The special education process is a tricky one! To begin with, you are expected to sit with a group of people who are going to provide you with information about your child. About your child’s strengths, weakness, academic progress or lack thereof, their learning profile, their cognitive capabilities, how they socialize and what their peers think of them…the entire process is extremely intense and even more so, it’s emotional. To top it off, the special education language and jargon are foreign to anyone not familiar with it. Put that all together and you are looking at an anxiety-provoking, overwhelming scenario.
An advocate is there to help you
An advocate should understand the special education process, know and be able to translate the jargon, hear all the information and interpret it for their client in a comprehensive way and be able to convey their client’s needs effectively to the school and in meetings. An advocate should be able to manage emotions and support their client through the entire process.
Your advocate can help ensure the IEP accurately portrays your child
Your advocate can help through the eligibility process and if found eligible, through the creation of the IEP. Your advocate can help ensure the IEP accurately portrays your child. Strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. Parent concerns are captured. Baseline data is incorporated to help guarantee progress is measurable. Accommodations and modifications match the child’s weakness and are appropriate. Goals are measurable and objectives highlight the areas necessary for the child to focus on for the duration of the IEP. Ensure that all necessary services are included and meet the needs of the child. The list goes on! A lot goes into the special education process and your advocate is there to help you along the way.