Supporting San Antonio Families Through the Special Education Process

Brighton’s Special Education Support Services team helps parents of children ages 3-8 with 1-on-1 counseling to understand and access special education and support services for their child within the public school system. Our Education Consultants review evaluations, individual education plans (IEP), and attend ARD meetings with your child’s school. Let us know how we can help put your child on the road to academic success.

There’s one reason we’re all here… AT BRIGHTON, WE’RE HERE FOR THE KIDS.

What Makes Brighton’s Therapy Services Different?

Brighton, a non-profit organization in Bexar County, provides educational and developmental support to children experiencing developmental delays or disabilities. As an ECI provider through the State of Texas, Brighton’s team of highly skilled and licensed therapy and early childhood developmental professionals provides a holistic and family-centered approach to development. Through Brighton’s Pediatric Therapy Services, you can be assured that your child and family will receive the needed resources, support, and guidance!

Special Education Library

We know parents have many questions and concerns about special education. There are new words to learn and laws to consider. Brighton Center aims to empower parents and caregivers with the right information at the right time.

Affordable & Convenient

As a non-profit organization, Brighton is able to offer individualized advocacy services at a fraction of the cost of a typical education consultant. We provide flexible service options based on your location:

Bexar County families receive hybrid support through phone, video conferencing, and in-person ARD meeting attendance when appropriate (evaluated case-by-case).

Families outside Bexar County receive comprehensive virtual consultation services via phone and video conferencing. While we cannot attend school meetings in person outside our primary service area, we provide the same expert guidance, document review, and advocacy coaching remotely.

Advocating for Your Child is a Team Effort

Our mission is to ensure every child reaches their full potential. Meet our team of knowledgeable special education consultants ready to partner with you for your child’s academic success.

Special Education Support
Services

Special Education Support Consultation (Pre or Post ARD)

Our special education consultants will meet with you to learn about your child, their needs, and the goals you have for them. We will review the documentation you have about your child and then help you create a plan to achieve these outcomes in the school setting.

Individual Education Plans (IEP) & Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) Guidance

Our special education consultants help families understand information on their child’s IEP and/or BIP. We also provide assistance in how to communicate with the school to request services and support.

Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Meeting Support

Our special education consultants can attend ARD meetings with families to provide support and assist with communication between the family and school personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why A Special Education Consultant?

Brighton Center Special Education Consultants are specialists in interpreting school-based data and applying comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Special Education Law (IDEA, ADA, 504, TEC) to effectively create a detailed plan for meaningful outcomes in the school setting.
Part of the consultative process sometimes includes consultant participation in school meetings; however, our consultants do not intercede or speak on behalf of the families we serve. Instead, our Special Education Consultants empower families through educating them on their rights and the rights of their children while also facilitating a collaborative relationship with schools.

What Is The Difference Between An Advocate And A Consultant?

Consultants are specialists in their related field who provide professional advice on how to improve or resolve a situation. An advocate typically represents the interests of a person or entity who have a particular cause or policy. However, often these interests can become clouded by emotions and ulterior motives, which lead to unproductive and contentious interactions.
Although Brighton Center Special Education Consultants support the rights of persons of all abilities, including the special education population, we do not consider ourselves mere advocates. Anyone can be an advocate. What our consultants provide is much more than just advocacy; we educate, empower, and facilitate while maintaining a child-centered process. Our Special Education Consultants let objectivity and data drive this process so that families can focus on building relationships instead of barriers with the school.

What Happens In The Initial Consultation?

We initially work with families during an individualized consultation in which the consultant conducts a thorough review and interpretation of all the student’s pertinent documentation, and in tandem with the client/family, formulates a child-centered action plan for addressing parent concerns.

How Long Is The Initial Consultation?

Our typical consultations can last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the child’s needs and parent concerns.

What Happens After The Initial Consultation?

The parent and Special Education Consultant execute the action items agreed upon in the action plan they co-created during the initial consultation. This may include a consultant participating in a school meeting.

Do Consultants Guarantee Results?

In short, no. There are many variables that influence a child’s educational programming that are completely out of the special education consultant’s control. However, through the individualized consultative process, you and your consultant will identify the issues at hand and create a plan for how to effectively mitigate these problems.

Do Consultants Represent Families In Due Process Or Mediation?

Although our consultants are well-versed in special education law and due process, we are not attorneys. Due process is often lengthy and requires the attention of a legal professional who can dedicate their time solely to this aspect of the special education process.

Do Consultants Attend Meetings With Families?

Yes – Oftentimes, parents and their respective Special Education Consultant will create a plan that includes the education consultant’s participation in a school meeting (ARD meeting, 504 meeting, etc.).

What Is The Role Of The Consultant During An ARD/504 Meeting With The School?

The role that your Special Education Consultant will serve is determined during your initial consultation. However, our consultants focus on bridging communication between you and the school. Creating a healthy, collaborative relationship and facilitating communication is our priority when participating in a school-based meeting. In our experience, setting this foundation enhances your partnership with the school and pertinent stakeholders.

Will The Consultant Speak/Communicate With the School On My Behalf?

Your Special Education Consultant will never formally communicate with the school on your behalf. All communication must be conducted between you and the school. However, your consultant may assist or coach you in effective written communication. If needed during a school meeting, the consultant may also assist in effectively communicating your concerns.

Do Brighton Center Consultants Provide Case Manager/Community Resource Support?

Consultants are not case managers. If you need assistance with resources not related to your child’s education, the consultant will provide possible resources and options.

What Are Our Prices?

