You shouldn’t have to face school districts alone.
If you have a child with special needs, the process can feel overwhelming. An educational advocate can provide invaluable support and expertise to help make sure your child receives the best possible education.
Why you need an educational advocate
As an educational advocate, I can offer:
Extensive knowledge of special education law
Have you ever wondered about your child’s legal rights? You’re not alone. I have in-depth knowledge of IDEA, ADA, and MA Special Education Law. In addition to holding a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, I also spent a year completing the nationally recognized Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT 2) program through COPAA. This means that I know what your child is entitled to and can direct you to the laws that prove it.
Effective communication with schools
Working with the school is a negotiation process. I will help you draft professional and effective letters and can serve as an intermediary between you and your child’s school district during calls and Team meetings. I will sit beside you at the table, and I can speak on your behalf, negotiating appropriate services, accommodations, and modifications. As an educational advocate, I can take the burden off your shoulders and even make you feel empowered in your child’s education.
Organization and preparation for Team meetings
I can help you prepare for Team meetings ahead of time. This includes preparing you for what the process looks like, explaining your child’s rights, helping you document and organize information, and explaining how to focus the conversation so your child gets what they need. This way, you’ll walk into school meetings with complete confidence.
Ongoing monitoring and support
Once an IEP or 504 Plan is put in place, I can monitor its implementation. I will help you keep track of progress and address any issues right away. The bottom line—I’ll help keep schools accountable and make sure your child receives agreed upon (and legally required) services.
“Partnering with me means your child can receive a better educational experience.”
I will do everything possible to advocate for you and your child. I will argue for Specially Designed Instruction that meets your child’s needs and explore all available avenues to optimize your child’s educational experience. In turn, this will allow your child to achieve their true academic potential, giving them confidence and instilling a love for learning.
“Lauren has greatly helped our family plan for the schooling of our grandson who has delayed speech and language development. She carefully explained the educational resources and how to access them in the school.
As a Speech Language Pathologist, she can effectively advocate for the specific educational interventions that your child needs. As a trained Educational Advocate, Lauren can help you navigate the intimidating bureaucracy of Special Education to ensure that your child gets the best education possible.”
Stephen Brand, MD, PhD