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.
Julian Moreira
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A comprehensive guide to becoming a special education advocate. Learn what IEP advocates do, how much they make, what they charge, and actionable steps to start your advocacy career helping children with disabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Discover research-backed strategies to improve parent participation in IEP meetings. Learn how to overcome common barriers and create more effective educational plans.
A comprehensive guide to filing state complaints in special education, including step-by-step instructions, templates, and expert tips for success.
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.
Feeling overwhelmed by the special education system? Learn when and why an advocate can make a crucial difference in your child's educational journey.