INCLUSIVE FAMILY
days. States cannot lengthen the timeline.
At the meeting, the team will review all
assessments and discuss eligibility for spe-
cial education services. If your child is found
eligible, the school has 30 days to develop an
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
or Individualized Education Program (IEP)
plan. Additional tips on how to prepare for
an IEP meeting can be found in the article,
“How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting” in the
August 2022 issues of on Baltimore’s Child ,
Washington FAMILY and MetroKids, and in
the August/September 2022 issue of Freder-
ick’s Child.
What to do if the school system
says ‘NO’ to your evaluation
request If your child is denied an evaluation, there
are a few steps you can take. First, ask for a
Prior Written Notice (PWN). The PWN is
a document that the school completes after
all special education meetings. In the PWN,
the school system must include why the
request for an evaluation was denied. This
then goes in your child’s file, and you get a
copy for your record.
Watch this video on YouTube for more details:
youtube.com/watch?v=-txCO3Qhi04&t=14s Next, request an Independent Education
Evaluation (IEE) at public expense. This
means the parents choose the evaluator and
the school system pays for the evaluation,
with some limits. IDEA §300.502 states that
parents can request an IEE if they disagree
with a school’s evaluation. The school has
two options:
1) File a due process complaint stating that
the evaluation is appropriate; or
2) Authorize an IEE
There are some limitations on the IEE,
but the above are the two options parents
or guardians can expect in response to
making the request. If the school says no
to an initial evaluation, there is no appro-
priate evaluation, meaning the child’s
parents would almost certainly win if the
school files a due process complaint. Most
likely, the school will either agree to evalu-
ate or authorize an IEE. If the school does
not respond at all, parents can file for a due
process hearing.
Advocate for your child
Parenting is hard. We all want what is best
for our children and are their best advocates.
Trust your gut. Reach out for help and do not
take no for an answer. Whether your child
has developmental delays or not, an evalua-
tion will give you answers. These answers will
guide your next steps in helping your child
reach their highest potential. Remember, sup-
port is available, so you do not need to do it
all alone. T
Frances Shefter, Esq., is the CEO and Founder
of Shefter Law, PA based in Rockville, Mary-
land. The firm’s only area of practice is special
education law, providing legal services in MD,
DC and FL and advocacy services nationwide.
To have a Stress-Free IEP™ experience, contact
her at 301-605-7303 or visit shefterlaw.com to
book a consultation.
FITS YOUR life
With our unique tub-over-tub liners, replacements,
and tub-to-shower conversions we can complete
your bathroom renovation in as little as a day. At Bath
Fitter, we don’t just fit your bath, we fit your life. Why
have over two million people brought Bath Fitter into
their homes?
It Just Fits.
SPECIAL OFFER
OUR BENEFITS
Easy to Clean, Virtually
Maintenance Free
Seamless Wall
2 One-Day Installation
WE DO IT ALL!
Tub Liners
1 Tub and Shower Replacements
1-833-776-0518 NO INTEREST UNTIL 2025!
Tub-to-Shower Conversions
ƫƏɎǝٮˡɎɎer.com/local24 1Tub-to-shower conversions and fiberglass replacements typically require a two-day installation. 2Lifetime warranty valid for as long as you own your home. *Offer ends 12/31/2022. All offers apply to a complete Bath Fitter system only, and must be
presented and used at time of estimate. Minimum purchase required. Terms of promotional financing are 24 months of no interest from the date of installation and minimum deposit. See representative for details. Qualified buyers only. May not be
combined with other offers or applied to previous purchases. Valid only at select Bath Fitter locations. Offers and warranty subject to limitations. Fixtures and features may be different than pictured. Accessories pictured are not included. Plumbing work
done by P.U.L.S.E. Plumbing. MD MPL #17499, NJ MPL #10655, DE MPL #PL-0002303, MD MPL #82842, VA MPL #2710064024, IA MPL #18066, OH MPL #37445, WV MPL #PL07514, MI MPL #8111651. PA HIC #PA017017, NJ HIC #13VH03073000,
WV HIC #WV053085, MD HIC #129346, VA HIC #2705155694, MD HIC #122356, VA HIC #2705096759, IA HIC #C112725, WV HIC #WV038808, MD HIC #129995, VA HIC #2705146537, DC HIC #420213000044. Each Franchise Independently Owned
And Operated By Bath Saver, Inc, LLC, Iowa Bath Solutions, LLC, Ohio Bath Solutions, LLC, Mid Atlantic Bath Solutions, LLC.
26 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2022
PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE DIRECTORY
Preschool & Child Care
Directory BY WF STAFF
DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL
2700 27th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-387-2700 aidanschool.org
Nicole Goodman
admissions@aidanschool.org 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After School & Enrichment Activities
Open House Dates: Nov. 5, Dec. 4, and Jan.
8, 2022: all from 9:15 to 11 a.m.
Aidan Montessori School is a co-ed,
independent private school for children
ages 18 months through grade 6 located in
Woodley Park, Washington, D.C. Founded
in 1961, Aidan prepares children to learn
confidently, think independently, and succeed
wherever they go.
MARYLAND (THE) BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-986-1260 bethesdamontessori.com
admissions@bethesdamontessori.com Ages: 3-6
BMS, established in 1983, is located in the heart
of Bethesda, offering two years of preschool
and a kindergarten year. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
AMI-trained teachers, art, French and computer
offered, plus after-school activities.
