable, this makes us well-equipped to handle student injury cases. We focus on our Clients At GDPC, we believe in empathically listening to each family's situation, understanding the information provided, and acting promptly and appropriately. Proven Track Record From the client testimonials on our website, to the hundreds of reviews online, it is clear we have had numerous successful cases. We deliver results and find justice and compensation for your family. Parents should never have to worry about their child's safety in school. GDCP holds schools accountable when negligence leads to injuries. If your child has suffered an injury at school, always seek legal guidance. With the right team, you can get justice and drive reform for children nationwide. For consultation and information on how GDPC can help, visit our website and office today.

Fighting for Justice: Representing Children in Personal Injury Claims Against Schools According to US government statistics, each year, more than 206,700 children under 16 report injuries occurring on the playground. But when parents learn that their child is involved, it’s more than a statistic. It becomes a cause for concern. Parents rightly expect their children’s school to keep them safe. Sadly, that’s not always the case. However, they’re not helpless when their child is injured. There are valid, legal options to pursue with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney specializing in child safety. Typical Places for School Injuries All parents should be aware of the numerous locations a child can encounter dangerous situations while at school. A few of the more common include interiors, playgrounds, athletic facilities, and the school bus. Interiors Occasionally, the school building’s materials are the cause of injury. Harmful substances such as asbestos, lead paint, and mold can pose a severe threat. Both the school and the district could be held accountable for a child’s health problems. Additionally, building contractors and material manufacturers could be at fault. Playgrounds It’s reasonable to expect that a school would provide mature, reliable teachers to oversee young students on the playground. Failure to do so could legally imply neglect. The district should never allow students on a playground where the equipment is defective. This too, is an example of neglect. Athletic Facilities Not all injuries are part of the game. A coach or assistant may have neglected their responsibilities, allowing the injury to take place. For example, the court might consider it negligent if swim instructors failed to notice a student in distress. They would be guilty of offering inadequate supervision. Injuries are common when student-athletes are pushed beyond their limits. Sprains, dehydration, and fractures are typical with over-training. School Bus Who might be at fault if a child is injured in a school bus accident? The first person who comes to mind is the driver. Was the driver unqualified or irresponsible? If so, then the school district could also bear responsibility for not properly screening or training its bus driver applicants. Was mechanical failure the cause of the accident? Once again, the school district is obligated to make sure its buses are well-maintained and meet all safety requirements. Negligence or Misconduct To file a lawsuit claiming personal injury against schools, a person must be certain the injury is the school's fault. The injury can’t be the result of ordinary circumstances that could happen to anyone. In the legal system, there are various types and degrees of negligence. If a parent feels someone has neglected their responsibility to keep a child safe, it’s best to discuss the matter with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Bullying and Harassment The US Department of Education says bullying includes three distinctive features: aggressive behavior, a power imbalance, and the high likelihood of repeat behavior. Bullying and harassment can take the form of physical beatings or emotional distress. Both types of attacks leave scars that are sometimes permanent, with adults still suffering the effects of their childhood trauma. Bullying is so common that nearly one out of every five US school kids in middle school and high school report being victims. The problem is even worse in middle school than in high school. But there’s no reason a child should have to go to school in fear. If the bullying and harassment occur on school property, there's obvious reason to seek legal help. However, bullying and harassment can also take place elsewhere during an activity overseen by the school. A good example is a class field trip or sports-related travel. Common Sites of Bullying Because bullying can happen anywhere in school, eliminating it requires the determination and cooperation of a wide range of school officials, including principals, teachers, bus drivers, and administrative staff. The most common places are the classroom, followed by a hallway or stairwell, and the cafeteria. Next comes outdoor locations on school grounds. Not surprisingly, cyberbullying makes online activity