Epilepsy Support Services

Why Educational Services? 

Every child has a legal right to an education, including children with a medical condition and/or a disability. It is also important that every child be provided with access to meaningfully participate in their school communities to foster their cognitive and social development. Children with a medical condition and/or a disability may require special services to ensure their success at school. Sometimes families need support with understanding what services are available and how to obtain them. A Lurie Children’s education liaison can offer this support to families. 

Services

The education liaison can support families by providing consultation, coordination, psychoeducation, advocacy, and referral services related to your child’s educational needs. These services may include:

• Assistance with understanding your child’s learning needs
• Education regarding your child’s educational rights and your rights as a parent/guardian
• Review of school documents including IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, etc.
  
  • An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legal document developed and implemented to meet a child’s unique educational needs. The school multidisciplinary team, with input from parents/guardians, creates learning goals and accommodations that address a child’s educational, social, emotional, and medical needs. 
  • A 504 is a written plan that provides accommodations for a child with specific needs. Accommodations may include adjustments in a child’s educational program or address a specific condition. 
• Attendance at school meetings
• Consultation and support for identifying and enrolling in an appropriate school program, obtaining special education services, and navigating school transitions
• Collaboration and coordination with your child’s multidisciplinary team within the Pediatric Epilepsy Center
• Referral to Lurie Children’s social work department, Legal Council, or other outside services as appropriate

Meet Your Child’s Education Liaison

Amanda Torres is the Education Liaison for the Pediatric Epilepsy Center. Previous to starting at Lurie Children’s, Amanda worked as a school social worker with Chicago Public Schools serving children with special needs. Amanda also has experience working with general education students in k-12th grade. Amanda holds a master’s degree in Social Work with a Professional Educator License (PEL). She enjoys supporting her patients’ well-being and educational success by collaborating with their families, schools, and medical team.

Contact Information 

Amanda Torres, MSW
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Education Liaison, Children’s Services
Pediatric Epilepsy Center
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
225 East Chicago Avenue, Box 130, Chicago, IL 60611-2991
312.227.4516 | amatorres@luriechildrens.org

Resources 

• Your local school district's website 
• Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
• Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
• Family Education
• Understood
• Wrightslaw
• Legal Council for Health Justice
• Epilepsy Foundation
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Amanda Torres, MSW

Education Liaison