IEP Coaching & Consultation
IEP Coaching & Consultation for Parents in California
Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally charged, especially when you’re trying to advocate for your child while also processing new information about their learning needs.
Our IEP Coaching & Consultation services are designed to help parents understand the IEP process, interpret school evaluations, and participate confidently and meaningfully as part of their child’s IEP team, without having to become an expert overnight.
Whether you’re requesting an evaluation, reviewing a psychoeducational report, preparing for an IEP meeting, or trying to determine whether your child’s services truly match their needs, we provide clear guidance, thoughtful preparation, and steady support every step of the way.
What is IEP Coaching?
IEP Coaching (also called IEP Consultation) is a parent-focused service that supports you in understanding and navigating the special education process.
We help parents:
Understand the special education system and their role within it
Review and interpret psychoeducational evaluations and IEP documents
Prepare for IEP meetings with clarity and confidence
Develop meaningful, individualized goals and service recommendations
Advocate effectively using school-based language and processes
Process the emotional impact of eligibility determinations and school decisions
This service is collaborative and empowering, helping you move from feeling overwhelmed or passive to feeling informed, confident, and actively involved.
Who We Help:
Parents of children and teens who are entering or already involved in the special education process
Families whose child has received a psychoeducational evaluation and want help understanding eligibility, results, and recommendations
Parents who feel overwhelmed, powerless, or unsure how to participate fully as part of the IEP team
Families preparing for an IEP meeting and wanting support with documents, questions, and next steps
Parents who want guidance on goals, services, accommodations, and modifications
Note: This service is designed for parents and caregivers. Child participation may be included when appropriate, but sessions primarily focus on supporting and empowering parents.
How IEP Coaching Works
IEP Coaching is short-term, practical, and highly collaborative. Sessions focus on real documents, real meetings, and real decisions, not just general education about special education.
We begin by reviewing any relevant materials (psychoeducational evaluations, IEPs, or school reports) so that parents can clearly understand what the school is proposing and what questions may need to be addressed.
From there, coaching sessions may include:
Reviewing and interpreting psychoeducational evaluations
Explaining eligibility categories and what they mean for your child
Identifying missing or unclear components in evaluations
Reviewing IEP goals, services, and accommodations
Helping parents draft specific goals or questions to bring to the IEP team
Preparing for upcoming IEP meetings
Learning the language used in educational systems
Supporting parents in communicating concerns to the school
Processing the emotional impact of eligibility determinations
Parents can choose the level of involvement support they need, including:
Preparation only
Meeting observation
Active participation in meetings when appropriate
Follow-up processing and planning
What’s the big difference?
Coaching
Focus on understanding documents and meetings
Prepare parents for IEP participation
Review evaluations and IEPs
Develop goals and recommendations
Build confidence and clarity
Best fit when parents want guidance and structure
Therapy
Support emotional regulation and coping skills
Explore family stress and emotional impact
Address anxiety, grief, or overwhelm related to diagnosis
Combine emotional support with insight
Best fit when emotional distress is the primary concern
Some families benefit from both coaching and therapy, depending on their needs.
What to Expect
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Family Involvement.
Parent coaching and education
Support in talking with your child about eligibility or accommodations
Guidance for helping children understand and use their supports
Assistance in empowering children and teens to participate in meetings when appropriate
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Ongoing Support.
Active, goal-oriented sessions
Preparation for IEP meetings
Drafting questions, goals, and emails to the school
Reviewing school responses and adjusting strategies
Guidance on requesting additional evaluations when appropriate
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Getting Started.
Review of psychoeducational evaluations or IEP documents
Clear explanation of eligibility and recommendations
Identification of strengths and areas of concern
Initial plan for meeting preparation or next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? We’ve got answers.
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IEP Coaching sessions are primarily held virtually, which allows families throughout California to access services easily and provides flexibility for document review and meeting preparation. In-person sessions may be available as needed depending on clinician availability and location.
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Each IEP Coaching session is typically 60 minutes long. Frequency depends on your family’s needs and where you are in the special education process. Some families schedule a single consultation to review an evaluation or prepare for an IEP meeting, while others choose a short-term package for ongoing support.
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IEP Coaching is provided by our clinicians with experience in psychoeducational evaluations, special education systems, and parent consultation. Sessions are approached through a coaching and consultation lens rather than traditional therapy.
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No. Parents can begin IEP Coaching at any stage of the process, including when requesting a psychoeducational evaluation, waiting for results, or preparing for an initial IEP meeting.
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Yes, IEP meeting attendance may be available as an add-on service depending on clinician availability. Support can include meeting preparation, observation, or participation when appropriate.
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No. IEP Coaching does not provide legal representation or advocacy services. Our role is to help parents understand evaluations, IEP documents, and the meeting process so they can participate confidently as part of their child’s IEP team. If legal support becomes necessary, families may be referred to an educational advocate or attorney.
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Yes. We can guide parents on how to request an evaluation in writing, what to expect during the assessment process, and how to prepare for the eligibility meeting.
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Yes. A core part of IEP Coaching includes reviewing psychoeducational evaluations and IEP documents, explaining results in clear language, and helping parents identify strengths, areas of need, and questions for the school team.
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IEP Coaching primarily focuses on supporting parents and caregivers. Child participation may be included when appropriate, such as helping families explain eligibility or accommodations to older children or preparing teens to participate in their own IEP meetings.
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Single Session
• 60-minute consultation: $350Consultation Package
• 3 sessions: $900Additional services such as IEP meeting attendance are available as add-ons based on availability.
Ready to get support that sticks?
IEP coaching isn’t about “fixing” families —
…it’s about helping parents understand the system, feel confident in their role, and ensure their child receives appropriate support at school.
We’re here to help you feel informed, empowered, and prepared every step of the way.
Contact us today to find out if coaching is the right fit for you or your child.
Ready to start coaching?
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Ready to start coaching? 〰️
Other Services:
Child Psychology Center offers neuro-affirming, culturally competent, evidence-based therapy for children (ages 0+), teens and caregivers. We offer virtual therapy for people throughout all of California, and we offer in-person therapy in our offices in Carlsbad, CA & Sacramento, CA. Our services are available in both English and Mandarin. Our licensed psychologists offer psychological assessments. While our therapists specialize in treating children, we also treat adults. We specialize in treating anxiety, child behavioral problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, autism, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We offer parent coaching and consultation. We would love to support you along your journey. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation today!