Why hire an education advocate?
1. Expertise in Educational Services
Advocates bring specialized knowledge in education law, IEPs, and 504 plans—expertise that most parents don’t have time to acquire. While parents are balancing many aspects of life, an advocate can focus on understanding your child’s needs and figuring out the best approach to get them the services they deserve. Even if you only need an advocate for a short time, their experience can be invaluable in securing the best possible education for your child.
2. Network of Resources
An advocate isn’t just a single person—they’re a hub for a network of professionals. They know other experts, like specialists who can help children with specific learning challenges, and can connect you to them. For example, an advocate might introduce you to a reading expert for a child with dyslexia, which can be a game-changer. They can also help you find financial support for services from highly skilled professionals, ensuring your child gets the help they need beyond what the district can provide.
3. Increasing Services as Your Child Approaches High School
As your child moves toward middle and high school, their academic needs become more complex. This may require revisiting and expanding their IEP to include things like post-graduation transition services, more intensive accommodations for tougher coursework, and proper preparation for high-stakes tests. An advocate can help ensure that these future needs are properly addressed and that the IEP evolves as your child’s academic demands increase.
Contact us.
admin@brightfuturesforallohio.com
614.607.2356