Confirm whether you need an advocate or a special-education attorney

Ask for their experience with your specific district

Confirm hourly rate, meeting attendance fees, and document-review costs

Ask for their approach: collaborative first, or immediately adversarial

Confirm they will review the full file before the meeting

Confirm credentials and state licensure (SLP, OT/PT, BCBA, special-ed certification)

Ask how many students with your child's profile they currently serve

Request the evaluation or intake process in writing

Confirm background-check and supervision policy for all staff

Ask for two references from families with similar needs

Confirm session length, frequency, and setting (clinic, school, home, teletherapy)

Ask which methodology or curriculum is used and why

Confirm how progress is measured and how often it is reported

Ask how the provider coordinates with your child's school team and IEP goals

Confirm caseload size and whether sessions are individual or group

Get the full fee schedule in writing, including evaluations and reports

Ask whether they bill insurance, Medicaid, or are private-pay only

Ask about district-funded placement or reimbursement options

Check state special-needs scholarships or ESA eligibility

Confirm cancellation, make-up, and no-show policy

Set 2–3 measurable goals with the provider in writing

Schedule a 30-day and 90-day progress review

Share the current IEP or 504 plan and most recent evaluation

Ask what to practice at home between sessions

Keep a dated log of sessions, progress, and concerns