Why Hire a Special Education Advocate?
The special education process can be very difficult to navigate and parents may need help with problem-solving when issues arise. When it becomes hard to maintain emotions while attending meetings, Special Education Advocates are the ones who can help!
A Special Education Advocate’s primary responsibility is to represent the best interests of students in seeking support and services under the law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, aka IDEA). In addition, a special education advocate assists families of children with any learning concerns. Some students have needs that are already identified, whereas other parents will seek advocacy support to help them identify issues that may be affecting their child's learning. Special Education Advocates can assist parents in written correspondence with teachers and school district personnel.
The process of having your child evaluated and classified can often feel overwhelming. Parents can become defeated by the amount and type of information being shared with them. Special Education Advocates can help parents with this information.
In supporting the parent’s participation in the special education process, an advocate may:
· Interpret test results from evaluations
· Work the school team to develop the child’s IEP
· Help parents understand available services
· Help parents ensure their child’s needs are met
· Offer support to families who feel they are not being heard
Ultimately, advocates help families become more involved in important decisions about their child’s educational experiences.
This blog post was written by advocate member Allison Meyerson. Meyerson, a retired teacher with over thirty years of experience with Clarkstown Central School District in Rockland County, New York, was a Literacy Specialist providing intensive interventions to students with reading difficulties, primarily those diagnosed with dyslexia. She is now an educational advocate serving Rockland and Orange Counties in NY.