You’re Not Alone and You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Is your child struggling at school or refusing to attend, falling behind, acting out, or being misunderstood?
You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure of what steps to take next. The special education system can be confusing, and understanding your rights as a parent isn’t always easy.
At Coping Partners, we help families like yours get clarity, advocacy, and support every step of the way.
We specialize in helping parents navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan process while addressing the underlying emotional and behavioral concerns that often go hand-in-hand with school challenges.
Common Challenges We Help With
- Difficulty with focus, attention, or impulsivity (ADHD)
- School refusal or avoidance due to anxiety or stress
- Behavioral concerns in the classroom
- Inconsistent academic performance
- Struggles with social skills or peer relationships
- Emotional meltdowns related to schoolwork or transitions
Understanding IEPs, 504s, and School Accommodations
What is an IEP? An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document outlining specialized instruction and services for students who qualify under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). It’s tailored to your child’s unique learning needs.
What is a 504 Plan? A 504 Plan ensures students with disabilities receive equal access to education through accommodations. Unlike an IEP, it does not require specialized instruction but addresses barriers in the learning environment.
Not sure which one applies? We help you determine eligibility, work with your school, and guide you through the entire process.
Our Therapeutic and Educational Support Services
At Coping Partners, we offer:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for emotional regulation and anxiety
- Parent coaching for navigating behavior at home and school
- School collaboration, including attendance at IEP/504 meetings
- Psychological evaluations to support educational planning
- Support in crafting realistic, compassionate accommodation requests
- Child and teen therapy for ADHD, anxiety, and learning challenges
We are with you every step of the way, from the first evaluation to advocating in the classroom.
Why Families Trust Coping Partners
Our team includes experienced psychologists and therapists who specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families navigating educational challenges.
- Deep understanding of public and private school systems
- Years of experience collaborating with school staff and districts
- Strength-based, individualized care
- Family-focused support that empowers parents
“Coping Partners helped me understand my son’s rights and gave me the tools to advocate for him. I felt like I finally had a voice at the IEP meeting.”
-Parent of a 10-year-old with ADHD
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect in the first therapy session? Your first session will include an intake with one of our clinicians. We’ll explore your child’s history, current school challenges, and goals. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the next steps.
How long does therapy last? This varies by family. Some clients benefit from short-term support (3–6 months), while others engage in ongoing care. We reassess progress regularly and adjust the plan as needed.
Can Coping Partners attend school meetings? Yes. Our clinicians can participate in IEP or 504 meetings to ensure your child’s needs are clearly represented and understood.
What if my child refuses to go to school? We work with families to understand what’s driving school refusal. There are so many potential factors involved, from anxiety to learning frustration to emotional overwhelm, and many more. We help create a step-by-step plan to restore trust and re-engage your child.
Here are a few signs that you may need help:
- You’re receiving frequent calls from the school
- Homework leads to tears or shutdowns
- Your child dreads going to school or has somatic complaints
- You’re unsure what your rights are
- You feel overwhelmed by the school’s paperwork or terminology
What to Expect in the First Session
You’ll meet with a therapist who will:
- Review your child’s history and school background
- Discuss any recent diagnoses or evaluations
- Outline a plan of support tailored to your family’s needs
We’re here to help you feel confident and equipped.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Some children and families see improvement in just a few months. Others may benefit from longer-term support, depending on the severity and complexity of the situation. Your therapist will help set realistic timelines and goals.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s work together to create a plan that meets your child’s unique needs and gives your family peace of mind.
Call: (847) 579-9317
Email: support@copingpartnersgroup.com
Don’t Wait to Get Help
Seeing your child struggle is one of the hardest things as a parent. But support is just a conversation away.
Let’s help your child feel more confident, calm, and connected.
Reach out today…
📞 Call: (847) 579-9317
📧 Email: support@copingpartnersgroup.com
📍 450 Skokie Blvd, Suite #503, Northbrook, IL 60062
🗓️ Open 7 Days a Week
Get More Helpful Tips:
🎧 Listen to The Coping Podcast – Expert insights for parents : https://copingpartners.com/podcast/
📰 Read Our Latest Articles – Practical strategies you can use now
Visit: www.copingpartners.com
Episode Transcript
Dr. Leigh Weisz: 00:02
Hi, I’m Dr. Leigh Weisz, a licensed clinical psychologist with Coping Partners. I’m so proud of the team of therapists here who are truly the best of the best and are so passionate about the work we do. If you’re watching this, you might be facing one of the toughest situations for a parent watching your child struggle at school and not knowing how to help. Maybe there are meltdowns over homework calls from the school, or maybe your child is refusing to go to school altogether. You are not alone and you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Dr. Leigh Weisz: 00:32
School challenges often aren’t just academic, they’re emotional. When a child is anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling with focus, it can show up as acting out, avoidance of school altogether, or inconsistency in school performance. We work with families dealing with ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning difficulties, school refusal, and more. And we’re here to help both at home and in the classroom. Children who avoid school or act out aren’t trying to be difficult.
Dr. Leigh Weisz: 00:57
They’re trying to cope. We help them identify what it is they’re feeling. We teach them how to handle frustration differently, and we help them build skills to manage transitions, friendships, and school expectations. For children with ADHD or executive functioning issues, we help them develop structure and strategies that they can actually use. You may have heard the terms IEP and 504 plan thrown around, but maybe you’re not sure about what they actually mean, or if they apply to your child.
Dr. Leigh Weisz: 01:24
An IEP or Individualized Education Plan is a legal document that ensures a child with certain disabilities receives specialized instruction and services in school. A 504 plan offers accommodations to remove barriers so students with disabilities can access the same education as their peers. If you’re unsure of which or any that your child qualifies for, we help empower parents to navigate this whole process. You don’t need to feel alone at your next school meeting. We have therapists who can go into the school to observe your kiddo if appropriate, and help consult with the school in order to best help your child.
Dr. Leigh Weisz: 01:55
We also have therapists who can support parents in these school meetings and make suggestions as to what might best help your child. So you may be wondering when is it time to reach out? Well, if any of this sounds familiar, frequent calls from school, emotional shutdowns over homework anxiety, or physical complaints about going to school. It may be time to talk. You do not have to wait for things to get worse.
Dr. Leigh Weisz: 02:20
What can you expect when you reach out? When you schedule a phone intake, we’ll listen to what is going on with your child and make a recommendation of which therapist will be the best match. Then you’ll meet with one of the therapists. We will review your child’s history, challenges at school, any prior diagnoses and your goals, and you’ll leave feeling better with a plan. We check in regularly with parents and schools.
Dr. Leigh Weisz: 02:49
With your permission, of course, to make sure we’re on track. So don’t wait to help get your child the support they need. We are here to help. Schedule your free phone intake at copingpartners.com. Let’s take this next step together and create a plan that works for your child and your whole family. Call us or email us. Our information is on our website copingpartners.com.