How to Find an IEP Advocate Near You (And What They Charge Per Hour)
Find a qualified IEP advocate near you, understand typical hourly rates ($75–$300), and learn how to vet advocates. Includes your state PTI directory and hiring tips.
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Guides and insights for parents
Practical articles on IEPs, 504 plans, hiring an advocate, and your child's rights at school.
How to Find an IEP Advocate Near You (And What They Charge Per Hour)
Find a qualified IEP advocate near you, understand typical hourly rates ($75–$300), and learn how to vet advocates. Includes your state PTI directory and hiring tips.
Julian Moreira
Latest for parents
Best IEP Advocates in California (2026)
Compare 7 IEP advocates in California. Hourly rates from $125–$250 where published. Bios, cities, specialties, and profile links.
Best IEP Advocates in Florida (2026)
Compare 6 IEP advocates in Florida. Hourly rates from $75–$100 where published. Bios, cities, specialties, and profile links.
Best IEP Advocates in Texas (2026)
Compare 4 IEP advocates in Texas. Hourly rates from $50–$50 where published. Bios, cities, specialties, and profile links.
Best IEP Advocates in Illinois (2026)
Compare 4 IEP advocates in Illinois. See specialties, service areas, pricing models, and profile links for parents hiring special education help.
Best IEP Advocates in Maryland (2026)
Compare 3 IEP advocates in Maryland. See specialties, service areas, pricing models, and profile links for parents hiring special education help.
Best IEP Advocates in New York (2026)
Compare 2 IEP advocates in New York. Hourly rates from $150–$150 where published. Bios, cities, specialties, and profile links.
Best IEP Advocates in Pennsylvania (2026)
Compare 2 IEP advocates in Pennsylvania. See specialties, service areas, pricing models, and profile links for parents hiring special education help.
Best IEP Advocates in Georgia (2026)
Compare 2 IEP advocates in Georgia. See specialties, service areas, pricing models, and profile links for parents hiring special education help.
Best IEP Advocates in Arizona (2026)
Compare 2 IEP advocates in Arizona. Hourly rates from $150–$150 where published. Bios, cities, specialties, and profile links.
Best IEP Advocate in Nevada (2026)
Chelsea Horlacher is a verified IEP advocate in Nevada (Las Vegas). Listed at $50/hr. See specialties, service area, and how to book.
Best IEP Advocate in Kentucky (2026)
Brandy Broomall is a verified IEP advocate in Kentucky (Villa Hills). See specialties, service area, pricing, and how parents hire advocate support.
Best IEP Advocate in Massachusetts (2026)
Arlene Velleman is a verified IEP advocate in Massachusetts (Waltham). See specialties, service area, pricing, and how parents hire advocate support.
Best IEP Advocate in Indiana (2026)
Gabrielle Baker is a verified IEP advocate in Indiana (Carmel). See specialties, service area, pricing, and how parents hire advocate support.
Best IEP Advocate in North Carolina (2026)
Leah Sansone is a verified IEP advocate in North Carolina (Raleigh). Listed at $200/hr. See specialties, service area, and how to book.
Best IEP Advocate in Connecticut (2026)
MONA TREMBLAY is a verified IEP advocate in Connecticut (Putnam). See specialties, service area, pricing, and how parents hire advocate support.
Best IEP Advocate in New Jersey (2026)
Dalia Rodriguez is a verified IEP advocate in New Jersey (Hawthorne). See specialties, service area, pricing, and how parents hire advocate support.
How Much Does an IEP Advocate Cost? Real Pricing From 30 Resolved Cases
How much does an IEP advocate cost? We reviewed 30 resolved cases: median $100 for 2 hours, 93% under $150, 80% resolved informally. Real 2026 data.
OSEP Letter to Chambers: Schools Cannot Refuse IEP Services as Good Teaching Practice
OSEP's 2012 Letter to Chambers clarifies that schools cannot refuse IEP services by calling them good teaching practice or available to all students. What specially designed instruction and related services mean, and what to ask at IEP meetings.
Trends in IDEA Part B Dispute Resolution Activity, 2018–19 to 2023–24
IDEA Part B dispute resolution filings rose 61% from 2018–19 to 2023–24. Due process dominates nationally—but New York accounts for 72% of due process complaints. What advocates should know about forum selection.
What Are My Responsibilities as a Parent? A Guide to Special Education Advocacy
CHADD outlines ten core responsibilities every parent should embrace when advocating for a child with a disability. We expand on each one with practical steps for IEP and 504 planning, documentation, and building productive school partnerships.
Florida Senate Education Committee Advances Autism Training, Special Olympics, and Classroom Display Bills
The Florida Senate Education Pre-K–12 Committee advanced three education bills covering autism-related teacher training requirements, Special Olympics participation as a physical education option, and new classroom portrait display rules during its Jan. 13, 2026 meeting.
Origins of the IEP Advocate Role
Explore the origins of the IEP advocate role, from grassroots advocacy to formal recognition by federal law. Learn how advocacy evolved from a need to participate meaningfully in special education decisions.
How to Get an Advocate for an IEP Meeting
Preparing for an IEP meeting can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure how to push back, ask the right questions, or make sure your child's needs are properly documented. This guide walks you through how to get an advocate for an IEP meeting step by step.
Advocate Spotlight: Arlette Hidalgo
This month, we're proud to feature Arlette Hidalgo, a bilingual special education advocate and former educator behind Apoyo Especial con Arlette. Arlette helps Spanish-speaking and bilingual parents understand IEPs, educational rights, and school processes so they can participate confidently and fully in their child's education.
