Understand Your Child’s Records: I can assist you with understanding what is in your child’s records and be a resource for what information may be missing or you need assistance with. 

Understand Your Child’s Educational Plan:  Children with disabilities often require an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  The parent should play a major role in the development of the IEP including the child’s documented strengths, weaknesses, goals, objections, related services and placement decisions. 

Offer You Advice and Things to Consider: My advice is based on my experiences as a previous employee of the school system, my experiences with my own children and the training and research I have done in the areas of Special Education Law and Advocacy. 

Improve Your Child’s Plan:  We can discuss what your child needs and I will work with you to have the school district implement a plan to provide your child with an appropriate education that is provided in the least restrictive environment with appropriate accommodations and modifications.  I am here to assist you with planning and staying focused on the key factors.

Attend Meetings / Review Communications:  To create an effective and appropriate IEP, the team needs to look closely at a child’s needs and pool their knowledge, experience and ideas to design a program for the child. 

Assist With Conflicts:   My desire is to deescalate conflicts and use strategies and skills to help everyone to work collaboratively as a true team to benefit the child.  In my experience, there are fewer conflicts when a child advocate is involved in the process.  We are typically able to get school’s to pay attention to the requests of the parents and implement good solutions.  There is often more two-way participation in the meetings when an advocate is involved.  Some school staff are not used to parent’s taking an active role in meetings.  I can help you to participate in creating your child’s plan and to be seen as a responsible and respectful parent.  Our goal is to make the school WANT to help your child in the least adversarial way possible.  I want to help you build bridges of understanding.

Support, Educate, Equip and Empower You:  My desire is to assist parents on their path of advocating for their child's educational rights.  I desire to help you become more involved and confident in your child’s education.  You are not alone.  I want to help you become more confident and successful in advocating for the needs of your child.