Do not do it ALONE! There are a few things in life which the DYI model suits the project well; however, navigating your child’s IEP or 504 Plan is NOT one of those situations. Trust me on this.
Yes, I am an Education Advocate. And I have provided this service to parents since 1998. I also have been a Director of Special Education, an Elementary Principal, a Behavior Specialist, a Highly Capable Coordinator, and a K-8 Teacher; so I know a thing or two about special education and schools in general. So when I say this, “Do not do it alone” … I am speaking from head and heart on this one: There are way too many variables and complex elements that are beyond most parents’ skill set and experience. Even experienced educators feel a bit overwhelmed when they engage in the IEP or 504 Plan process with their children. In fact, a high percentage of my clients are educators.
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do you truly understand the impact of your child’s challenges or disabilities upon instruction and learning? Is this your expertise?
2. Do you have a handle on interventions, curriculum, and behavioral support systems that are effective within the classroom?
2. Do you understand the unspoken culture of schools, internal politics, and how to navigate the IEP or 504 processes when you are often outnumbered by 8, 9, or maybe 10 staff members in each meeting? And able to do so without feeling overwhelmed?
Most parents do not.
So what’s the point of this post? I want to help YOU.
Initially, following a call or an email, I will contact you personally and we will spend 30-45 minutes talking; whatever t takes. Most often, I will be listening to your situation as you describe your child, their strengths & interests, as well as the challenges they may face in school. Following, I will provide you solutions or possible intervention ideas which you may explore; often that’s all it takes … a simple call. If there appears to be a way I can support a parent following this call through advocacy services, we then talk about a “sliding fee scale” which is guided by the belief, “No one should go it alone”.
Fortunately, I have the time to serve others on this path; our kids are grown up, I don’t work in a school setting or on a tight school schedule anymore, and I am personally inspired to move more toward service; retirement does not mean stepping away from education …. it’s about moving deeper into a process where I can support more parents. Like you. As I said, “I know a thing or two” about education. And I have been serving families through advocacy since 1998.
Call 206 914 0975 or write me directly at larrydavis@specialeducationadvocacy.org
Larry
