Educational advocacy helps parents and students navigate the educational system by providing information about educational rights, services, and programs, and can help parents advocate for their children’s needs. Educational advocates can also help parents file complaints, appeal decisions, and resolve disputes.
Educational Advocates provide the following:
1. Guide families through the special education process from initial eligibility through graduation or aging out at 22 years old.
2. Problem-solve difficult situations and give families unbiased options and opinions to help them make decisions for their families.
3. Act as a liaison between families, schools, and other educational institutions, ensuring students receive the necessary support to succeed academically.
4. Help parents understand and navigate the educational system, including rights, responsibilities, and services available.
5. Advocate for students with special needs, ensuring they receive appropriate education through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, and health plans under state and federal laws.
6. Meet with school staff, administrators, and parents to discuss student performance, services, accommodations, and goals.
7. Research and stay updated on current educational laws, policies, and best practices.
8. Facilitate conflict resolution between families and school teams when disagreements about educational programs arise.
9. Provide families with resources and strategies for student learning and development.
10. Develop relationships with other partners, including special education directors, the private 766 school admission teams, experts in the field, and attorneys.