The  SMART IDEA GROUP provides comprehensive, affordable educational  advocacy.  Through an intuitive understanding of kids, from a dynamic  approach to intervention, our practice supports partnership and  collaboration based upon years of experience as special education  advocates, consultants, coordinators and parents of our own children  with unique needs.  

What sets us apart from the rest?  We are  accomplished, successful advocates who genuinely care about ALL children  with unique needs and will go above and beyond what is expected to help  secure a positive future for your child. Our driving force is that we  strongly believe in the power of early intervention and advocating for  critical services your child may be entitled to under IDEA (Individuals  with Disabilities Education Act). We understand the critical importance  of knowing and understanding the special education laws; which are  constantly changing. Together, we will work tirelessly to build a solid  foundation for your child's future. We are dedicated to helping children  and their families through their own unique, often overwhelming  journey.  The end goal is to help every child flourish and become  outstanding adults with promising futures.

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Jennifer  Zimmerman is a special education advocate in New York with a lifelong  passion for addressing the unique needs of the special needs  population.  Jennifer grew up in a home of administrators and professors  in both the New York Public School System and higher educational  institutions.  Like her parents, she believes that all children have a  right to an appropriate education and proper supports to meet their  unique needs in preparation for their future.

Jennifer uses her  intuition, expertise, insight and knowledge of available resources to  help parents successfully advocate for their children.  Her researching  and evaluation skills, letter writing expertise and ability to connect  well with people has made her an invaluable support to her clients  across Long Island and New York City.  Her unwavering support and  dedication to making sure her clients get what they need and are  entitled to by law has only strengthened her advocacy success.   Additionally, Jennifer has strong relationships with key thought  leaders, medical and educational experts as well as decision makers in  the Special Education Arena across Long Island.

Jennifer is a  loving wife and the mom of two fantastic kids (one who has unique  needs).   After more than 11 years of successfully advocating for her  child with special needs, Jennifer has taken her passion, knowledge and  skills to help other families in similar situations. Jennifer's advocacy  and consulting services include but are not limited to: understanding  each child's unique individual needs, evaluating critical information  (e.g., IEPs, neuropsychology testing results, relevant medical,  educational and social/emotional information), fostering relationships  with key school district personnel, pediatric neurologists,  neuropsychologists and other specialized medical practitioners, and  developing strategic plans to help families obtain the most appropriate  services for their child in the school system. Jennifer regularly  attends trainings and courses related to special education advocacy. She  is also a member of several professional organizations including Autism  Speaks, Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association,  Wrightslaw, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities and her own school  district's Special Education Parents and Teachers Association.