Why do I need an advocate?
Parents often seek an educational advocate when they have trusted the school to educate their child but the child is not improving or performs consistently below grade level. An educational advocate, also known as a special education advocate, is a professional who works with the family and the school to help ensure the child is receiving an appropriate education. Some educational advocates are affiliated with attorneys. We are non-attorney advocates who use our background working in education, to help families work amicably with the school district. Often school districts become adversarial when parents bring in an attorney (or an advocate affiliated with an attorney), hindering a collaborative approach. A special education attorney understands the laws but they often do not have background working with students or in schools. A good advocate understands the laws but also should have extensive experience with teaching in a public school in order to create a program that meets each student’s individual needs. Advocates represent the family, will help facilitate open communication and educate the school on the child’s individual needs. A good advocate understands when it is time to step back and refer a family to a special education attorney.
My Approach to Advocacy
When families seek an educational advocate they have exhausted all of their own resources and want support from an understanding, knowledgeable professional to help navigate their child’s education. Our approach is to build a relationship with the family in order to understand each child’s individual needs. Our goal is to support you through the overwhelming process of navigating your child’s education. While supporting the family, I teach parents how to advocate for their own children.
Schools often assume parents understand educational jargon and expect parents to make on the spot decisions about their child’s education. As advocates, our job is to ensure parents understand their options and feel supported through this difficult process. The school’s job is to educate students in the way they need to learn. Our job is to educate the school about how your child learns best.
I recognize that schools often do not respect parents’ concerns so even the most knowledgeable parents bring an advocate to ensure the school is following the law and making appropriate recommendations. I am happy to be involved as little or as much as the family desires. I will do everything I can to help you afford the services you need and want. Some parents prefer me to handle ALL communications and planning; however, parent participation is encouraged and will help lower the costs significantly. For clients who require a financial support option, flat rates, payment plans or other arrangements can be designed to meet your needs, so please let me know so we can try to work something out. I try not to turn away families that need my assistance. Referral for free or sliding scale advocacy options can be provided as well.
Advocacy Services May include:
- Comprehensive Record Review of all past and current testing and records
- Meeting with the child for screening or informal assessments
- Assistance with understanding testing, diagnosis & needs
- Communication support with school either by phone, email, virtual or in-person meetings
- Preparation for Initial Eligibility meetings, Annual Review and other meetings
- IEP development, letter writing and support through the entire special education process
- Referrals to professionals (Speech Therapists, OT, Pediatric Psychologists etc.)
- If all options are exhausted a referral to a special education attorney can be provided
- Collaboration with the attorney to save money
