Want to improve your overall mental health? Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group starts Jan 29th! Call 201-409-0393 or email info@lukincenter.com to learn more

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Parent Advocacy Program

Want to Be Your Child’s Strongest Advocate at School?

Our Parent Advocacy Program Can Help. : Lukin Center's Parent Advocacy Program will empower you with the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate the complex educational system for—and with—your child.

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Take the First Step

Get in touch to schedule your first Parent Advocacy session.

Talk to an expert

What to Expect

Our Parent Advocacy Program provides clarity and support every step of the way.

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  • Initial Consultation

    You will meet with one of our team members- Dinah Braude Kremberg, Ph.D., our program leader or Kelsey Allen-Dicker, Ph.D. You’ll talk through your questions and concerns and begin to understand the educational support landscape.

  • Tailored Sessions

    Based on the initial consultation, we tailor additional sessions as needed (from one to many). Sessions may include your child, and will focus on your specific concerns and needs. Whether it's diving deeper into the IEP process, understanding specific educational evaluations, or preparing for school meetings, each session will help you build your knowledge and advocacy toolbox.

  • Ongoing Support

    We offer ongoing support to ensure that as your child's needs and supports evolve, so does your ability to advocate for them. Schedule follow-up meetings with Dinah Braude Kremberg, Ph.D.( with a team member) as needed to address new challenges or changes in your child's education plan.

This program is invaluable for parents of school-aged children who are learning with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • ADHD
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
  • Physical Disabilities
  • Speech and Language Impairments
  • Visual or Hearing Impairments
  • Intellectual Disabilities
  • Sensorineural Hearing Loss
  • Auditory Processing Disorders
  • Mental Health Disabilities
  • Mobility Disabilities
  • Neurological Disabilities

Supported Education Essentials: What You’ll Learn

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  • How to Read an IEP:

    Understanding each section and what it means for your child.

  • Understand Your Rights as a Parent:

    Knowing your legal rights and how to assert them during meetings and in communications.

  • Preparing for IEP Meetings:

    Tips on what to bring, questions to ask, and how to present your concerns effectively.

  • Navigating the Evaluation Process:

    Understanding what comprehensive evaluations are necessary, how they are conducted, and interpreting the results.

  • Interpreting Special Education Terminology:

    Demystifying terms like LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), and others.

  • Advocating for Appropriate Placements:

    How to determine the most suitable educational setting for your child when considering available options.

  • Understanding the Role of the Case Manager:

    Who they are, their responsibilities, and how to collaborate with them.

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  • What to Do If You Disagree with the IEP:

    Steps to take when you feel your child’s needs are not being met.

  • Qualifying for an IEP vs. Section 504 Plan:

    Understanding the criteria and choosing the right plan for your child.

  • Utilizing Community and School Resources:

    Identifying and accessing additional supports available to your child.

  • Transition Planning:

    Preparing for transitions, whether to a new school level, post-secondary education, or career.

  • Extended School Year Services (ESY):

    Determining eligibility and the benefits for your child.

  • Behavioral Support in IEPs:

    How to incorporate strategies for managing and supporting behavioral challenges at school and at home and how to understand a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP).

  • College Preparation and Support:

    Exploring post-secondary education options and accommodations for students with disabilities.

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What is the Lukin Center for Psychotherapy?

We are a private practice mental health hub providing comprehensive services and community engagement in Northern New Jersey. Our expert clinicians combine science and compassion to help people live the lives they want.

Learn more about Lukin Center

With the help of Dr. Lukin I have developed many methods to manage my anxiety. Couldn’t be more grateful for his work and compassion.

Alex P.

Hoboken, New Jersey

Dr. Lukin is a fantastic clinician and educator. He has made therapy accessible to Hudson County and beyond. I very often refer to him and his team.

Cassandra L.

Montclair, NJ

The Lukin Center really works with my needs. My doctor is a very compassionate practitioner. He is very attentive to my struggles and has great strategies for dealing with my difficult moments.

Gennady G.

Hoboken, New Jersey

It has been truly helpful working with Dr. Lukin. I’m so grateful to have found him and I would absolutely recommend him to anyone seeking counseling. I have made so much progress thanks to his guidance.

Lally K.

Englewood, New Jersey

Great team of therapists with availability for both in-person and on virtual visits. The level of empathy and care is excellent. I highly recommend the Center to patients of all ages. Tim, Maya and Jessyka are wonderful and true lifesavers

Peter V.

Ridgewood, New Jersey

Ami Patel has been my therapist since June 2019, and I’ve been consistent with my appointments. Her authenticity and understanding has inspired me to improve. She’s extremely dedicated to my wellbeing and I couldn’t ask for a better therapist!

Rachel G.

Hoboken, New Jersey

Lukin Center’s Parent Advocate Program is for Caregivers Like You Who Want to:

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  • Make your own decisions about your child’s educational experience, with guidance from a seasoned professional.
  • Understand every aspect of your child’s educational plan, from IEPs to LREs, BIPs and everything in between.
  • Ensure your child receives the accommodations and modifications they need.
  • Navigate school meetings with confidence and knowledge.
  • Build a supportive educational environment for your child at school and at home.
  • Work with a professional liaison between home and school.
  • Navigate and advocate around general education issues beyond academics, including bullying, peer conflict, class placement issues, extracurricular activity participation, behavioral issues, gifted and talented needs, and more.

Ready to Get Started?

Get in touch with our team of experts to schedule your first Parent Advocate Program session.

Talk to an expert.

Schedule follow up meetings w/ Dr. DBK (OR with a team member)

Dinah Braude Kremberg, Ph.D.

Dr. Dinah Braude Kremberg is a licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist, and certified school social worker who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families.  Dr. Braude Kremberg believes that... Learn more about Dr. Dinah
Dr. Dinah

Shoshana Richter, Psy.D.

Dr. Shoshana Richter is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. She works with clients with a wide-range of presenting problems, including adjustment, mood, anxiety,... Learn more about Dr. Shoshana Richter
Dr. Dinah

Kelsey Allen-Dicker, LCSW

Kelsey Allen-Dicker, LCSW is a psychotherapist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents, adults, families, and parents. Her areas of expertise include providing care for people suffering with... Learn more about Dr. Kelsey
Kelsey Allen-Dicker

What Our Parent Advocacy Program is NOT:

The information provided is not a substitute for legal advice. If you want a specific educational placement for your child, if you want to litigate against a district or district staff, you need to consult with an attorney. The PAP staff will not take positions during conflict or write letters of support for your position.

What Our Parent Advocacy Program IS:

This program is intended to provide you with the information you need in order to explore your options and make an informed choice on how to proceed. The educational decisions need to be made as a collaborative team, of which the parent is an important member, but not the only member. The parent is encouraged to engage in effective communication with the school district and staff in order to access appropriate services for the child over the long term, with coaching as needed from the provider. The goal is to foster an ongoing dialogue between parent and district in the interests of the child.