New York families may work with a CSE, CPSE, school-based team, or district office. Compare advocates who can help identify the right process, review evaluations, prepare for meetings, and build a focused complaint when needed.
1 based in New York · 8 virtual advocates who work with New York schools
Preschool children generally work through a Committee on Preschool Special Education, while school-age students work through a Committee on Special Education or school-based team. In New York City, the route can also depend on whether the child attends a district, charter, private, or religious school.
An advocate can help identify the responsible committee, make a comprehensive evaluation request, review reports, and prepare the parent for eligibility, IEP, placement, or services decisions.
New York special education terms parents will hear
These New York terms help families identify the correct committee, document, or dispute-resolution route.
Most of what gets paid for in New York happens by email.
The district can charge for copies. Asking to inspect the record in person costs nothing under federal rules.
This advocate lists New York as their home base. Compare rates, read their background, and message them directly.
By video
Join on Zoom, Google Meet, or the school's platform.
By phone
Call in when video is not an option.
In person
Some advocates travel to the school when needed.
Based in New York, NY
Special Education Advocate
Clara Liriano, M.S., is a Special Education Advocate and New York State Certified Special Education Teacher with more than 20 years of experience supporting children and individuals with…
These advocates are not based in New York. They join IEP meetings by video or phone, which IDEA allows when you and the school agree.
Virtual · based in Philadelphia, PA · works with New York schools
Educational Consultant
I began this journey because my own daughter was issued an IEP in 3rd grade. I didn't understand special education.
Virtual · based in San Antonio, TX · works with New York schools
FamilyADDventures.com
Nicole Santiago is a learning specialist and an advocate (IEP coach). She is a member of COPAA.org and ensures special education students receive the most appropriate educational services possible.
Virtual · based in Coraopolis, PA · works with New York schools
Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Special Education Advocate
Hi there! I'm Brittany, owner and founder of Balanced Behaviors, LLC. I'm a Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania with a Master’s in Special Education from Slippery Rock…
Virtual · based in Newcastle, OK · works with New York schools
Special Education Advocate - IEP Consultant
Former special education teacher and educational advocate with experience on both sides of the IEP table.
Virtual · based in Bloomington, IL · works with New York schools
Founder & Advocate
Jade is a former special education teacher who has taught everything from pre-k all the way to transition classrooms with students up to age 21.
Virtual · based in Austin, TX · works with New York schools
Special Education Advocate
Hi, My name is David Gonzales. Living in Austin, TX, but originally from Los Angeles, CA. I carry a masters degree in special education and currently practice as a sped teacher.
Virtual · based in Wesley Chapel, FL · works with New York schools
Special Education Advocate
With 24 years of experience in the K-12 sector, I serves as a Student Support Specialist specializing in academic and behavioral ESE services.
Virtual · based in Atlanta, GA · works with New York schools
School Psychologist & Parent Advocate
I’m a certified School Psychologist, Parent Advocate, and Coach dedicated to helping families navigate special education with confidence.
New York generally requires the initial evaluation to be completed within 60 calendar days after parental consent. Separate implementation deadlines apply after the recommendation, and the correct committee depends on the child’s age and setting.
Identify whether the child is preschool or school age and where the referral must go. Describe the suspected disability areas and educational impact.
The proposed evaluation should address every suspected area, including educational, psychological, speech-language, physical, occupational, behavioral, or functional needs as appropriate.
The initial evaluation generally must be completed within 60 calendar days after written parental consent, subject to limited exceptions.
Review the evaluation data and prepare specific requests for classification, goals, related services, supports, placement, and implementation.
Exceptions and extensions
NYSED’s state complaint process is a written compliance investigation. New York requires an original signature and does not accept a complaint by email or fax. The final decision is not appealable within NYSED, but a party may request correction of factual errors within 15 calendar days.
Decision timeline
NYSED generally issues the final written decision within 60 calendar days.
The deadline may be extended for exceptional circumstances or when the parties agree to extend it to participate in mediation or another dispute-resolution process.
The New York State Education Department oversees special education in New York. It does not license the advocates parents hire.
Ask what training the advocate actually finished and who ran it. A one-day webinar and a two-year program both end in a certificate.
This costs money. At $75 to $150 per hour, a standard New York IEP cycle with two hours of prep and two hours in the meeting runs about $400, and that money does not come back if the answer is still no.
A district is allowed to say no. What it cannot do is say no without written notice that explains the reason.
A state complaint is one path. Mediation, facilitation, due process, OCR, and local escalation each solve a different problem.
One advocate listed here, Clara, gives a New York home address. The rest reach families in the state by video or by driving in.
Experience with the district your child attends matters more than the number of years printed on a profile page.
Meeting by video is a scheduling choice and the school has to agree to it. Ask in writing before the date is set.
Some districts still prefer everybody in the room. Confirm the format in writing so nobody arrives to an empty table.
How it works
Find Parent Advocates is a free directory, not a referral service. You browse profiles, compare rates and reviews, and contact the advocate you choose. We do not assign anyone to you.
Browse
Compare advocates across New York, including virtual options. Filter by rate, reviews and focus area.
Contact
Contact the advocate directly. Nothing on this site routes your message through us.
Hire
Agree the scope and the rate in writing before any work starts.
Work together
Work through the records, the letter and the meeting in that order.
Find Parent Advocates is not a party to your contractual relationship with the advocate. We are not responsible for the fees or services provided.
Answers about hiring a special education advocate in New York, including cost, timing, virtual support, and Section 504 help.
What is the difference between a CSE and a CPSE?
A CPSE serves preschool children, while a CSE handles school-age special education decisions.
Can I email a New York State complaint?
No. NYSED’s published procedures require an original signature and state that complaints are not accepted by email or fax.
Can I appeal a NYSED state complaint decision?
The decision is final within NYSED. A party may request correction of a factual error within 15 calendar days, but that is not a general appeal or reconsideration.
Does a factual-error request pause corrective action?
No. NYSED states that the original corrective-action timeline continues while the correction request is reviewed.
What do special education advocates charge in New York?
Flat fees are common for a single meeting and hourly billing is common for everything else. Many advocates give a free first call. Nobody bills you through this site, so ask each person how they invoice.
What is the evaluation deadline in New York?
The rule here is 60 calendar days. It covers the evaluation only. Writing the plan after a child is found eligible is a separate step with its own timing.
These links connect you to your state education agency and complaint options. Advocates on this page can also explain what each step means for your child.
Last reviewed 2026-08-02.
