If you are a parent of a child or young adult that is struggling in school and you don't think your child is making adequate progress.

We will advise you of your child's rights!

If you have been asking the school to help your child with problems that affect learning, health, or behavior and you feel as though the school has not taken adequate action.

We will advocate for your child's needs!

If your child or young adult has an IEP or 504 plan and you are confused and frustrated with team participation and unsuccessful meetings.

We will provide options and effectively assist you in the process!   

If you've tried to work with the school and they just won't listen.

We will help you to be heard!   

If you feel your child's potential is not maximized or you just have questions that continue to go unanswered.

We will work with you to get the answers!

You've come to the right place!

What to expect with Arizona Advocates...

1. Since each child's case is unique, the process will be also.  The following is generally how the Special Education Advocate would work with the parents.
2. Parents make the initial call or email and provide basic information about the situation simple questions are answered or an appointment is set for next steps.
3. Parents then provide the Special Education Advocate copies of all relevant documentation which may include psycho-educational reports, previous IEP documents, report cards, letters from the school concerning the child, etc.
4. The Special Education Advocate reviews all of the documents noting any areas of concern such as procedural errors, contradictions, inappropriate goals and objectives, need for additional services, and more.
5. Then, the planning appointment takes about one hour.  During this time parents present their concerns and educational rights are explaine
6. d and recommendations are made.
7. Next, the parent or the parent and advocate together take the necessary steps to present the case at an IEP meeting at the school.
8. Preparation for the IEP meeting is one of the most important parts. The Special Education Advocate may help parents generate a document that explains the parents' concerns and requests for services.At the meeting, the Special Education Advocate's role is to inform, protect and negotiate
9. Because IEP meetings take place at least once a year, and because often times more complicated issues are not resolved at a single meeting, the Special Education Advocate may repeat the process a number of times.
10. Sometimes there is a disagreement between the school district and the parents concerning the needs of the child. The Special Education Advocate will attempt to help parents solve the disagreement before sending the case on to an attorney for due process.                                                                                                        
    
    You may choose to have a Special Education Advocate do everything from beginning to end or only handle certain tasks.