Lauren Parlato, MS Ed, 6th Year

Special Education Advocate

Lauren Parlato brings a unique and powerful perspective to Forte Law Group as a Special Education Advocate, combining almost ten years of hands-on experience as a public school special education teacher with an unwavering commitment to ensuring every child receives the education they deserve.

Education & Credentials

Lauren holds exceptional academic credentials that set her apart in the field of special education advocacy. She earned her 6th Year Degree in Inclusive Education from the University of LaVerne, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport, and dual bachelor's degrees in Collaborative Education and Spanish from Southern Connecticut State University. As a certified special education teacher for grades K-12 in Connecticut and for grades 1-6 in New York, Lauren brings both the educational foundation and practical expertise that parents need when navigating complex IEP processes.

A Decade of Direct Special Education Teaching Experience

During her tenure with Greenwich Public Schools, Lauren has been developing and implementing data driven IEPs for diverse learners with varying needs. She has conducted countless formal and informal assessments, prepared detailed evaluative reports, and presented progress monitoring data at PPT meetings. This extensive experience means she understands the special education system from the inside out – she knows what works, what doesn't, and most importantly, how to advocate effectively for your child's needs.

Specialized Training & Expertise

Lauren's specialized training in evidence-based literacy and learning programs sets her apart as an advocate who truly understands the interventions your child may need. Her expertise includes:

• Literacy Programs: Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading Systems, Fundations, PAF and The Writing Revolution
• Specialized Interventions: Visualizing & Verbalizing, Cloud Nine Math, ARIS and ABA methodologies
• Assessment Tools: Proficiency in F&P Benchmark Assessments, DIBELS, Renaissance STAR, various educational applications, and standardized assessments

This comprehensive training allows Lauren to evaluate whether proposed interventions are appropriate for your child and advocate for evidence-based programs that will make a real difference.

What Lauren Brings to Your Child’s IEP Team

As your advocate at Forte Law Group, Lauren serves as a powerful voice for your child's educational rights. Her strengths include:

• Insider Knowledge: Having led and participated in countless PPT meetings from the school's perspective, Lauren knows exactly how these meetings work and how to ensure your voice is heard
• Data-Driven Advocacy: She can analyze assessment data and progress monitoring to ensure your child is receiving FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education)
• Collaborative Approach: Her experience training general education staff on inclusive practices means she can bridge communication gaps between all team members
• Compliance Expertise: Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and IEP/504 Plan legal requirements ensures your child's rights are protected
• Family-Centered Focus: Lauren's mission is to empower families, helping them navigate the often overwhelming special education process with confidence

A Passionate Advocate for Your Child

Lauren's transition from classroom teacher to advocate represents her deep commitment to fixing broken systems and ensuring educational equity for all students. She has worked with medically fragile students, developed behavior intervention plans, and supported families through complex educational challenges. Lauren has firsthand experience working with students with a wide range of learning disabilities, including dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and Emotional Disabilities. She played an integral role in supporting and developing programming tailored to these students’ unique needs, guiding families through the entire process—from initial evaluation and eligibility determination to becoming a collaborative partner in their educational journey. Her degree in Spanish, along with practical proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing, combined with extensive experience working with diverse learners, enables her to effectively advocate for families from all backgrounds.

At Forte Law Group, Lauren combines her educational expertise with the firm's legal resources to provide comprehensive advocacy that gets results. She understands that behind every IEP is a child with unique potential, and she is committed to ensuring that potential is recognized and nurtured through appropriate educational services.

When you work with Lauren Parlato, you're not just getting an advocate – you're gaining a partner who has walked in educators' shoes, understands the system's complexities, and knows how to fight for what your child needs to succeed.