What Should I Be Looking For in a Special Education Advocate?

A Parent’s Guide to Selecting a Special Education Advocate in Massachusetts

Advocates can provide information about special education options and requirements, and can help you to seek a specific service or program for your child.

An advocate can help you carefully read your child’s school records, testing information, and Individualized Education Program (IEP).

If you wish, an advocate may attend Team meetings with you.

A skillful advocate who knows local schools and resources can often see solutions not immediately obvious to other people.

An advocate, most importantly, can help you to become a better advocate for your own child.

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Finding the Right Advocate for Your Family Means Asking the Right Questions.

A Good Advocate...

IS WELL-TRAINED AND KNOWS THE LAW

• Ask what kind of training the advocate has received. When? From what organization(s)? How much experience does he/she have?

• Consider asking the advocate specific questions about special education laws and regulations. Does the advocate give clear explanations?

UNDERSTANDS SCHOOLS

• Discuss what the advocate knows about teaching methods. Ask the advocate to explain how to measure your child’s progress in school, and to show how this information can be helpful in developing the IEP.

• Find out how the advocate plans to obtain positive results for your child, while maintaining a productive working relationship with your child’s school.

TAKES TIME TO KNOW YOUR CHILD

•If possible, arrange for the advocate to meet and spend time with your child. Your child’s education must be individualized to meet his unique needs; an advocate should get to know your child as an individual.

• Make sure the advocate understands the facts of your child’s situation. If you would like the advocate to see your child’s school records, the school will require you to sign a release form.

EMPOWERS YOU

• Find out how the advocate will try to educate and empower you to become a better advocate for your child.

• Find out when the advocate is available, and how much time he or she will be able to spend with you. Is the advocate willing to attend meetings at your child’s school?

UNDERSTANDS DISABILITIES

•Find out what the advocate knows about your child’s specific disability.

• Ask if the advocate has experience with other children who have the same type of disability, and consider if that is important to you in obtaining an advocate.

ACTS PROFESSIONALLY

• Ask the advocate to explain how he or she was able to work out a solution with and for other families in the past.

• Consider asking for references from the advocate’s previous clients.

• Consider drawing up a written agreement of what the advocate will do for you.

• If the advocate charges a fee, make sure you know what the advocate’s fee and/or the retainer amount will be. Agree to these specifics up front and in writing.

• Decide when or if the advocate can speak to the school without your permission.

• Ask that the advocate return all materials when you are finished working together.

It’s important to know that there is no formal certification or licensing process for advocates. Most advocates are not trained as lawyers. A well-trained advocate will help you know when you need advice from a lawyer.