Effective IEPs

FAQ

Hiring a special education advocate can be beneficial for several reasons:

Expertise: Special education advocates have specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of special education. They can help you navigate the complex laws, regulations, and procedures involved in advocating for your child's rights and securing the services and support they need.

Support: Advocates can provide emotional support and guidance throughout the special education process. They can help you stay organized, identify and prioritize goals, evaluate options, and make informed decisions that are in the best interests of your child.

Communication: Advocates can help facilitate communication between you and your child's school district or other service providers. They can help ensure that your concerns and requests are heard and addressed in a timely and effective way.

Overall, hiring a special education advocate can be a valuable investment in your child's education and future success. They can help ensure that your child receives the support and services they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

What does an advocate do?

Advocacy services encompass a range of support options, such as:

• Attending school meetings with parents

• Delivering personalized parent coaching

• Assessing records and aiding the family in creating an actionable plan

• Assisting parents in composing meeting agendas and letters

• Observing the student both at school and at home

• Participating in the development of measurable IEP goals and objectives and monitoring progress

• Referring parents to legal services, evaluators, therapists, and other professionals

• Supporting parents with conflict resolution, such as drafting state complaints and providing assistance during mediation

Why should I hire you?

I bring a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and personal experience to the role of special education advocate.

With 15 years experience working with disabled students, I have a deep understanding of the laws, regulations, and procedures involved in advocating for students with disabilities. As a special education teacher, I have experience working with a wide range of disabilities and have developed strategies and approaches for supporting students with diverse needs. I have experience working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and other professionals to support students with IEPs/504s. I understand the importance of building positive relationships and maintaining open lines of communication in order to achieve positive outcomes.

As someone who is disabled myself, I have firsthand experience with the challenges that disabled students and their families may face. I bring a high level of empathy, understanding, and compassion to my work as an advocate.

Are you an attorney?

No. I am a non-attorney advocate and I do not practice law. As a non-attorney advocate and credentialed teacher, I have specialized knowledge in education students, practices, and procedures as they relate to special education. I can offer education and guidance as you navigate special education services but I do not offer legal advice.

Many families can meet their goals with the support of a non-attorney advocate. However, if the need for a special education attorney arises, I can refer you.

What are your fees?

After a free 30-minute consultation, services are billed at an hourly rate of $150.

The hourly rate applies to all services rendered: records reviews, emails, phone calls, letter writing, progress monitoring, parent education, IEP/504 meeting attendance, and more.

We offer sliding scale services on a limited basis.

What is your service area?

I primarily work within the state of California. All of my services are conducted virtually and I only attend IEP meetings held over video or conference call.

I can’t afford an Advocate; how else can I get help?

There are many free resources available to help parents learn the IEP/504 process, and how to navigate special education.

resources