Coffee and Kids with Catherine Michael, JD

Former Brownsburg daycare owner to change plea in case alleging child s*x crimes at facility Nancy Minton is facing three counts each of obstruction of justice and failure to make a report and one count of neglect of a dependent in the investigation.

Please join to see the process of seeking eligibility in Indiana!

One of the things we hope to do with this page is shine a very bright light on the fight families endure for services. The ability to view a due process hearing is rare.

You Are Invited to Observe a Live Virtual Educational Due Process Hearing

Please join the law firm of Connell Michael, LLP for an important live virtual educational due process hearing in Indiana. It will begin at 8:00 a.m. EASTERN TIME on April 13, 14th and 15th. The School will present its case on the afternoon of April 15th, 16th and 20th.
Rarely is there an opportunity for people to observe a virtual open live hearing. This is both an opportunity and a way to show your support to this brave family who are engaged in a "David v. Goliath" challenge to the school system.

This hearing concerns special education eligibility for a child diagnosed with autism, multiple specific learning disabilities, ADHD, and a speech impairment.
Your presence matters. Public observation helps shine a light on how decisions are made for children with disabilities and reinforces the importance of transparency, fairness, and compliance with special education law.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:

• YOU MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 8:00 a.m. EASTERN TIME EACH MORNING. No one will be permitted to enter at any time later nor can you come and go from the hearing.
• Cameras and microphones must remain off at all times.
• You should log on early, turn off video and microphone, and remain connected at all times.
• If you need to step away, leave the hearing playing. Do not attempt to log out and return later.

Zoom Information for Hearing
Join Zoom Meeting
https://stewartrichardson.zoom.us/j/87104366291?pwd=l84ET5aXWWLxIf0qTLpbPrwfyNOb5R.1
Dial In: 1-646-876-9923
Meeting ID: 871 0436 6291
Passcode: 336099

A Due Process filing comes out of desperation to have your child’s basic educational needs met. Imagine having to sue your school to force it to teach your child to read…

How Storytelling Makes STEM Easier for Kids | STEM Team Oliver Learn how storytelling helps students understand complex STEM concepts through relatable characters and engaging scenarios. A practical guide for teachers and parents using STEM Team Oliver to support confident learning.

As an education attorney, I have sat at so many tables with families who feel overwhelmed, intimidated, and unsure of how to navigate systems that were never designed to be simple. I have seen parents second guess themselves, hesitate to ask questions, and worry that speaking up will make things harder for their child. The truth is that advocacy is often uncomfortable, and at times it can feel like an uphill battle, but it is also one of the most important roles a parent will ever take on.

Schools, policies, and procedures can be complex, and while there are many dedicated professionals in education, the system does not always move in a way that fully centers every child’s needs. That is why a parent’s voice is so critical. You know your child in a way no one else does, and your insight is not only valuable, it is necessary. When you ask questions, request evaluations, or push for appropriate supports, you are not being difficult. You are ensuring that your child’s rights are recognized and respected.

Advocacy requires persistence, patience, and a willingness to continue even when the process feels frustrating or slow. There may be moments where you feel dismissed or where progress seems minimal, but your efforts are not wasted. Each conversation, each email, and each meeting builds a record and moves things forward, even when it is not immediately visible.

Most importantly, when you advocate for your child, you are teaching them that their voice matters and that they are entitled to an education that meets their needs. That lesson carries far beyond any one meeting or decision. It shapes how they see themselves and how they will advocate for themselves in the future.

It is not easy work, but it is meaningful work, and it has the power to make a lasting difference

If your child is hurt at daycare or school, it can feel overwhelming fast. In this quick reel, I share a few steps to help you protect your child, document what happened, and know when a report to authorities may be appropriate.

Deaf-blind student’s family sues over ‘horrific abuse’ from school district The family of a blind and deaf student in Indiana is suing the schools they attend after they said the child experienced ‘horrific abuse.’