The Right Questions: What Advocates Should Ask Parents During Intake
Master the art of intake as a special education advocate. Learn the essential questions to ask parents during initial consultations to understand their true needs, uncover hidden issues, and set realistic expectations for successful advocacy outcomes.
Essential Special Education Laws Every New Advocate Must Know
A comprehensive guide to the critical federal regulations every special education advocate needs to master. Learn FAPE, LRE, parent participation rights, IEP timelines, evaluation requirements, and the key CFR citations that form the foundation of effective advocacy.
How to Become a Special Education Advocate: Salary, Training, and First Clients
A practical guide to becoming a special education advocate. Real salary numbers, what to charge, the federal regulations to learn first, and how to get your first paying clients.
You Have the Right to Bring an Advocate to Your IEP Meeting
Parents have the legal right to bring a special education advocate to IEP meetings under 34 CFR § 300.321. Learn how to exercise this right, what the law says, and how to invite your advocate to support you at the IEP table.
Was a Florida Student's Arrest a Failure to Follow Her Behavior Plan?
A January 2025 arrest of a Florida student with a disability sparked a legal dispute over whether the school followed her behavior plan. An analysis of the due process hearing and what it means for parents.
How to Pick an IEP or 504 Advocate Whose Style Fits Your Family
Choosing the right advocate isn't about finding the 'best' one, it's about finding someone whose working style fits your needs, personality, and goals. Learn how to match advocate collaboration styles, communication preferences, and conflict approaches to your family's needs.
10,000 Missing Teachers: Florida's ESE Classrooms Lead the State's Shortage List (Again)
For the third year running, Florida's ESE ranks #1 in high-demand teacher fields. With 10,167 courses taught out-of-field and 2,079 vacancies projected, the shortage continues to impact students with disabilities.
As OSEP Faces Uncertainty, Questions About Outcomes Remain
Recent reports about potential staffing reductions at OSEP and OSERS raise concerns across the special education community. A look at what these federal offices do and how students with disabilities are faring under their oversight.
Advocate Spotlight: Dr. Lisa Smith
This month, we're honored to feature Dr. Lisa Smith, a dedicated advocate from South St. Petersburg, Florida, whose personal journey through her son's educational challenges fuels her mission to combat exclusionary practices and elevate family voices. With over 19 years in early childhood education, Dr. Smith brings both professional depth and lived experience to every family she serves.
Florida Bill Would Require Schools to Make Up Every Missed Related Service
Florida Senate Bill 72 (2026) would require school districts to notify parents within 5 days when related services like speech, OT, or PT are missed and provide a written make-up plan. The proposal also mandates stricter evaluation timelines and individualized parent orientation.
Only 1 in 4 Florida Students with Disabilities Read on Grade Level, New State Data Shows
Florida's 2025 State Performance Report reveals alarming reading proficiency rates for students with IEPs. Only 26% of 4th graders with disabilities read on grade level, with minimal improvements over three years despite FAST testing system.
Florida Schools Restrained 313 Students in August — Over Half Were Elementary Students with Disabilities
New FLDOE data shows restraint remains a routine practice in Florida schools, with 395 incidents involving 313 students in August 2025. Over half were elementary students with disabilities, with autism being the most common diagnosis.
Advocate Spotlight: April Rehrig - Rise Educational Advocacy
This month, we're honored to feature April Rehrig, a nationally respected special education advocate and founder of Rise Educational Advocacy & Consulting. With over two decades of experience as a school psychologist and countless IEPs behind her, April blends professional expertise in psychoeducational assessments with building strength-based education plans.
IEP vs 504 Plan Comparison: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents (2025)
Understanding the differences between an IEP and a 504 Plan is crucial for securing the right support for your child. Learn which plan might be right for your child's specific needs.
How Much Does a Special Education Advocate Cost? (2026 Guide)
When your child isn't getting the support they need at school, hiring a special education advocate can feel like the next best step. But for many families, one question stops them in their tracks: Can we actually afford this?
Supercharge Your Child's Summer: Extended School Year (ESY) Services
As the school year winds down, parents of children with disabilities know no rest. Learn how Extended School Year (ESY) services can help maintain your child's progress and what to do if you face resistance.
April Recap: What's New at Find Parent Advocates
This past month has been one of exciting growth and transformation at Find Parent Advocates. We've been listening closely to advocates and parents alike, and we've rolled out major updates designed to make connecting easier, services clearer, and support more accessible.
IEP Red Flags: 5 Signs Your Child's Plan Needs a Second Look
Parents trust that their child's IEP is being implemented correctly, but sometimes things slip through the cracks. If any of these red flags appear, it's time to take a closer look—and possibly seek outside support from an advocate.
Parent Participation in IEP Meetings: Insights and Strategies
Discover research-backed strategies to improve parent participation in IEP meetings. Learn how to overcome common barriers and create more effective educational plans.
State Complaint Toolkit: Everything You Need to File Successfully
A comprehensive guide to filing state complaints in special education, including step-by-step instructions, templates, and expert tips for success.
I've Investigated Over 200 State Complaints: Here's What Parents Need to Know
A former state complaint investigator shares critical insights from over 200 special education cases. Learn how to navigate the system effectively and protect your child's rights.
Do I Need an Advocate for My Child's Education?
Feeling overwhelmed by the special education system? Learn when and why an advocate can make a crucial difference in your child's educational journey.