Get A Personal Education Advocate

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know!

Confused? You’re not the only one!

Schools are merely required to “provide information” about parental rights. They satisfy this requirement by giving you a small booklet or brochure that contains a very minimal amount of information.

Consulting with a qualified advocate helps parents participate more meaningfully in the decisions made at their child’s IEP meetings. We also provide wrap around, whole child case management.

ADVOCACY SERVICES

Our goal in providing advocacy services is to empower parents to be able to advocate for their student. It is not uncommon for school staff to be unfamiliar with what services and supports are available for students with disabilities, to try to employ a one-size-fits all approach, or to fail to really listen and address the concerns of the family. Parents should be active and informed members of any group that makes educational decisions for their child. We will help you be an empowered and informed parent.

What’s the first step?

Our advocacy services typically start with a 30 minute consultation. Parents bring any documents they have regarding the student (current IEP or 504 Plan, report cards, evaluations, etc.). We listen to the concerns and goals of the parent and assist parents with developing a strategy to address their educational concerns.

Will you attend a school team meeting with me?

Yes. Often after we develop a strategy we contact the school district, set up a meeting (if one has not already been scheduled) and attend with the parent to make sure that the parent’s concerns are heard. We work collaboratively with the parent and the school team to develop an appropriate educational plan for the student.

What if I just need help getting my thoughts together?

We can do that! Sometimes parents only want a consultation to make sure they understand the process and feel confident and empowered to advocate for their child.

What if the school district retaliates because I’m bringing an advocate?

Districts bank on parents either giving up the battle or pulling their child from the district. They rarely expect an advocate to join the team. Very often districts completely change their behavior once we enter the picture. No, it’s not combative and when done with experience there is zero retaliation. The world of options, responsiveness and resources open up and parents are shocked it’s even the same people at the table who have been saying no all along.

I’m not sure I can afford an advocate.

This can be a game changer for your child’s quality of life and your sanity as their provider. It’s not, can you afford to hire an advocate….it’s how can you afford not to know what your child may be missing in their education. We have advocates ready to listen, to explain your rights and to form a plan during a free consultation where we will put all your options on the table. We offer three services and payment plans and are ready to meet the needs of any family in any state. The only thing that will change the district’s behavior, is you changing yours. Call or email us today, we’ll work with you.

WHAT SERVICES DO WE OFFER?

We strive to ensure all students get fair and equal access to education at all levels. We provide students with free study tools, exam information, test prep strategies, and genuinely helpful study resources to guide them through the pivotal steps of their educational journey.

Review of an IEP or 504 Plan and provide recommendations.
Advocate alongside parents at school meetings including IEP meetings, 504 Plan meetings, FBA/PBIP meetings and other school meetings.
Create an environment in school team meetings where parents and students can be heard.
Obtain an initial IEP or 504 Plan.
Assist with obtaining transition services for a student.
Help parents navigate the public school system and understand their rights and the obligations of public schools.

Promote high expectations and independence for students with disabilities.
Work with charter schools to implement an IEP or 504 Plan.
Help families understand how the McKay scholarship works and provide transparency in the McKay funding process.
Technical assistance consultations to families and professionals on special education rights, responsibilities and services regarding specific special education students or issues;
Direct representation at Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings, due process mediations, and administrative hearings if necessary on behalf of students with disabilities and their parents; and,
Training on special education rights and services to parents so they to can better advocate for appropriate special education programs and services on behalf of children with disabilities.

EAA has resolved these concerns and more with parents in over 20 states!

Sound familiar to you?

School districts denying or ignoring requests to evaluate for dyslexia or any other disabilities for that matter.
Families told because their child has good grades, they are ineligible for a 504 or IEP despite other concerns. Not true!
Children are repeatedly sent home due to behavioral issues or are being removed from their classroom placed into a more restrictive setting and parents told they have no other options. Again, not true!
The most common reason we’re hired: The IEP or 504 is not being followed or the district will not increase the level of support the parent believes the child needs.

Knowledge and Responsibilities of Special Education Advocates.

A special education advocate can review and explain educational records, including evaluations and testing, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and progress reports.
A special education advocate should know about services and supports which may be helpful to a child. The advocate should be able to objectively analyze the quality of a child’s education program to determine if a child’s needs are being met.
A special education advocate can help parents organize materials so that they can stay organized.
A sped to their child’s special education program – especially meetings to discuss reevaluations and IEPs or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
A special education advocate can help parents write appropriate IEP/IFSP goals and objectives and suggest appropriate supports and accommodations.

A special education advocate can accompany parents to meetings and assist in the negotiation process between parents and the school.
A special education advocate can review important documents, such as the IEP before parents sign them.
A special education advocate can help parents draft letters and written requests to a school or EI agency.
A special education advocate can assist parents in understanding dispute resolution procedures and can help parents assess the strength of their case. He or she should refer parents to a special education attorney when needed.
A special education advocate should teach parents how to become a better, more effective advocate for their child and should help them identify ways for their child to become more independent and able to advocate for him or herself.