Advocacy 4 Education, LLC works side by side with parents to advocate for a Free and Appropriate Public Education designed to meet a child’s unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living 20 U.S.C. 1400 (d).
The ultimate goal of Advocacy 4 Education, LLC is to provide parents with all the skills and knowledge necessary to confidently advocate independently for their child’s educational needs. We partner with parents to drive successful outcomes as much as possible, and do recognize that some negotiations and processes can be challenging.
As a parent, navigating through the special education system is often an overwhelming, time-consuming, and emotional process. My job as your personal special education advocate is to guide you through the complicated world of special education.
The needs of each family, like the children we advocate for, are unique. As a result, we provide a range of available advocacy services
Comprehensive records review: Your child’s educational record is a complex web of report cards, interventions, evaluations, strengths and weaknesses, goals and objectives, and eligibility/IEP documents. It is often overwhelming to tease out the essential parts of each document that support your educational requests for your child.
IEP and 504 Consultation: As a parent, the IEP or 504 process is often brand new. Our goal is to provide parents with all the relevant information required to fully understand the special education process. This includes legal timelines, evaluations, eligibility and classification, the IEP document which includes developing measurable goals and objectives, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and supplementary aides and services. With all the necessary information in your back pocket you can confidently make educational decisions.
Actively assist at Eligibility/IEP/504 meetings: You don’t need to go it alone! Advocating for your child’s right to a Free and Appropriate Education can be a stressful endeavor. The IEP/504 process can be complicated at times. An advocate can attend all scheduled meetings with parents to assist in the educational planning for your child with the IEP team. An advocate’s knowledge of the special education/504 process and negotiating style eases the burden on parents during these meetings.
Assist in drafting clear, detailed letters to the school district expressing your child’s rights and educational needs: Communicating your requests to the school district should always be done in a formal written request. An advocate can write, draft, or revise any documents sent to the district. Documentation of all communication with the school district is essential. If it is not written down…it did not happen.
Transition from Early Intervention to Part B of IDEA: The transition from early intervention to receiving services through Part B of IDEA (the school district) can be a significant challenge for families. An advocate can ease this transition and ensure your child receives the services required for them to make progress toward their goals.
Transition Planning for Post-Secondary Success: Will your child be prepared to transition to post-secondary life? Often the transition section of an IEP is a one size fits all approach. Be sure your child’s transition services are results-oriented, individual, and specific to your child’s strengths and interests. Examples of transition services may include academic instruction in regard to transition goals, vocational education, integrated employment, independent living and community participation.
Assist with Disciplinary Proceedings: Has disciplinary action been taken against your child with a suspected or documented disability. Be sure the school district affords you all the appropriate procedural safeguards your child is entitled to under IDEA in regard to discipline and suspension.
A free consultation is provided by phone to assist parents in determining if these services are a good fit for their needs. After this brief consultation, terms and fees can be discussed.
As a non-attorney advocate, the above mentioned services should not be confused with legal advice obtained from an attorney. Advocacy 4 Education, LLC is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice or practice as an attorney in any capacity. Although non-attorney advocates may file due process in the state of New Jersey, Advocacy 4 Education, LLC does NOT provide this service. Referral to a special education law firm is available upon request.