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Families & Parents

IEP support for your family — from a quick review to support at the meeting.

Starting kindergarten, moving to high school, planning for life after graduation: these are the moments when most families reach out to me. Work one-on-one with Jenny Thompson, M.Ed., a special educator with 30 years of experience, to understand your child's IEP, know what options exist, and walk into meetings prepared.

Coaching offerings

Choose the support that fits your family

Every package starts with a free 30-minute call so we can make sure it's the right fit.

From a quick one-time consult to an ongoing partnership throughout the school year.

One-Time Document Review

$175

Paid in full with contract.

Get clarity fast — best for low complexity situations (1–2 key documents, a few concerns).

  • Review of your current IEP or evaluation
  • 1-hour coaching call
  • Summary email with actionable next steps
Start with a free call

Meeting Preparation Package

$425

Walk into the meeting prepared — best for medium complexity (several documents, upcoming meeting, multiple goals).

  • Full IEP/evaluation review
  • 2–3 personalized coaching sessions
  • Question lists and wording for your concerns
  • 30 days of email support

50 % payment is due before the meeting. Remaining payment determined with contract

Start with a free call

IEP Meeting Support

$950

For an upcoming meeting where you want an experienced special educator beside you.

  • Review of your child's current IEP, most recent evaluation, and up to 3 more documents
  • Prep call (up to 1 hour)
  • I attend one IEP meeting with you (up to 2 hours), virtually or in Sioux Falls
  • Debrief call (up to 1 hour)
  • 30 days of email support

In-person meetings 30–60 minutes from Sioux Falls: +$125 travel. Extra time $85/hour. 50 % payment is due before the meeting. Remaining payment determined with contract

Start with a free call

Full Year Support

$1,250

Ongoing support & guidance — best for higher complexity or ongoing needs.

  • Comprehensive file review
  • Pre-meeting planning (1 hr) & post-meeting debrief (1 hr)
  • Quarterly check-ins
  • Updated question lists and checklists through the year
  • 30 days of email support after each meeting

50 % payment is due before the meeting. Remaining payment determined with contract

Start with a free call

Custom packages available. All services can be tailored to your needs. Prices are general estimates and may vary based on complexity and time.

10% discount for paying in full (Meeting Preparation, IEP Meeting Support and Full Year Support) · additional time $85/hour.

How I support you at the meeting

What I do

  • Help you follow the discussion
  • Explain the options being presented
  • Help you prepare and ask your questions
  • Take notes and debrief with you afterward

What I don't do

  • Speak for you or make decisions for your family
  • Negotiate or argue with the school
  • Act as an attorney or advocate
  • Take cases where the family and school are already in a dispute

For free help, South Dakota Parent Connection may be able to support you.

How it works

  1. 1

    Schedule your consultation

    Choose the support package that best fits your family's needs and book a convenient time.

  2. 2

    Share your documents

    Send your child's IEP, evaluation reports, progress reports, or any questions before we meet.

  3. 3

    Meet with an experienced special educator

    We'll review your concerns, talk through what options exist, and look at whether the goals, accommodations, and services fit your child.

  4. 4

    Leave with a clear plan

    A better understanding of your child's services, next steps, and greater confidence in meetings.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an upcoming IEP meeting to work with you?

No. Many families reach out simply because they want help understanding an existing IEP, evaluation report, or school recommendation.

Will you attend my child's IEP meeting?

Yes, as part of IEP Meeting Support: virtually, in Sioux Falls, or within about an hour's drive. I attend as a consultant. I help you follow the discussion and ask questions. I don't speak for you or negotiate with the school.

Are you an attorney or advocate?

No. I'm not an attorney or a legal advocate, and I don't represent families in disputes. I'm a special educator with 30 years of experience. I help you understand your child's documents, prepare for meetings, and work as a stronger partner with your child's team. If your situation needs legal help, I'll tell you and point you toward the right kind of support.

What if I disagree with my child's school?

That's common, and it's okay. I'll help you understand what the documents say, which questions to ask, and how to share your concerns clearly and calmly. My goal is to help you be heard and keep the team focused on your child. If the disagreement has already become a formal dispute, I'm not the right fit, and I'll point you to support that is.

What documents should I bring?

If available, your child's current IEP, evaluation reports, progress reports, behavior plans, or any documents you would like reviewed.

Free workshops near Sioux Falls

Workshops are offered through Siouxland Libraries throughout the year — join the family list to hear about the next one.

Not sure which option fits?

Start with a free, no-pressure 30-minute call.

Book a Free 30-Minute Call

Stay in the loop

Free tips to help you prepare for IEP meetings, about once a month.

Please don't include student names or details.