Question 1

What does a special education advocate do?

Accepted Answer

A special education advocate helps parents understand the school processes, prepare for meetings and decisions, review documents and evaluations, and communicate effectively with the school. Depending on what you need, I can work with you behind the scenes or attend school meetings with you.

Question 2

Does my child need to already have an IEP or 504 plan for us to work together?

Accepted Answer

No. Many parents reach out before any formal plan is in place. You may simply know your child is struggling or that something doesn't feel right. We can talk through what you are seeing and consider possible next steps.

Question 3

Can you attend an ARD, IEP, 504, or other school meeting with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Meeting attendance can be part of advocacy support. We will prepare beforehand so that I understand your concerns and priorities, and during the meeting, I can help you stay focused on the issues that matter most for your child.

Question 4

Can you review my child's evaluation, IEP, or other school records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Document and evaluation review is one way I can support families. I can help you understand what the documents say, identify questions you may want to ask, and prepare for conversations or decisions with the school.

Question 5

Do you provide legal advice?

Accepted Answer

I provide educational advocacy and parent support, not legal representation or legal advice. When a situation would be better handled by a special education attorney or another professional, I will tell you.

Question 6

Do you work with the school or only with the parents?

Accepted Answer

My client is the parent, but I believe children are best served when families and schools can work together productively. I help parents communicate clearly, ask thoughtful questions, and stay focused on what their child needs. Whenever possible, I support a collaborative relationship with the school. When concerns are not being adequately addressed, I help parents be clear, persistent, and prepared to continue the conversation. Throughout the process, the child's needs remain at the center.

Question 7

What if I disagree with the school?

Accepted Answer

Disagreement does not automatically mean the relationship has to become adversarial. We can clarify the areas of concern, identify what information or questions may help, and think strategically about how to move the conversation forward while keeping your child's needs at the center.

Question 8

Will you be working directly with my child?

Accepted Answer

Most of my work is with you as the parent. As your child gets older, though, there may be times when it makes sense to include them too, especially if we are helping them understand their strengths, needs, or a role in a school meeting. We would always talk about that together first and make sure it feels appropriate for your child's age and situation.

Question 9

What ages and stages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with families from the preschool years through high school and graduation. Some parents come to me when they are just beginning to have concerns about development, learning, behavior, or school. Others are already navigating special education, 504 plans, school meetings, or transitions.

Question 10

What is parent coaching, exactly?

Accepted Answer

Parent coaching focuses on what is happening in everyday family life and how you want to respond. We may work on behavior, emotional regulation, routines, power struggles, communication, school-related stress, or other challenges that are affecting your family.

Question 11

How is parent coaching different from therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapy often focuses on deeper emotional or mental health concerns and may include a diagnosis or clinical treatment. Coaching is more focused on the present—what’s happening day-to-day and how to navigate it. We work on practical strategies, communication, and how you want to show up as a parent. If something comes up that would be better supported by a therapist, I’ll always let you know.

Question 12

What if my partner and I aren’t on the same page?

Accepted Answer

That’s very common. We can talk through what each of you is noticing, what matters most to you, and how to move toward a more consistent approach—even if you don’t agree on everything.

Question 13

How do sessions work?

Accepted Answer

Most consultations and coaching sessions are held virtually over Zoom. Advocacy support may also include document review, meeting preparation, and participation in school meetings. We will decide together what kind of support makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions