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22 Hudson Valley Parent n October 2018 Lorraine McGrane, a special education attorney at Poughkeepsie's Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP. "There are many reasons parents seek out a special education attorney. Parents notice that their child is losing time and needs help. Parents come into the office with an explicit request, say for tuition reimbursement or with a feeling that the last Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting went poorly, and they are not sure what to do about it. An attorney can help the parent understand and claim their child's educational rights." Never too early to seek assistance Help is often needed from the early stages of life. Early Intervention By PATRICE E. ATHANASIDY P arents of children with special needs often wonder if their children are receiving the services that will most benefit their children. They also want to know how to determine what they are entitled to and how to prepare for the transitions in life. At times, no matter how much information they have, they may need professionals to help guide them. Navigating the waters Parents often begin by comparing notes with other parents in similar situations. "A parent who is going through the special education process can be an ally to parents throughout their own process," says Services are available for those with developmental delays from 0-3 years old. According to New York State's Early Intervention website, services include: family education and counseling; home visits and parent support groups; special instruction; speech pathology and audiology occupational therapy; physical therapy; psychological services; service coordination; nursing services; nutrition services; social work services; vision services and assistive technology devices. As parents transition from Early Intervention to their local school district, they have to advocate for their child's right to services within the district. Gina L. Carminucci, director of family support & advocacy at Abilities First, Inc. in Do you need a lawyer? Lawyers provide advice to families with children who have special needs