IEP Consulting & Advocacy · Illinois & Virtual

Protected. Respected. Seen.

Expert IEP review, analysis, and meeting support for parents who want their child's plan to be right, and want someone qualified on their side of the table.

Janisa Royston, M.S. Special Educator · LBS1 · Dual-licensed in Elementary & Special Education
M.S., Curriculum & Instruction · M.S., Educational Leadership

Janisa, founder of A SPEDcial Case Educational Services

What every family can expect

Protected

Your child's IEP is reviewed line by line, so the goals, services, and supports match what your child actually needs.

Respected

No one knows your child better than you. I help you present your concerns with clarity and authority, and make sure they're heard.

Seen

I look past the struggle to the why behind it, and make sure the plan addresses it.

Why I do this

School was always hard for me, and not academically. It was hard in just about every other way. I was smart and capable, but I struggled, and nobody ever bothered to figure out my why. I never got the support I needed.

So I do this because I want to be the person I wish I'd had behind me.

Janisa

Services & investment

Expert support, from review to results

Every consultation begins with a thorough review of your child's documents, so our time together goes to analysis and strategy. Weeknight appointments by Zoom, or in person in suburban Illinois.

IEP Review & Strategy Session

$95 · 60 minutes

  • Advance review of the current IEP or evaluation
  • Analysis of present levels, goals, and services
  • Data-driven recommendations
  • A prioritized list of questions for the team

Ideal before an annual review or when something isn't working.

Parent Workshops

$45 · per participant

  • IEP 101
  • Reading Your Child's Progress Report
  • Preparing for Your First IEP Meeting

Private workshops for PTAs, SEPACs, and parent organizations are quoted on request.

What I provide

  • Clear explanations of IEPs, 504 plans, and evaluations
  • Analysis of data, goals, and services to identify gaps
  • Written concerns and a focused meeting strategy
  • Support at the IEP meeting itself
  • Referrals to attorneys and parent resources when needed

Outside my practice

  • Legal advice or legal representation. I am not an attorney.
  • Due process hearings or legal complaints
  • Promises about outcomes. Final decisions rest with the IEP team.
Janisa, founder of A SPEDcial Case Educational Services

About

Meet Janisa Royston

I began my career in education in 2014 as a cheer coach and moved directly into a paraprofessional role, because I loved working with students. That work made me want to do more for them, so I went back to school. I earned a dual license in elementary and special education in 2021, a master's in curriculum and instruction in 2023, and a master's in educational leadership in 2025. I hold the LBS1 and an administrative certification.

My teaching experience is in self-contained and cluster classrooms serving students with mild to moderate-severe disabilities. Today I teach a K–2 cluster classroom in a public school, and early childhood and the primary grades are my specialty. I also support families of older students.

Families leave our work together fully understanding everything that's happening with their child's IEP, and confident their child will receive the best services under it.

  • Master's, Curriculum & Instruction
  • Master's, Educational Leadership
  • LBS1
  • Dual license: Elementary & Special Education
  • Administrative certification

Who I serve

Families

  • Suburban Illinois school districts, in person or by Zoom
  • Families in other states, virtually
  • First-time IEP families and kindergarten transitions
  • Parents navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and evaluations

Areas of expertise

  • Early childhood and K–2
  • Mild to moderate-severe disabilities
  • Autism and developmental delays
  • Self-contained and cluster placements

Free download

The IEP Meeting Prep Checklist

A three-page guide to what to do 2–3 weeks out, 1 week out, and the day of your child's IEP meeting, with the questions every parent should ask.

  • Records to gather and request in advance
  • How to write your parent concerns and priorities
  • Questions on goals, services, and placement
  • Follow-up steps after the meeting
Download the checklist (PDF)

How it works

  1. Inquire

    Send a brief note about your child and your timeline.

  2. Schedule

    Choose a weeknight appointment. Payment is due at booking.

  3. Share documents

    Complete the intake questionnaire and securely upload the IEP, evaluations, and progress reports.

  4. Meet

    We meet by Zoom or in person. You leave with a clear plan and the questions that matter.

Frequently asked questions

Are you an attorney? Do you provide legal advice?

No. I am not an attorney, and I do not provide legal advice or legal representation. I am an education consultant and advocate. When a situation calls for legal counsel, such as a due process hearing or a legal complaint, I will tell you and refer you to special education attorneys and legal resources, including Equip for Equality in Illinois (866-KIDS-7046).

Where do you work?

In person in the Chicago suburbs (DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, and suburban Cook counties), and by Zoom for families in other Illinois districts and other states. I do not currently serve families whose children attend school within the City of Chicago.

When are appointments available?

Weeknight evenings, Central Time.

Will the school mind that I've brought an advocate?

Parents have the right to bring people with knowledge or special expertise about their child to IEP meetings. My approach is collaborative and professional. The goal is a productive meeting and a stronger plan.

Do you work with 504 plans?

Yes. I review 504 plans and prepare families for 504 meetings.

Can you promise a specific outcome?

No one can. The IEP team makes the final decisions. My goal is for you to walk in prepared, confident, and clear on what to ask for and why.

How do I share my child's documents?

After booking, you'll receive a secure upload link. Please don't send IEPs or evaluations through the contact form.

Disclaimer: A SPEDcial Case Educational Services provides education consulting and advocacy, not legal services. Janisa Royston is not an attorney, and nothing on this website or in our sessions constitutes legal advice. Results depend on each child and each IEP team, and no particular outcome can be promised.

Get started

Book a consultation

Tell me about your child and what's coming up. I respond to every inquiry personally on weeknight evenings.

Book a free 15-minute consult

Prefer to write first? Send a note below.

  • [email protected]
  • Weeknight evenings, Central Time
  • Suburban Illinois in person · Nationwide by Zoom

Before you book

  • Have your child's current IEP or evaluation on hand
  • Note the date of any upcoming IEP meeting
  • Think about your top concern. We'll start there.

Please include the district name in your message.

Your child's grade, the meeting date if scheduled, and your main concern. Please don't include documents or diagnoses here.