Solange Captan Legal, P.C.

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Advocating for Every Child’s Right to Learn

Serving families throughout New York and New Jersey, we provide experienced, compassionate legal representation in special education matters under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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About Solange Captan, Esq.

For more than twenty years, Solange Captan, Esq. has devoted her legal career to protecting the rights of children with disabilities and ensuring they receive the meaningful education they deserve. Guided by deep legal expertise and a compassionate, collaborative approach, Solange understands that every case is ultimately about a child’s future — and families who need a strong, steady advocate by their side.
The essential truth is that every child is unique. Our responsibility as advocates is not to force a child to fit a program, but to help ensure that programs and services are shaped to meet the child’s individualized needs.
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Legal Services

From complex disputes to everyday legal needs, we’ve got you covered. Our experience allows us to guide clients through every challenge.
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Lawyer reviewing school funding documents with a parent, providing guidance on special education funding claims in a supportive office environment.

Special Education Law

The Firm represents families in New York and New Jersey in matters involving the rights of children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Representation focuses on ensuring that students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and that their rights are protected throughout the IEP, IESP, and 504 process.

Early Resolution & Dispute Avoidance

Early Resolution & Dispute Avoidance

The Firm assists families in resolving special education disputes at the earliest possible stage, including preparation for meetings with school districts, written advocacy, and guidance during resolution sessions when appropriate.

Due Process Hearings

The Firm represents families in due process proceedings and impartial hearings in both New York and New Jersey concerning identification, evaluation, programing, placement, and services. Services include case strategy, preparation for resolution sessions and hearings, coordination with expert witnesses, and advocacy throughout the impartial hearing process.

Litigation of Funding Claims

The Firm handles complex special education matters involving tuition reimbursement and prospective funding for private special education placements when school districts are unable to provide an appropriate program. This includes preparing for and litigating impartial hearings, pursuing negotiated resolutions, and guiding families through the legal process.

Collaborative IEP and 504 meeting with parent, teacher, and advocate discussing a student’s education plan in a school conference room.

IEP & 504 Guidance

The Firm educates and empowers families to understand their rights and obligations under the IDEA and Section 504. Services include preparation for and follow-up after IEP and IESP meetings, review of IEPs, IESPs, and 504 plans for legal compliance and educational adequacy, and strategic guidance when disputes arise.

Discipline & Manifestation Determination Reviews

The Firm represents families in matters involving school discipline, including suspensions, removals, and expulsions of students with disabilities, and advocates during manifestation determination reviews to ensure compliance with IDEA protections.

Specialized Transportation

The Firm advocates for appropriate transportation services as a related service under the IDEA and Section 504. This includes addressing disputes involving specialized transportation needs such as door-to-door service, specialized vehicles, aides or monitors, routing and scheduling concerns, and necessary transportation to out-of-district or nonpublic placements for access to FAPE.

Child meeting with a friendly therapist and parent, receiving guidance on referrals to educational providers and evaluators in a classroom setting.

Referrals to Providers, Evaluators, and Schools

The Firm connects families with trusted professionals, including independent evaluators, related service providers, and specialized schools, to support informed educational decision-making.

Attorney presenting a workshop to parents and teachers, providing guidance on special education rights and resources in a welcoming community setting.

Workshops & Speaking Engagements

Workshops and speaking engagements for parent groups, schools, and professional organizations on topics including special education law and the IEP process.

Educational consultant walking through a school hallway, discussing with a principal while students are visible in the background, representing school and district consulting services.

School & District Consulting

In addition to representing families, the Firm works with school districts and private schools to strengthen special education practices, including guidance on policy development, documentation procedures, compliance with IDEA and Section 504, and training for administrators, teachers, and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, and we have answers.
Parents navigating special education can feel overwhelmed by acronyms, legal terms, and deadlines. Here are answers to the questions asked most often — to help you feel more confident and prepared as you advocate for your child.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for students who receive special education programs and services through their public school district or an approved placement. An IEP outlines the student’s educational program, related services, and supports to address a student’s academic, social and emotional needs.
An Individualized Education Services Program (IESP) is also created under IDEA but applies to students with disabilities who are parentally placed in nonpublic schools. An IESP focuses on the special education services the public school district is required to provide, rather than a full educational program.
Both IEPs and IESPs are designed to support children with disabilities, but they differ in scope, funding responsibilities, and how services are delivered.

You may not always need a lawyer, but legal support can make a meaningful difference when:

  • Your child is not found eligible for special education services or is denied classification under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • Your child’s services are denied, reduced, delayed, or not implemented as written.
  • You are considering a private special education placement and need guidance regarding direct funding or tuition reimbursement.
  • Disagreements with the school district are escalating, and you want to be sure your rights — and your child’s rights — are protected.
The Firm help parents understand their rights, prepare for meetings, review evaluations and school documents, and advocate effectively so children with disabilities receive the education they are entitled to under the law.
If a public school cannot provide your child with a free appropriate public education (FAPE), parents may seek tuition reimbursement for a private school placement. This usually involves notifying the district of your concerns, enrolling your child in an appropriate private school, providing notice to your school district and filing for an impartial hearing to seek reimbursement. The process can be complex, and the outcome depends on proving both that the district failed to provide FAPE and that the private placement is appropriate.
In tuition reimbursement cases, hearing officers look at equities — whether parents acted reasonably and cooperatively throughout the process. This includes giving proper notice, attending IEP meetings, and allowing the school district an opportunity to address concerns. Showing cooperation strengthens your case.
Yes. The Firm reviews evaluations, IEPs, IESPs, and other school documents to ensure they are complete, accurate, and compliant with the law. The Firm explains what the reports mean in practical terms so parents can make informed decisions about services, placement, and next steps.
It depends. Some cases resolve quickly through settlement, while others proceed to a full impartial hearing and may take several months. The Firm guide families through each step, helping them stay organized and focused on their child’s needs while navigating timelines and legal requirements.
Bring your child’s current IEP or 504 Plan, recent evaluations, progress reports, report cards, and any correspondence from the school that relates to your concerns. This helps the Firm understand your case quickly and provide meaningful advice at our first meeting.
Call: 551-218-9397
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