Title: Using a Special Education Advocate | Center for Autism Research
Headings: Using a Special Education Advocate
Using a Special Education Advocate
Content: What was the advocate ’s demeanor during meetings (passive, methodical, antagonistic, conciliatory, accusing, composed, emotional, business-like)? How much does the advocate charge? Does he or she charge by the hour or by the job? If the advocate charges by the hour, don’t forget the time that the advocate will spend reviewing your child’s records, on the phone, and researching programs or services. Does the advocate have a child who has received special education services? Does the advocate have a child who has gone through the same district or EI program as your child? If so, ask questions to determine how this might affect the advocate ’s representation of your family. Was the relationship friendly or hostile? Even after deciding on a special education advocate to assist your family, never allow the advocate to act without discussing strategies with you and without your permission. Ultimately, you are the one responsible for the advocate ’s actions, and it is your child’s education on the line.