EDUCATIONAL UPDATES & RESOURCES

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Why This Page Matters Now 

In recent times, shifting political landscapes have stirred fear, confusion, and distrust in many communities—especially among immigrant and ethnically-diverse families navigating public school systems. For some, the decision to seek help through special education comes with worry: “Will asking for services draw attention to us?” These concerns are valid. But they should not prevent children from receiving the support they are legally entitled to.

Families may hesitate to request evaluations or services, fearing repercussions from authorities. At the same time, children from immigrant backgrounds are at greater risk of being misunderstood or underserved—often due to language barriers, cultural disconnects, or reluctance to engage with public institutions. These barriers can make it difficult for families to fully participate in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process or to understand their rights.

Language should never be a barrier to advocacy. That’s why clear, accessible information must be provided in a family’s home language—and why interpretation and translation services are not just helpful, but required under law. Families have a legal right to understand evaluations, IEP meetings, and school communications, regardless of immigration status.

Unfortunately, current immigration enforcement practices have caused some families to perceive schools as unsafe spaces. We acknowledge this fear. And while schools are meant to be safe and supportive, we recognize that caution is warranted—especially in high-risk communities. Still, it is important to know: your child’s right to special education services does not depend on immigration status. Under IDEIA and Child Find laws, all students—regardless of background—must be identified and supported if they have a disability that affects learning.

At the same time, changes in national policy threaten these protections. Ongoing efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives jeopardize access to bilingual specialists and culturally responsive assessments. These shifts, combined with underfunding of districts that serve multilingual, ethnic minority and immigrant families, have made it harder for families to get the services they need. As a result, many are turning to Independent Educational Evaluations to obtain a clearer, more accurate picture of their child’s needs.

At IEE4KIDS, LLC, we remain committed to bridging the gaps created by these systemic challenges. Our work is guided by compassion, cultural humility, and a fierce commitment to educational equity. We proudly offer:

• Clear, compassionate communication with all families
• Guidance on how to request an IEE (including sample letters and bilingual consultation)
• Specialists trained in second language development, acculturation stress, and cross-cultural practices
• Trauma-informed, culturally responsive evaluations
• Updated resources through our website and virtual trainings
   

We encourage every parent to advocate with courage and dignity. If you feel more comfortable having a trusted friend or advocate speak on your behalf, we encourage you to seek support. But please, do not silence your concerns out of fear. Your voice—and your child’s future—matter.

We will continue to monitor local and national changes, and update this page with resources and support for our community. Thank you for allowing us to walk this journey with you.

In Solidarity,

Giorgio Jovani di Salvatore, MAEd, PPSP, ABSNP, LEP, CMIS

IEE4KIDS, LLC - Founder & Chief Educational Consultant

We invite you to look through the following links: 

1. Schools as Safe Havens: https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/safehavens.asp
2. Reminder to Protect Immigrant Families; Rights to Access Public Education: https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/yr25cdoletter0121.asp
3. Immigration and California's Families: https://www.ca.gov/immigration/

Social/Emotional Support Networks:

• Raices Cultura (Coachella Valley)
  • Services Offered: Cultural and emotional support programs, including mental health support.
  • Address: 1494 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236
  • Phone: 760-398-3560
  • Website: https://www.raicescultura.org/

   

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
  • Services Offered: Mental health workshops, counseling support, and community advocacy.
  • Address: 2533 W. 3rd Street, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90057
  • Phone: 213-353-1333
  • Email: info@chirla.org
  • Website: https://chirla.org/

• The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health
  • Services Offered: Emotional health services for immigrant students through LAUSD schools.
  • Address: 333 S. Beaudry Avenue, 18th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017
  • Phone: 213-241-3511
  • Website: https://thelatrust.org/

• San Diego Social Advocates for Youth (SAY)
  • Services Offered: Convenes and facilitates community-based programs to support new arrival, immigrant, and refugee youth and adults; offers a dedicated family resource center.
  • Address: 4775 Viewridge Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123
  • Phone: 858-565-4148
  • Website: https://www.saysandiego.org/who-we-serve/new-arrival-immigrant-refugee-youth-adults/

Legal Services:

• Public Counsel
  • Services Offered: Free immigration legal aid, including asylum and deportation defense.
  • Address: 610 S. Ardmore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90005
  • Phone: 213-385-2977
  • Website: https://publiccounsel.org

• Immigrant Defenders Law Center
  • Services Offered: Deportation defense and legal aid for minors and families.
  • Address: 634 S. Spring Street, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
  • Phone: 213-634-0999
  • Website: https://www.immdef.org

• San Diego Rapid Response Network
  • Services Offered: Emergency legal support and deportation defense.
  • Phone: 619-536-0823
  • Website: https://rapidresponsesd.org