and texting dangerous areas. There’s also the bathroom or locker room, the gym or weight room, and the school bus. Bullies Stereotypically, people think of school bullies as fellow students. But they can also be adults who work at the school. It’s not uncommon for students to report bullying at the hands of teachers and coaches, but anyone can be a bully. Sometimes, a bullying culture has become entrenched within the school. A victim’s family can seek damages from a variety of individuals in such a case. Defendants can be specific perpetrators but also the school and the district that allowed the bullying to become institutionalized. Institutionalized Bullying An example of institutionalized bullying is aggressive forms of hazing. Hazing is a form of bullying designed to initiate someone into a group, such as a sports team or a social club. Newcomers to the group might be forced to eat or drink disagreeable items, perform humiliating tasks, or be required to do demanding physical labor. They are also often made the target of frightening or embarrassing pranks. Many educational institutions have made steps to distance themselves from hazing, especially when it involves physical beatings. However, hazing in one form or another can still exist when individual school groups see themselves as preserving their tradition. Child Victims Act Historically, in New York state, the statute of limitations for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to report the crime typically ran for five years, beginning with the victim’s 18th birthday. During that time, victims could file both criminal and civil lawsuits against their abusers and institutions, such as schools, that didn’t do enough to prevent or stop the abuse. Unfortunately, victims of bullying and harassment, especially when it includes sexual abuse, may remain quiet for years before reporting to authorities. Sometimes, the statute of limitations can expire before a victim is ready to discuss the past. To confront the problem, New York State passed the Child Victims Act (CVA). The CVA expands the timeline for the statute of limitations. If victims were abused after the legislation was passed on January 18, 2019, they can file a claim up to the age of 55. Damages When courts rule in favor of the victim in a civil suit, the victim is typically entitled to receive compensation, known as a damage reward or simply damages. The damage amount is selected by the court and could include both compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory Medical bills are a primary reason for compensatory damages. The size of the award reflects more than the cost of the doctor and hospital care victims have received so far. It will also consider how much medical attention victims are likely to need for the remainder of their lives. For example, an injury could cause a lasting disability that requires around-the-clock nursing. Emotional injury is also compensated. The trauma could trigger depression that impacts school and family life. A victim could also suffer from debilitating fear that makes it difficult to attend school or socialize. Punitive Punitive damages punish the responsible parties. They also serve as a warning for others not to engage in or enable similar behavior. A court might want to send a message to the school, its district, and other districts in the state. For example, a ruling in a case in Yonkers New York would be felt throughout Westchester County and possibly throughout the state. Courts don’t award punitive damages automatically. They tend to reserve them for cases where the defendant's behavior could be considered horrific. Why Victims Need a Personal Injury Attorney Never attempt to sue a school system without legal expertise. It’s not as simple as it may appear on television. The best legal representative to have when a child suffers an injury at school is a successful, experienced personal injury attorney. For starters, personal injury attorneys will be up-to-date with the latest legislation relevant to their case and their specific area of legal practice. Importantly, they’ll have battle-tested experience with the state’s civil court system. Personal injury attorneys will also have ongoing working relationships with everyone from judges to filing clerks, which can help expedite proceedings and paperwork. Their connections may extend throughout the state, not just in New York City. They’ll also be familiar with the insurance companies and know the tendencies and tactics of the insurance companies’ legal departments. Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer Parents can even narrow their choices of personal injury attorneys by focusing on the ones who specialize in child injury cases involving schools where they live. A leading example is Westchester County’s Gina M. DeCrescenzo, whose numerous accomplishments include a seat on the Children’s Rights Litigation Committee for the American Bar Association. Leave child personal injury cases in the hands of a leading authority on children and the law by contacting the offices of Gina DeCrescenzo, P.C. Education Attorneys today.

