IEP and Special Education Services
Families come to me because they care about their kids. Theyāre confused, frustrated, or need insight and knowledge on how to navigate the public school system here in California.
I help families prepare for all types of meetings, understand evaluations, communicate with school staff, work through conflicts, and create and maintain positive relationships with school teams.
Investing in Advocacy
Advocacy is a substantial investment for many families. My packages are billed at flat fee rates so that you know exactly what youāre getting. No disappearing hours and no surprises. All advocates bill a little differently, but my rates are competitive with other California advocates.
It may be helpful to compare the costs of advocacy with attorney fees and private schools. Most California attorneys require minimum retainers of $5,000+. Specialized and inclusive private schools are not only difficult to find, but cost families ~$30,000+ per year. These costs are the minimum.
If you are concerned about cost, please ask me about sliding scale options. Californiaās Self-Determination Program (SDP) may also provide funding. I am open to receiving SDP funding and we can discuss how to incorporate my services into your spending plan.
Whatās the Process?
Step 1: Free Consult
Get the ball rolling & diffuse the freak out
Youāll fill out an intake form & schedule a 30-minute consult call. During our call, weāll discuss challenges, priorities, and why you are seeking advocacy services. The purpose is for you to get to know me and understand my approach. You can expect to leave the call with at least one action step for what you can do right away.
Step 2: School Support Strategy
Learn what to do next
I listen to your concerns and review your documents to advise you on how to proceed. Youāll gain a better understanding of where to focus your advocacy efforts. Youāll receive well-defined action steps so you can make immediate progress.
Comprehensive case review - I review everything you share with meā IEP documents, psycho-educational evaluations from the district and private practitioners, email communications, and more. This allows me to see any gaps or immediate issues that can be resolved.
School support assessment - Based on what I learn via your intake form, consult call, and documents, Iāll provide you with a written comprehensive assessment of your childās school situation to help determine our priorities.
Strategy session - Weāll have a 60-minute virtual strategy session to do a deep dive on the assessment I provided and go over recommended next steps. Iāll answer any and all questions that you have. Youāll get advice on how to prepare for a meeting, communicate with your team, and ultimately move forward to secure appropriate educational services, placement, and accommodations for your child.
Summary of what to do next - Youāll receive a written summary of our strategy session so you can not only plan your next steps, but execute. This summary will include what emails to send, what issues to prioritize, as well as helpful language for communicating your position.
Step 3. Comprehensive Meeting Support
Prep for your meeting and bring me with you
Youāll receive support before, during, and after school meetings. We will strategize before the meeting and I will help you communicate with the team before you walk in the door. Youāll go into the meeting with defined priorities and have an advocate by your side ready to share your perspective. After the meeting, weāll discuss next steps and how to follow up.
Communication with school teams - The key to a productive meeting is good communication. When you share your priorities ahead of time, the team has a chance to prepare. I will help you write and revise up to four emails, appeals, or letters.
Pre-meeting strategy session - Weāll meet for 60-minutes before your meeting to prepare. Iāll help you understand what to expect and how to approach the team. Weāll decide together on my role in the meeting.
Meeting attendance - Youāll receive live support in an in-person or virtual IEP meeting. My style is respectful but firmā I will ask hard questions, advocate for what is best for your child, and offer clarification for any confusing language. There is no time limit.
Post-meeting strategy session - Weāll have a 30-minute meeting to discuss how the meeting went and come up with a strategy for how to move forward. You will receive a written summary of this session.
Text message support - You likely have a lot of questions. Sometimes an incident occurs or you receive unexpected info from a staff member. You can text me at any time and expect a response within 24 hours.
Additional Services for Existing Clients
Once I understand your case and know your family, Iām well-positioned to continue to help. Fees structure varies based on whatās needed.
Attending follow up 504 and IEP meetings
Writing and revising formal appeals to administration and school boards
Researching and suggesting appropriate school and placement options
Touring schools & classrooms
Recommendations for therapists, tutors, coaches, and others who can support your child and family
Connecting you with other families and resources
Itās time to get your child the support they deserve.
Start the intake process started with a free consult call.