What is a Special Education Advocate?

Understanding the IEP process is a daunting task. There are many steps to take from referrals, to initial evaluations, to understanding the evaluations, and participating in IEP meetings. An advocate is there for you to answer questions as you move through the process. Some of the things we can do are:

-File review- we will read through all the files on your child, including but not limited to report cards, progress reports, formal/informal evaluations, incidence reports, and communications with the school.

-Attend IEP meetings - First, we will create a plan including your goals for the IEP meeting. If this is your first one we will review what typically happens at a meeting, and gather any questions you would like answered. We will attend and support you throughout the meeting. We will take notes and make sure things are in order. We will also meet with you after the meeting to check in on other questions that may come and next steps. We can also assist you in following up with the school, and reviewing documents from the meeting.

-Review your options with you - As an advocate it is our job to illustrate the options you have. For example if your child was recently evaluated we will look over the evaluation with you and discuss options for placement, services etc. It is our goal that you understand the possibilities. If your child on an IEP has recently been suspended we will look at the history, the behavior leading up to the suspension and what next steps are available to you and your child. We strive to look at the whole picture so having all the information for us is critical.

We would love to support you and your child within this process. Our first hour of consultation is FREE so sign up today!

It is important to note that at L&M Educational Services we are non-attorney advocates. We will make the recommendation to a lawyer if we are no longer able to support you.