Empowering Parents Through Special Education Advocacy
You don’t know what you don’t know – until now. Get the knowledge and courage you need for your next IEP meeting.
Empowering Parents Through Special Education Advocacy
You don’t know what you don’t know – until now. Get the knowledge and courage you need for your next IEP meeting.
Your Voice Matters in Your Child's Education
Are you feeling:
- Like your concerns aren’t being heard?
- Overwhelmed by your child’s educational needs?
- Unsure about where to start or what steps to take?
You’re not alone, and your voice is important!
As a parent, you know your child best. You are the expert! Your insights, concerns, and goals for your child are crucial to their educational success. Many parents face challenges in navigating the complexities of the educational system, especially when it comes to special education.
WHAT'S MISSING? PARENTAL VOICE
That’s where I come in. As a dedicated Special Education Advocate, I’m here to:
- Amplify your voice in school meetings and educational decisions
- Help you understand your rights and options
- Empower you to communicate your child’s needs effectively
- Guide you through each step of the process
WHAT IS A SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCATE?
Many children with learning differences struggle to make the progress they should from year to year—not because they can’t learn, but because their needs aren’t always fully understood or supported. Sometimes the right services aren’t in place, the learning environment isn’t a good fit, or the IEP doesn’t truly reflect the child’s unique strengths and challenges. Without the right accommodations, trained staff, and well-developed goals, students can miss out on the growth they’re capable of achieving. That’s where a skilled advocate comes in—someone who knows how to create an IEP that works for your child, protects your rights, and sets the stage for success.
A special education advocate can help you cut through the confusion and create a clear plan forward. Together, we’ll figure out where your child is now, where you want them to be, and the steps to get there. While advocates aren’t lawyers, we understand the laws that protect your child and can make sure the school is meeting its responsibilities. We also help identify the learning approaches that work best for your child and share strategies for overcoming challenges. Most importantly, we’re here to listen, guide, and stand by your side so you feel confident in getting your child the support they need to thrive.
Kids 1st Advocacy on Instagram
WHAT WOULD TROY DO - Read the latest blog from Troy as he shares his experiences with sensory issues. He was never officially diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, but there have definitely been sensory concerns that have impacted him most of his life. While you`re there, head over to Troy`s Truth Booth to see whether a hot dog is really a taco and explore other philosophical ideas that run through Troy`s mind.
#WWTD #sensoryimpact #denimhurts #kids1stadvocacy #hotdogtaco
https://kids1stadvocacy.com/troys-storey/what-would-troy-do/understanding-sensory-processing-issues/
New BLOG is live! 🧠WHAT WOULD TROY DO - Check out Troy`s latest take on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and how he feels impacted by it in his day-to-day interactions.
#kids1stadvocacy #WWTD #demandoverload
https://lnkd.in/g-8WqiH2
New post is live! 🧠Check out the latest from WHAT WOULD TROY DO when exploring the intersection of neurodivergence and sleep disorders. Moving beyond the typical `just relax` advice to examine what`s really happening when our brains won`t let us rest. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/et-TkySC. #WWTD #Kids1stAdvocacy #sleepisamust
Check out Troy`s Truth Booth! A Q&A into the mind that is TROY! #WWTD #Kids1stadvocacy
When you think about the future and the next school year specifically, what one word comes to mind?
I don’t really have a word—it’s more of a mantra: ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES. You can’t prepare for everything that’s going to happen. FLEXIBLE! That is my one word. The best thing you can do is stay flexible.
I know that’s easier said than done, especially for neurodivergent kids who thrive on structure and routine. New isn’t always good when your body relies on familiar patterns. But I’ve learned that keeping an open mind—expecting that classes might be different, that grades might not be what you hope for, that teachers might not meet your expectations—actually hurts less when those things happen.
I’ll be honest—I’ve always had difficulties with flexibility throughout school. I’m a very literal, black-and-white thinker, and that’s made adapting to change really challenging. But it’s something I’ve been working on, and I’m still working on it. It’s not something that comes naturally to me, and I’m definitely not perfect at it. But I believe this is what I need in order to persevere through the next school year, and really, any challenge that comes my way.
WHAT WOULD TROY DO? I`m thrilled to share our first blog entry, a collaborative creation by my son, Troy, and me! The greatest part is seeing his unique perspective and creative problem-solving in action! Dive into Troy`s Dinosaur Fun Facts and the Truth Booth, a Q&A that will come out every Friday until the Podcast is ready! We are still ironing out a few kinks, but we`re almost there! www.https://kids1stadvocacy.com/blog#Kids1stadvocacy #whatwouldtroydo #firstdayofschool #funfacts
TEACHMETUESDAY - Relational bullying, also known as social or indirect bullying, involves using relationships and social connections to harm someone. Unlike physical bullying, it targets a person`s social standing, friendships, and sense of belonging within a group.
Key characteristics include:
➡️ Exclusion tactics - Deliberately leaving someone out of activities, conversations, or social groups; giving the silent treatment; or organizing others to ignore the target.
➡️ Reputation damage - Spreading rumors, gossip, or lies about someone; sharing embarrassing information or secrets; or manipulating others` perceptions of the target.
➡️ Social manipulation - Turning friends against each other; using friendship as a weapon (threatening to end friendships); or creating divisions within peer groups.
➡️ Cyberbullying elements - Online exclusion from group chats or social media; public humiliation on digital platforms; or coordinated harassment campaigns.
This form of bullying is particularly common among girls and peaks during middle school years, though it occurs across all genders and age groups. It can be especially damaging because it attacks fundamental human needs for connection and belonging. The effects often include depression, anxiety, loneliness, and decreased academic performance.
Relational bullying is harder to detect than physical aggression because it`s often subtle and can be dismissed as "normal" social dynamics. However, research shows its psychological impact can be just as severe as other forms of bullying, sometimes with longer-lasting effects on mental health and social development.
Check out the Bullying Recovery Resource Center for more details. (https://lnkd.in/gGKRQ_ci) #BRRC
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Our Mission
Kids 1st Advocacy empowers and supports families to secure the quality special education services their children deserve, ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Vision
Kids 1st Advocacy envisions a world where every child with special needs receives an equitable, high-quality education tailored to their unique abilities, empowering them to lead independent, fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society.