The initial consultation is FREE; from there, each consultant will provide parents with info on next steps if they would like to move forward with our services.
The fee for the consultation bundle (3 meetings—consultations pre-ARD, post-ARD, or in ARD attendance) is $150.
Financial assistance is available for those that qualify.

What Do Our Services Consist Of?

A thorough review of all school documentation provided, while also providing on-the-job training for parents/caregivers to be their child’s best advocate.
A Special Education Consultant to listen to your concerns and prioritize the top ones to establish an action plan.
Teaching parents/caregivers the soft skills of advocacy throughout the consultative process: effective communication with school staff, problem-solving, and collaboration.
ARD/504 or other school meeting attendance when needed, to help caregivers with learning advocacy skills in real time, and ensure accountability.
Follow-up communication to ensure the continued education towards effective advocacy.

I Submitted an Inquiry, Where Am I in the Process?

It will be important for anyone fielding this call to have access to and training in Go High Level to search individuals.
In the interim, a message can be sent to Juan (SESS Manager) via Teams with the individual’s name and email address to be searched; take their info and let them know we will call them back.

What if I’ve Used Brighton Center’s Special Education Support Services in the Past but Need to Schedule a New Consultation?

Welcome back! If you’ve worked with us previously, you don’t need to fill out the inquiry form again.
- If you received services within the last two years: Contact your consultant directly or email consultant@brightonsa.org to schedule additional services.
- If you received services prior to 2023: Please email consultant@brightonsa.org so our team can locate your records and reconnect with you.

What Is Your Service Area (Specific to SESS Only)?

Bexar County (Primary Service Area): We provide hybrid services including phone consultations, video conferencing, and in-person ARD meeting attendance when appropriate. Please note that in-person school meeting attendance is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.
Outside Bexar County: We provide comprehensive virtual consultation services only. This includes phone and video consultations, document reviews, action plan development, and advocacy coaching. We are unable to attend school meetings in person outside of Bexar County, but we’ll fully prepare and support you to advocate effectively for your child.

Can You Put Me Through To (Specific Name: Juan, Alex, Renae, Jamie)?

Most likely, if transferred, no one will be able to answer their phone, so it is best to take down their info and email it to the person it pertains to.
If they are current clients, they have already been informed of the importance of emailing their special education consultant. They will likely not be calling, or they already know their education consultant’s direct number.
If they are not current clients, we encourage them to submit an inquiry.
If they are professionals/community partners wanting to speak with someone, it is best to take their info and message it to Juan, SESS Manager.

I Tried to Inquire or Register, and I Got a Notification That I Do Not Qualify. Why?

This will occur if they have some sort of legal situation going on. Look for words or phrases like:
- Due Process
- Mediation
- Formal Grievance
- Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
- Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- CPS case open (case by case)
- Settlement Agreement
If parents are already receiving services/support from other advocates/consultants/attorneys, we will not provide services, as this is counterproductive.
Our Special Education Consultants cannot provide support for these types of situations, as these are all situations that could have us subpoenaed to court, which we need to avoid.
If someone has a question or would like to clarify their situation, you can take their info and email/Teams it to Juan (SESS Manager).
Once they complete whatever legal process they are in, they can receive services from us.

Why Is There So Much Personal Information Being Asked of Me When I Inquire?

Brighton Center is a non-profit organization, and we report demographic information to funders when asked who we serve, and in periodic reports so they know where those funds are being utilized.
Brighton Center also collects this information to gain a good picture of the people we serve.

Other SESS Services Available

IEP and Evaluation Reviews

Our Special Education Consultants review your child’s draft IEP and any evaluation reviews to help you understand what is being recommended.

504 Plan Reviews

Our Special Education Consultants can review your child’s 504 Plan and ensure that it includes the appropriate accommodations and services needed for your child to participate in the school setting fully.

Resource and Program Referrals

Our team refers parents to community resources as well as other Brighton Center programs that help them and their child get needed support and services.

Support for Parents

Our Special Education Consultants conduct workshops and provide additional resources that can help parents get the necessary information and support they need. We are also great listeners and are always here to support you!

Testimonials

"My daughter was at Brighton for almost three years. It was a great place for her that provided a positive learning environment and child-centered staff. My daughter learned empathy and acceptance from her peers and teachers. The center is NAEYC-accredited, and teachers are knowledgeable of developmentally appropriate practices. They truly care about the children and families with whom they work and…

Rocio Delgado Special Education Support Services

"Brighton's Special Education Advocates are passionate, well-versed, and speak up for children as if they are their own. I finally felt like I had a true partner in my corner."

Jorge Garcia, Christian's DadSpecial Education Support Services

"Brighton's advocate, Girasol, really helped us get our 3-year-old son the services he needed from our local school district. After receiving incorrect information from the district about our son’s eligibility for services, Girasol educated not only our family but also the school district. She reviewed our son’s evaluation documents and spent time with us on the phone, walking through the entire special education process."

Jillian Benfield, Anderson's MomSpecial Education Support Services

"We want to express our deepest gratitude to Girasol, we were not only lost, but also desperate. We did not know the services that the school can provide and that my son, according to his condition and needs, should receive. Neither the aspects or the details most important aspects of an IEP, PLAAFP or ARD, she patiently trained, explained and prepared us for each ARD meeting with the school. At…

Esteban’s Mom Special Education Support Services

"Alejandro made sure my daughter’s ARD process went smoothly!"

Iris Williams Special Education Support Services

"Brighton offers families hope, caring, understanding, education and every bit of it is 100% from their hearts. Our daughter has benefited from ALL of the services that Brighton has to offer. They have become like another family to us and they will always be a part of our lives."

Mary Rudy, Lulu's MomEarly Childhood Intervention Services