WHY DO I NEED AN ADVOCATE?

The discussions about one’s child are an emotional ride.  I know this from being in countless IEP meetings for my own child and hearing school staff talk about my son--how draining it is to hear the opinions of others.  You are in a meeting that is scheduled for maybe two hours, and within a short time frame, you are asked to process and review tons of paperwork with terminology you may not understand and asked to make decisions that will impact your child’s future.  Of course, you can delay the efforts, but delay has a developmental impact on your child’s education and possible services.  

An advocate does much more than just advise you of your child's rights.  An advocate is there for you, supports you, to ensure that your voice is being heard--empowering you to participate and be the expert of your child, among school staff and those whose responsibility it is to deliver services that your child is entitled to.  An advocate is also there to have those tough conversations that we sometimes as parents avoid having about our children.  It is important that we find ourselves not looking at the combativeness that can occur between a school district and a family, but when possible, building a trusting and transparent relationship which will benefit your child.  When the school district falls short of this obligation, an advocate is there to assist you in considering other options. 

If you're ready to hire an advocate, send us an email at support@mariefajardo.com, and we'll be happy to assist you with the intake process.