Bombus Services
Let Advocacy Chart Your Path
I am a board-certified special education advocate with over 10 years of experience with the IEP/504 process. I am a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPPA), as well as the National Special Education Advocacy Institute. I hold a master’s degree in Multi-Cultural Education and am certified in elementary education.
Through a team approach, we will collaborate with various professionals to determine the most appropriate next steps for your child. I will work with you to understand the process, know what to ask for and how to monitor the progression.
My job is to not only advocate for your child but teach you, the parent or caregiver, how to advocate for your child. I am well versed in the special education laws and regulations of districts, as well as the State and Federal laws.
The Process of Advocacy
1. Initial Phone Consultation
This is an informal 15-minute discussion about your concerns, and how I may be able to help. If we decide to partner, we will move to the intake form and contract.
2. Intake & Record Gathering
At a minimum, I will request the last three years of records which can include IEP’s, 504, evaluations, and other related documents.
3. Record Review
I will review the documents to obtain a full picture of the child, as well as highlight any important information for discussion with regards to SDI’s, progress, services, evaluations. This process can take up to 4-6 weeks.
4. Collaboration
We will schedule a meeting to discuss the information in the documents, in order to make sure you have a full understanding of the information in the documents. It is important that you understand the IEP/504 process, lingo, goals, and how these goals will be monitored for progress. We will then work together to determine how to formulate the best plan for your child that will allow him/her to access their education.
5. Action Steps
Once we have outlined the services and/or evaluations we feel are essential to your child’s development, I will assist you in writing letters requesting the next steps, attend meetings as your advocate, assist with the progress monitoring and continue to be a resource.
Goals of Advocate Services:
- Put the best interest of the child first by gaining a full understanding of the child’s needs.
- Communicate a working knowledge of special education laws at a State and Federal level, as well as collaborate with mediators and attorneys to incorporate them if needed.
- Identify and recommend adjustments, as needed, to meet your child’s individual needs.
- Create classroom observation reports, as needed.
- Assist parents/caretakers with requesting services, drafting correspondence, and monitoring progress.
- Educate parent/caretaker on the IEP/504 process to allow them to effectively advocate for their child.
- Attend IEP/504 meetings.
- Review documentation to provide feedback on goals, progress monitoring, and services.
- Assist with due process.