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Navigating the world of special education services in New York City (NYC) can be daunting for parents, especially when faced with the challenge of securing appropriate services for their children through the Department of Education (DOE). One of the main tools at parents’ disposal is the use of Related Service Authorizations (RSAs), but these can come with their own set of complications. This blog will explore the common problems parents face with RSAs and how enlisting an attorney can help negotiate an enhanced rate to ensure that children receive the services they need. RSAs are documents issued by the NYC DOE that allow parents to obtain special education services (such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling) from independent providers when the DOE cannot provide these services directly or in a timely manner. While RSAs are meant to bridge the gap between the need for services and their availability, several issues frequently arise: Limited Provider Availability : One of the most significant challenges parents face is finding a provider who accepts RSAs. The standard rates offered by the DOE for RSA services are often lower than what many private providers typically charge. This creates a shortage of available providers willing to accept RSAs, leading to delays in service p rovision. Quality of Service : Even if a provider accepts an RSA, parents may find that the quality of service varies. Higher-quality providers may refuse RSA assignments because the rates do not match the level of expertise and resources they offer. This means parents may have to settle for providers who may not be a perfect fit for their child’s needs. Delays and Administrative Hurdles : Obtaining an RSA is only part of the process. Parents often face bureaucratic hurdles and delays when trying to schedule services or manage the paperwork required by the DOE. This can be frustrating and can impact the timely delivery of necessary educational support. The Role of Attorneys in Securing Enhanced Rates Given these challenges, parents often turn to attorneys to help advocate for their children’s rights. Here’s how an attorney can assist in the process and help secure an enhanced rate for RSA services: 1. Legal Knowledge and Advocacy Attorneys who focus on special education law like Gina DeCrescenzo understand the complexities of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how it applies to services within NYC. They can advocate for your child’s needs by navigating the DOE’s systems and procedures, ensuring that your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is upheld. 2. Requesting Enhanced Rates One of the most impactful roles an attorney can play is requesting an enhanced rate for RSA services. Enhanced rates can be crucial for accessing high-quality providers who do not normally accept RSAs at the standard rate. Attorneys can make a case to the DOE that a higher rate is necessary to secure services that meet the specific needs outlined in the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Instead of the rate being unreasonably low, an enhanced rate reflects the "prevailing rate" in the community - what qualified providers are actually charging! Why Hiring an Attorney Is Worth It While hiring an attorney may seem like an additional expense, the benefits often outweigh the costs: Access to Better Providers : By securing an enhanced rate, parents can access a broader range of qualified providers, ensuring that their child receives the level of service necessary for progress. Saving Time and Stress : Attorneys streamline the process, reducing the stress and time commitment required by parents who would otherwise have to navigate these challenges alone. Advocacy for Future Needs : Having an attorney who is familiar with your child’s case can be helpful for future IEP meetings, hearings, or any subsequent negotiations with the DOE.  Final Thoughts Parents should not hesitate to reach out for legal assistance if they find themselves struggling with the RSA process. With the right help, you can navigate the system more effectively and ensure that your child’s educational needs are met with the quality and consistency they deserve. Call us TODAY!

The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) serves over 1.1 million students, including more than 200,000 with disabilities. Despite efforts to provide equitable services, there are significant challenges in the delivery of special education, which continues to be a pressing issue for families, educators, and advocates. The problems facing the NYCDOE’s special education programs are multi-faceted, affecting everything from service delivery to resource allocation and legal compliance. But you are not alone. GDPC can help! Some examples of what our firm can help you with: 1. Delayed or Insufficient Services One of the most pervasive problems in NYCDOE’s special education system is the delay in delivering critical services to students with disabilities. Federal law mandates that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, many students in NYC experience delays in receiving services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or special education teachers. Delays in evaluations and the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) compound these issues. Parents often report that their children wait months, or even years, to receive the services they are legally entitled to, causing setbacks in academic and social development. 2. IEP Compliance and Quality While IEPs are intended to be tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, many parents and advocates argue that the quality and specificity of these plans vary greatly. IEPs may not fully reflect the individual needs of students, and some are written so vaguely that they fail to guarantee appropriate support. There are also concerns around compliance. Reports suggest that many students do not receive the services outlined in their IEPs, with gaps in communication between schools, therapists, and families. The lack of accountability exacerbates these problems, leaving many parents to resort to legal action to enforce their children's rights. 3. Resource Shortages The NYCDOE faces significant resource shortages, particularly when it comes to staffing. There is a shortage of qualified special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers, which limits the department’s ability to meet the demands of its special education population. This shortage is most evident in overcrowded classrooms, where students with disabilities may not receive the attention or specialized instruction they need. Additionally, many schools lack the physical resources, such as assistive technology or accessible classrooms, to fully support students with disabilities. These gaps in resources not only hinder academic performance but also contribute to the exclusion of students from meaningful participation in school activities. 4. Inclusion and Segregation Inclusion in general education settings remains an ongoing challenge within the NYCDOE. Many students with disabilities are still segregated in self-contained classrooms, away from their non-disabled peers, which can hinder social and emotional development. While inclusive classrooms are the goal, they often lack the proper support systems—like co-teaching models and adequate paraprofessionals—needed to accommodate all students effectively. The failure to fully embrace inclusive practices also reflects broader systemic issues, such as lack of teacher training and insufficient understanding of how to accommodate diverse learners in a general education setting. 5. Transportation Issues Students with disabilities frequently face challenges in accessing reliable transportation to and from school. Busing problems include long wait times, late arrivals, and insufficient accommodations for children with special needs, such as wheelchair access or aides on buses. These transportation failures contribute to higher absenteeism rates among special education students, further exacerbating the learning gaps they already face. Path Forward Contact GDPC today. We have served thousands of families throughout NYS and our record is unmatched. If you or someone you know needs help, do not delay in seeking advice from experts in the field.

