How Do I Know If I Need an Advocate?
Between IEP meetings, complex terminology, and the desire to do what’s best for your child, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure.
This is where an advocate becomes a tremendous help, offering guidance and support as you work to make sure your child has what they need to succeed.
But how do you know if hiring one is the right choice for you?
Feeling Overwhelmed by the System
The world of special education is full of laws, procedures, and specific steps that can leave anyone’s head spinning.
From understanding 504 plans to grasping the ins and outs of IEPs, you might feel like there’s a lot to learn—and quickly.
An advocate helps relieve some of that burden by guiding you through each part, explaining what everything means, and allowing you to see the big picture more clearly.
Needing Extra Support at IEP Meetings
IEP meetings can be intimidating, especially when you’re sitting across from a room full of school and district staff—like classroom teachers, social workers, and case managers—each with their own perspectives and expertise.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, particularly if terms, goals, and data are being discussed in ways that are difficult to follow. An advocate becomes your partner in these meetings, helping to level the playing field. They’ll clarify any educational jargon, address your questions, and keep the focus on what matters most for your child.
If the school suggests a change in accommodations that doesn’t feel quite right, an advocate raises the tough questions on your behalf, challenging decisions when needed and keeping the conversation centered on what’s best for your child.
When Communication Feels Like a Struggle
If conversations with the school start feeling frustrating or unproductive, it might be time to bring in an advocate.
Advocates specialize in helping both sides connect and communicate in ways that keep everyone’s focus on your child’s well-being. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best intentions, parents and educators find it difficult to see eye to eye, and having an advocate at your side makes all the difference in finding solutions that work.
Understanding Your Child’s Rights
Every child has rights in education, and as a parent, knowing these rights often feels empowering yet overwhelming.
Laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) exist to protect your child, but it’s not always easy to know how they apply. Advocates clarify these protections, showing you what options may be available and how best to advocate within the system.
They also assist in understanding how these rights affect specific areas like classroom accommodations, testing modifications, or support services.
Concern That the Plan Isn’t Being Followed
If you’ve noticed that accommodations or services documented in your child’s IEP or 504 plan aren’t being implemented, an advocate steps in to assist.
For example, if the IEP includes speech therapy twice a week, but your child has only been receiving it sporadically, an advocate addresses this inconsistency with the school.
They support your efforts to make certain that your child receives these essential services as outlined, providing help in holding the school accountable to the plan.
Think of an advocate as both a guide and an ally, someone who equips you with the confidence and understanding to champion your child’s needs effectively.
About Education Empowerment Partners
Education Empowerment Partners was founded by Kate Lakowski, a nationally certified school psychologist who is uniquely qualified to help you with your child’s needs. Through a collaborative approach and data-based decision making, Kate will work with your child’s educational team to develop a plan that will help lead to successful outcomes for your child’s educational career and future goals.
For more information, visit educationempowermentpartners.com.
