The Rights You Didn't Know You Had: Navigating Special Education Law in NYC Private Schools

In this episode of Be Evolved, Mary Miele sits down with special education attorney Tracey Spencer Walsh, Esq., to unpack the reality that most private school families never hear: you do have rights, but they look very different from what public school families are told. Together, they break down the myths surrounding IDEA and private schools, explain what Child Find actually means for your child, and clarify what families gain — and give up — when choosing a private education path. The conversation moves into the critical details: how to think about evaluations (clinical vs. legal), why documentation matters more than you think, and how a lack of paper trail can quietly limit future options. This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap — for families who assume they're outside the system, and for those who sense something isn't working but don't yet know what to do next. In this episode: The difference between IEPs, IESPs, and FAPE  Why private school families still have important legal rights  When to pursue a neuropsychological evaluation How to seek public funding for specialized schools The essential 10-day notice requirement  If you have a child in a NYC private school and are navigating learning differences, this conversation will change how you think about your options — and your leverage. Resources: It's Special Podcast Team: [email protected] Tracey Spencer Walsh: [email protected] Website: https://www.spencerwalshlaw.com/ It's Special: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YWHIk3kSYxpveVLkkjcDg?si=16576aecf1344797   If the admissions process feels uncertain or stressful, please reach out: [email protected]. For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2026 Mary Miele