Why Advocacy?
“I know my kid best.”
“I’ve done right by them so far.”
“Surely I can do this myself.”
“Why would I hire an advocate?”
Educators and administrators appear to be the experts. They have knowledge, training, and experience.
But guess what? No one knows your child better than you. You see their strengths, challenges, and incredible potential.
As a parent, you are the one responsible for your child’s education—not just this school year but for their entire educational journey. Your child’s experience in school can ripple far beyond the classroom, affecting their confidence, skills, and future opportunities.
It’s a lot of pressure. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. When you hire an advocate, you gain support as you navigate the IEP process so that your child has the best possible chance of thriving at school.
What we do
Educates Parents on Rights and Laws: We help parents understand their child’s rights under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and other relevant laws.
Prepare for and Participate in Meetings: We help prepare for and attend IEP meetings to actively listen, advocate for the child’s needs, and ensure parents’ voices are heard.
Reviews and Recommends: We review IEPs and assessment reports to suggest next steps or escalation when necessary.
Crafts Clear Communications: We draft emails or letters to the school that are clear, concise, respectful, and promote constructive dialogue.
Fosters Collaboration: We strive to build a positive partnership between parents and school staff, assuming all parties have the child’s best interests in mind.
What we don’t do
Guarantee Outcomes: An advocate cannot promise specific placements, IEP goals, or services, as these decisions depend on evaluations, team agreements, and district policies.
Steamroll Staff: Advocates do not coerce or pressure school staff into fulfilling parents' demands; we prioritize collaboration and mutual respect.
Replace Parental Role: Advocates provide support and expertise but do not replace the parent’s critical role in decision-making and advocacy.
Act as a Lawyer: Advocates are not legal professionals. While we may interpret and explain special education law, our insights are not official legal advice and should not be treated as such.
FAQs about hiring an IEP advocate
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An IEP advocate can:
Educate you on your child’s rights and the IEP process.
Attend IEP meetings to provide support and guidance.
Review IEP documents and suggest strategies or next steps.
Draft effective, respectful communications with school staff.
Foster collaboration between parents and school teams.
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An advocate will work hard to make sure that your child is getting appropriate support. They cannot guarantee specific placements, IEP goals, or services. Their role is to make sure the process is thorough, fair, and focused on meeting your child’s needs.
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No, insurance does not cover IEP advocacy services. Advocacy is an out-of-pocket expense, but it is an investment in your child’s education and future (and is more affordable than hiring a lawyer or paying for private school).
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Advocacy focuses on collaboration, education, and empowering parents to navigate the system effectively. Legal representation, on the other hand, involves an attorney who can provide legal advice, file complaints, or take legal action on your behalf. Advocates do not perform these legal functions.
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If you’re feeling unsure about the IEP process, overwhelmed by jargon, or concerned that your child’s needs are not being fully addressed, an IEP advocate can provide clarity, support, and peace of mind. Advocacy is especially beneficial for parents who want to make the the most of the resources and rights available to their child.
You’re not alone.
And you shouldn’t be.
Navigating the IEP process can feel isolating, confusing, and overwhelming. With the help of an IEP advocate, you will feel more confident standing up for your child’s needs and be more ready to hold the school accountable for providing the right supports and accommodations.
Your child deserves every opportunity to succeed. Hiring an IEP advocate is not just an investment in their education—it’s an investment in their future.