FEYNMAN SCHOOL
11810 Falls Road
Potomac, MD 20854
301-770-4370 feynmanschool.org
admissions@feynmanschool.org Grades: Preschool-Grade 8
Open House: Call to schedule a tour.
As the area’s leader in educating academically
gifted children, Feynman School features
extraordinary programs in science, math and
language arts.
GEORGETOWN HILL EARLY SCHOOL
(NORTH POTOMAC CAMPUS)
14901 Dufief Mill Road
North Potomac, MD 20878
301-284-8144 georgetownhill.com
northpotomac@georgetownhill.com With a “play, learning, arts, nurturing” approach
to teaching, the Georgetown Hill Early School
believes that children thrive in an educational
environment at Georgetown Hill.
LITTLE LEAVES
Campuses in Germantown and Silver
Spring, Maryland; and Alexandria, Ashburn
and Reston, Virginia
202-420-8359 littleleaves.org
info@littleleaves.org Little Leaves is a center-based ABA program
for young children with an autism spectrum
disorder within a preschool-like setting.
ONENESS-FAMILY MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Ages 2 through Grade 12
6701 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-652-7751 High School: 9411 Connecticut Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
301-652-7751 onenessfamily.org
For 33 years, Oneness-Family School’s award-
winning Montessori program has served families
of students 2 years through grade 12. OFS
features highly trained, supportive teachers and
a diverse, engaged school community. We create
a collaborative learning environment where all
children have the chance to explore their own
talents and interests. OFS fosters students who
are prepared to lead and succeed in a changing,
challenging world by balancing college prep
academics with a focus on well-being and
shared values such as empathy, inclusion and
equity. High school program offerings include
a leadership program, outdoor education,
community internships and field studies in the
D.C.-area. SPRING BILINGUAL
MONTESSORI ACADEMY
3514 Plyers Mill Road
Kensington, MD 20895
301-962-7262 spring-bilingual.org
Ages: 2-6; Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Founded in 1967, Spring Bilingual Montessori
Academy has innovated and refined the
concept of integrating a Montessori education
with the acquisition of proficiency in a second
language. The academy is open year-round for
academic programs and summer camps.
VIRGINIA A CHILD’S PLACE
3100 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22308
703-698-8050 achildsplaceinc.com
A Child’s Place in Fairfax was established in
1981 and serves children 8 weeks to 5 years old.
BASIS Independent McLean
Robin Dayhoff
http://mclean.basisindependent.com mclean-admissions@basisindependent.com
(703) 991-6075
8000 Jones Branch Dr.
McLean, Virginia 22102
Preschool Age 2 - Age 5
The early years at BASIS Independent McLean
comprise Toddler, PreK, and Kindergarten
programs that foster foundations in literacy,
STEM, music, Mandarin, art, and more, led by
nurturing teachers who support social-
emotional growth in every student.
BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL
1830 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101
703-356-5437 brooksfieldschool.org
sarah@brooksfieldschool.org Ages Served: 3-10
Open House: Call to schedule a tour.
Mindfulness, nutrition, Spanish, dance, music,
art, outdoor adventure program, extracurricular
activities and summer camp
CAMPAGNA EARLY LEARNING
CENTER AT ST. JAMES
5140 Fillmore Ave.
Alexandria, VA
703-356-5437 campagnacenter.org/programs/early-
childhood pshannon@campagnacenter.org
The Campagna Early Learning Center at St.
James provides high-quality early childhood
education to preschoolers ages 3-5. The Early
Learning Center provides opportunities for
each child to expand their talents and interests,
build supportive relationships and receive
educational experiences that promote school
readiness so that each child can reach his or
her fullest potential.
CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL
3229 Sleepy Hollow Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-533-9711 congressionalschool.org
gherbst@congressionalschool.org Discover this co-ed independent day school
for infants to eighth graders in Falls Church,
Virginia. Congressional School prepares young
learners for future success, inspiring them to
question, collaborate, create, and lead.
(THE) GRIFFIN ACADEMY OF
WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
3819 Gallows Road
Annandale, VA 22003
703-340-7268 westminsterschool.com
klee@westminsterschool.com Ages: 3-4
The Griffin Academy of Westminster School
provides a safe, creative and loving environment
in which children ages 3 and 4 can thrive. The
preschool day is structured to have an equal
balance of play and structured learning.
Holly Brook Montessori School
2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027
703-573-7800 preschoolmontessori.com
info@hollybrookmontessori.com Tours are available by appointment
Children learn in an intimate and unpretentious
atmosphere, where they respect themselves
and others and care for the environment
around them. Holly Brook offers a complete
educational and social environment and uses
the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori
to help children develop more fully the
potential within them. The school provides a
program specially suited to the needs of a child
and offers individual attention to his or her
whole development.
GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI
guidepostmontessori.com/northern- virginia
866-202-8593 24328 Marrwood Drive, Aldie, VA
42945 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, VA
4550 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA
13251 Woodland Park Road, Herndon, VA
Ages: Infant to elementary
Guidepost Montessori in Loudoun and
Fairfax counties is among a growing,
worldwide network of schools that offer
language immersion for ages infant through
elementary. HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL
2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124
703-938-7755 preschoolmontessori.com
info@huntermillmontessori.com Tours are available by appointment.
Hunter Mill Montessori School provides an
intimate and nurturing environment for
children ages 2 years 9 months to 6-year-olds
WashingtonFAMILY.com 27