What is a Special Education Advocate?

Ask yourself… Is your child making progress?

Unfortunately, children with learning differences do not progress from grade to grade as they should. This happens far too often due to the following:

  • The student’s educational needs are not identified appropriately
  • The student is not receiving the appropriate services(type, frequency, or intensity)
  • The student is not receiving appropriate support
  • Lack of SDI/accommodations and modifications
  • The student is in an inappropriate environment in the educational school system
  • Inadequately trained staff
  • IEP is not developed appropriately to protect your rights or your child’s rights
  • Lack of positive behavioral interventions and mental health services
  • IEP is not being followed through with fidelity
  • Undeveloped IEP goals lacking all areas of need and not being followed

75% of all due process cases (special ed cases that are handled by a lawyer) go in favor of the School District. Most IEPs are legally sufficient, but the issue is that they are not developed appropriately for YOUR CHILD. Unless your advocate knows how to TRULY develop an IEP, they don’t have the keys to the kingdom. We do, and we want to help. Learn more about our services here.

How can an Advocate Help?

Clarity

Parents often find themselves overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. A special education advocate can help you: 

  • Understand where you and your child are now.
  • Clarify the goals you hope to meet.
  • Create a step-by-step plan to reach them.

Legal Understanding

A special education advocate may not be a lawyer, but they do have legal knowledge. Part of their job requires knowing and understanding the rights of children with special needs and their parents. While this knowledge does not let them represent you in court, it does help ensure that the school meets its legal obligations.

Teaching

Education should not be linear and should not be stuck in a box. All children learn differently, so teaching methods should be adapted accordingly. Special education advocates can help determine which methods work best for your child and help you implement them.

Challenges

A special education advocate has experience working with children with special needs. This is important because they understand the challenges you and your child face. This understanding makes it easier for them to recommend effective tactics and strategies.  

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