FAQ
What is an IEP Advocate?
An IEP Advocate is an expert who can help educate and advise parents seeking support for their child’s educational success. An IEP Advocate helps parents articulate their concerns and desires for student’s educational needs, and protects the civil rights of children with special needs, their rights to due process, and their rights to equal access to equitable public-school education.
What does an IEP Advocate do?
An IEP Advocate helps parents understand available services, interprets test results, and works with schools to plan Individual Education Programs. (IEP’s)
How can an IEP Advocate help me?
A Special Education Advocate/IEP Advocate can help families navigate not only the laws, but also the processes by which schools implement legislation. An IEP Advocate gives parents a chance to participate in shaping their children’s education.
How do I know if I need an IEP/Special Education Advocate?
If your child is experiencing a behavioral, emotional, learning, or social issue that is impacting their learning and the school isn’t listening to your requests for help; you might need an IEP/Special Education Advocate.
What is an IEP?
An IEP, Individual Education Plan, provides for Accommodations, just like a 504 Plan, but also provides services.
What is the process for creating an IEP?
The process for an IEP is lengthy, and there are specific steps to be followed before and an IEP is created. If the child is found to be a child with a disability, as defined by IDEA, they are eligible for special education and related services. Within 30 calendar days after a child is determined eligible, the IEP Team must meet to write an IEP for your child.
Who is involved in creating an IEP?
Parents, Regular Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Psychologist, Therapist, Specialists, Advocate, LEA Representative can be involved in creating an appropriate IEP.
What are the types of services that can be included in an IEP?
The IEP provides a clear and accurate description of the special education services and supports that address the educational needs of a student with a disability.
How often are IEPs reviewed?
IEP’s must be reviewed annually, but can be requested at any time by a parent/guardian to be reviewed.
Why an IEP for my child?
When general education strategies aren’t working and a child needs the help of a special education teacher, therapist, counselor, or other specialist in order to receive a free appropriate public education.
What is a 504 Plan?
The purpose of a 504 Plan is to allow a child to get Accommodations needed to access the curriculum at the same level as his or her peers. A 504 Plan is less detailed than an IEP; does not have annual goals, and can carry over to college.
How is a 504 Plan different from an IEP?
A 504 Plan provides Accommodations and an IEP provides Goals, Accommodations, and Services that must be provided according to IDEA.
My child is struggling in school, what can I do?
If your child is struggling either academically, behaviorally or socially, and the school is not communicating with you; you might need an Advocate. There are concrete steps you can take to ensure your child is getting the help they might need.
What is a Special Education Child Advocate?
A Special Education Child Advocate helps parents secure a free appropriate public education for their child with disabilities.
How can a Special Education Child Advocate help me?
A Special Education Child Advocate has knowledge and expertise concerning special education and its applicable federal and state laws and works within the bounds of these laws. They support parents in understanding their rights, collaborate with the school, and promotes what’s in the BEST interest for the child.