Special Education Advocacy for Parents

Parents come to me when they are struggling. They see their child having difficulties in school and aren’t being helped by school administration. They are facing their first IEP, Child Study Team, or 504 meeting or want help understanding the options available for special education services.

Parents don’t need to struggle. Working collaboratively with a knowledgeable advocate who understands the system can get your student the services they need and reduce your stress.

Why would you need a special education advocate?

There are many reasons you may need a special education advocate. The following are reasons why parents have come to me:

•  No one at the school listens to me.

•  They tell me my child is not behaving.

•  My child reads below grade level.

•  My child can’t do math.

•  My child is on the autism spectrum.

•  My child has trouble in social situations.

•  I had a meeting and they won’t give my child help.

•  The school won’t follow our doctor’s instructions.

•  I don’t like the evaluation that the school did.

•  My child is in a special class and they should be in mainstream.

•  I want to move my special needs child to private school.

•  My child gets suspended all the time.

•  My child is being bullied.

•  My child has trouble with homework.

•  The school won’t accommodate my child.

•  My child is gifted but has special needs.

•  I don’t agree with the services my school wants to provide.

•  My school tells me I should hire a private tutor.

When do I hire an Education Advocate?

When you are working with the school  or school district and you do not feel that your student is making progress. You and the school are unable to resolve the differences through discussion.

What will an Advocate do?

An experienced advocate will talk with your family to figure out the root of the issues, review documentation, and determine if more evaluations are needed.

Together, we figure out what your child needs to access their curriculum. Then, we meet with your school at IEP and 504 meetings to negotiate a plan.

Why would I work with professional special education advocates and not an education attorney?

Not all situations require an attorney. Many interactions with school districts can be managed/handled collaboratively. My background as a school administrator and special education teacher creates productive dialogues between parents, students, and schools. This constructive approach focuses on reducing tension so all parties can work towards the best plan for a student.

What if I need an attorney?

Some cases require an education attorney. I advise clients up front as to whether they need an attorney and/or refer them to an attorney. I also work in collaboration with education attorneys for my clients, such as providing documentation for hearings, supporting parents through a legal process, etc.

Will an advocate come to a meeting with me?

It is always helpful to bring an advocate to meetings. I support my clients’ both with in-person attendance and virtual via conference call.

Virtual services are provided for clients across the United States.  I have worked with families in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Virginia.

In-person services are provided for clients in Maryland (MD), Northern Virginia (NoVa) and District of Columbia (DC). I attend IEP and related meetings in person for families seeking support from a special education advocate in the following districts:

• Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
• Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)
• Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCBS)
• District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)
• Arlington Public Schools (APS)
• Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
• Loudon County Public Schools (LCPS)

Do I bring my child to a meeting?

Children are invited to attend starting in the 8^thgrade. When appropriate your child should attend all or part of a meeting. It is powerful when a child can advocate or write about their experience and what they feel they need to be successful.

What If want my student to changes schools? Private school?

Sometimes your assigned school isn’t the best place for your child. It may not have the right level of services or, such as in a bullying situation, is no longer safe for your student.

Together, the advocate, parent and district will review alternatives – whether it is to another school in the areathat may have more services offered or to a specialized public program or private school. The goal is to find a mutually beneficial solution for both the district and the student.

If you are specifically seeking Independent Schools or Private School options for your special education student, a special education advocate can help a parent select the right program based on student needs and help to set up an IEP, IESP,or 504 for the student at the new school.

What should I expect when I start with an advocate?

The first step is a phone call consultation. At that point, we will decide if it is a fit or if another professional – such as an education attorney – is the right course of action. Once agreed upon, the advocate will help gather and review all documentation then formulate a customized plan for the student.

What is the next step?

Call or email to set up a free consultation to discuss if advocacy services are right for you.