Resources

Parent Checklist: 

Should You Hire an Educational Consultant?

Responding affirmatively to some of these questions may help you identify areas where the expertise of an Educational Advocate can help your child.  Special Education is a system that can support your child from birth to age 3 (IFSP) and 3 to 22 (IEP). Make sure you are getting the right information so that you can navigate it effectively, starting now: 

1. Understanding of Special Education Laws and Processes

• Do you lack confidence in your understanding of IEP requirements and your child's legal rights?

• Are you new to the special education system?

• Do you have questions about procedures and timelines involved in IEP and 504 plans?

• Do you know what to expect during the IEP/504 process and meetings?

• Would you like help interpreting legal or educational jargon?
  
  

2. Experience with IEPs and Documentation

• Do you have unanswered questions about your child's existing evaluations and IEPs?

• Are there inconsistencies or confusing information in the documents?

• Would you like someone to review or help draft reports, letters, or IEP documents for clarity and completeness?

• Have you experienced difficulty obtaining reports, assessments, or draft IEPs ahead of meetings?

• Do you struggle to interpret evaluations, progress reports, and other data?

• Are you unclear about what tests are being administered and why?

• Do evaluations or progress reports leave you confused?

• Do you believe your child could benefit from more or different services?
  
  

3. Ability to Advocate

• Do you feel unprepared to advocate for your child's needs during meetings?

• Do you have difficulty negotiating or effectively communicating with school staff?

• Have you faced ongoing disagreements or frustrations with the school about placement or services?

• Do you leave meetings feeling dissatisfied with the outcome?

• Do you feel pressured to sign the IEP/504 quickly?

• Do you need assistance in making your concerns clear and well-supported?

• Do you feel you are NOT treated as an equal participant during meetings?

4. Knowledge of Your Child’s Educational and Support Needs

• Do you need help articulating your child's strengths, challenges, and educational goals?

• Are you unclear if current evaluations and IEP goals reflect your child's true needs?

• Does your child need additional tutoring or support at home?

• Do you believe your child could benefit from more services or accommodations, and are unsure what the school's legal obligations are?

• Are you considering moving to another school district or out of state, and want to make sure your child has the correct supports at their new school?

• Are you getting close to transitioning to a new school or grade (Preschool to Elementary School, Elementary to Middle School ect) and want to know about the process?

5. Time and Emotional Capacity

• Do you need help to feel thoroughly prepared for the IEP/504 meetings?

• Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the process?

• Would you benefit from professional guidance to manage preparation and reduce stress?

6. Complex Medical or Behavioral Support Needs

• Does your child have complex medical or behavioral issues that need specialized understanding?

• Are School Staff requesting that you medicate your child due to behavior at school?

• Have previous evaluations or IEPs failed to address these issues adequately?

• Do you need help communicating your child's hidden or complex needs?

• Would you like help understanding the different supports that may be available for your child, like Behavior Support Plans or behavioral interventions that could benefit your child?

7. Previous Challenges or Disagreements

• Have you experienced ongoing disagreements or frustrations with the school regarding your child's services?

• Do you find it hard for your concerns to be heard and acknowledged?

• Would an advocate or expert help improve communication and clarify next steps?

• Do you feel your concerns and comments are dismissed or not documented?