What happens if my child is injured at school? Take action immediately! Get medical attention (and ASK for and RETAIN all documents/medical records/discharge summaries). Get incident report(s) from the school/teacher/school nurse and/or anyone who witnessed what happened. Ask your child to write down (or relay to you to write down) everything that they remember about what happened leading up to the incident, during the incident, and after the incident. Ask them for specific staff names and names of kids who were involved or who may have witnessed what happened. Ask to see video footage. Take notes while you view it and ask for a copy. Call a personal injury lawyer with knowledge of education law immediately to learn what your rights are and if you are entitled to compensation. This must be done immediately so that you don’t make any mistakes or miss any deadlines. There are strict deadlines and statutes of limitations for school-related personal injury cases. The Duty of New York Schools in School Injury Claims Schools are not automatically liable for all injuries that occur on campus. There are several factors that an experienced lawyer must consider in making that assessment. Was the property properly maintained? Was the child/children properly supervised? Were the admin/teachers/staff properly trained and did they handle the incident/intervene appropriately? New York districts have a duty to make sure that the school buildings, playgrounds, and all other areas of the district property are safe for their children. If they fail in this tall order, they may be liable for any incidents that result, even if the incidents are unintentional or “accidents.” The school district is responsible for ensuring safety and preventing injuries on school premises. For example, if a child is being bullied or abused (on or off school grounds), the staff must intervene and take appropriate steps to prevent the bullying or abuse in the future. If a district fails to properly supervise or intervene, parents may be able to hold the school accountable and seek compensation for any resulting injuries. What about if a child is injured by the school staff? Either physically or sexually abused? Unfortunately, GDPC has seen these cases all too often and families should contact us immediately to see what can be done to hold the district and those perpetrators liable! 

Special Ed Abbreviations Cheat Sheet (Most Regularly Used Acronyms in Special Ed Law): AAC: Alternative Augmentative Communication ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act AIS: Academic Intervention Services APE: Adaptive Physical Education AT: Assistive Technology BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst BIP: Behavior Intervention Plan CBST: Central Based Support Team (in NYC) CBT: Cognitive Behavior Therapy CPI: Crisis Prevention Intervention CPSE: Committee on Preschool Special Education CSE: Committee on Special Education DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy DOL: District of Location DOR: District of Residence DPC: Due Process Complaint ESY: Extended School Year FAPE: Free and Appropriate Public Education FBA: Functional Behavioral Assessment IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ICT: Integrated Co-Teaching IEE: Independent Education Evaluation IEP: Individualized Education Plan IESP: Individualized Education Services Plan LEA: Local Education Agency LRE: Least Restrictive Environment NPS: Non-public School OPWDD: Office of People with Developmental Disabilities OT: Occupational Therapist PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System PLOP: Present Levels of Performance PT: Physical Therapist PWN: Prior Written Notice RTI: Response to Intervention SEIT: Special Education Itinerant Teacher SETSS: Special Education Teacher Support Services SLP: Speech/Language Provider

A parent may want to use a special education attorney over an advocate for their child with special needs for several reasons. Just a few: Legal expertise: Special education attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations related to special education (and the nuances of those laws) and can provide guidance on how to navigate the legal system. Formal representation: Attorneys can represent a parent and their child in legal proceedings, such as due process hearings or court cases. Advocates, on the other hand, are not typically allowed to represent clients in formal legal proceedings. And the districts know that. There is no threat of a legal action from an advocate and therefore less (or no) leverage. Ability to negotiate: Attorneys have the education, skills and knowledge to negotiate with school districts and other government agencies on behalf of their clients. Experience in handling complex cases: Special education attorneys often have experience handling complex cases, such as those involving disputes over the type or location of services provided to a child. Ability to think bigger. Attorneys can advise you on potential cases well beyond what you came to them for. They can identify and counsel you on a potential personal injury matter or discrimination claim, for example, even though you might have come to them with what you believed to be a straightforward IDEA issue. It's important to note that an advocate and attorney can work together and an advocate can sometimes help with the preparation and gathering of important information before the case goes to the attorney.