Student Advocacy
You know your child. You deserve to feel heard.
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming. Educational records, unfamiliar terminology, and important school meetings can leave families unsure of what to ask or how to move forward.
A partner in the process
ADVOC8 helps you understand your child’s educational needs, prepare for conversations with the school team, and participate more confidently in decisions. I work collaboratively with families, educators, and outside professionals to keep your child’s strengths, needs, and goals at the center of the discussion.
From reviewing records to preparing for and attending meetings, I provide practical guidance and support throughout the special education process.
How I can help
Explain special education terminology and the RTI and IEP processes
Prepare students and families for school meetings
Review educational records, evaluations, and IEP or 504 plans
Attend IEP meetings, including initial meetings, annual reviews, and reevaluations
Observe students at home or school, as arranged
Support discussions about program placement
Assist with IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications
Help families communicate with school teams and outside professionals
Support transition planning
Advocacy services provide educational support and information; they do not constitute legal advice.
The Process
Let’s get started
After I have received your initial overview we will set up a time to meet. We will schedule a free consultation at that time to discuss the following: your child’s current education plan, health and developmental history, a typical day in the life of your child in and outside of school, and struggles or challenges that you or your child may be facing. We will discuss fees, a release of information, and authorization of an agreement.
Evaluating your student
To help your student achieve their full potential, I will conduct an extensive review of your child's educational records, private evaluations, and educational assessments. If more information is needed, I may reach out to current teachers and case managers (you will be made aware of this communication ahead of time.) Your child's educational success depends greatly upon the IEP and 504 plan and blueprint mapped out to ensure they're getting the help they need. My goal is to ensure these plans are implemented and followed.
Action plan
My goal is to create a partnership between the family and the school, putting the child's best interest first. Navigating state and federal laws, as a parent, can be overwhelming. I will help you become familiar with Special Education regulations and terminology to understand your rights as the parent of a child with special needs. We will discuss the purpose of all of the IEP steps and prepare all of the members for upcoming meetings. Meeting with school officials can be emotional and intimidating. As your Advocate, I will be by your side offering support, guidance, and direction by attending meetings with your local school district. Again, we are creating a partnership with the school so everyone should be comfortable and fully engaged in the process.