An advocate should be your ally, a knowledgeable and experienced professional who understands the needs of kids like yours, the balance of the classroom questions, the rights of children with special needs and the laws that protect them.

I work tirelessly to:

Ensure fair and appropriate education: I help you understand your child's IEP, advocate for the most appropriate placement to help them find success, and ensure they receive the necessary accommodations and modifications to succeed.

Traverse complex systems: From school districts to government agencies, I can guide you through the maze of bureaucracy and help you understand your rights and options.

​Empower parents and guardians: I can help you become a more confident and effective advocate for your child. They will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions and speak up for your child's needs.

Why You Need an Advocate:

You're not alone: Parenting a child with special needs can be isolating. I provide support, understanding, and a listening ear.

Level the playing field: The education system can be intimidating, especially when you're facing complex issues. I help you communicate effectively with school officials and ensure your child's needs are met, while documenting the issues and agreements.

​Maximize your child's potential: I help you identify and access resources that can unlock your child's full potential.

Think Back:

Remember that time you felt lost in a meeting with school officials, unsure of what questions to ask or how to advocate for your child's needs? I would have been there to guide you and ensure your voice was heard.

Recall the frustration of trying to decipher your child's IEP and understand the legalese? I can help you break down the jargon and make sense of the document.

​Think about the countless hours you've spent researching resources and support services for your child. I can save you time and energy by connecting you with the right people and organizations.

As an advocate for fair education and children with special needs, I understand the challenges you face. I'm here to support you and help you traverse this journey.

Follow us on social media for more information and resources, and don't hesitate to reach out to set up a 20-minute consultation to share your story with me and see how I can help. Together, we can ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, receive the education they deserve.

Navigating the IEP meeting process shouldn't be daunting. By understanding the purpose of the meeting, preparing relevant documents, communicating effectively with the IEP team, collaborating with them, and seeking further support, parents can confidently approach the meeting to ensure the best outcomes for their child. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With the appropriate preparation and resources, we can all navigate through the complexities of special education and empower our children to thrive.

1.Parental Consent and Participation

Parents have the right to be actively involved in the special education process, including their child's evaluation, identification, and placement. Schools must obtain informed parental consent before evaluating or implementing an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Additionally, parents not only have the right to participate in IEP meetings but are essential team members of the IEP team. They are not only to be included in IEP meetings but any other decision-making processes related to their child's education.

2.Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

When parents disagree with the results of the school's evaluation, they have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school's expense. An IEE is conducted by a qualified professional not employed by the school district, providing an unbiased assessment of the child's needs. PLEASE NOTE: You may choose your own examiner. The district may limit cost and require specific qualifications, but they may not dictate who performs the IEE.

3.Prior Written Notice

Schools must provide parents with prior written notice whenever they propose or refuse to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a child with a disability. This notice must include a detailed explanation of the decision, the reasons behind it, and all of the options considered and rejected.

4. Confidentiality of Information

Schools must protect the privacy of students with disabilities and their families by maintaining the confidentiality of all records and information related to the child's special education services. However, parents have the right to inspect and review their child's educational records and request amendments if they believe the information is inaccurate or misleading.

5. Due Process Complaints and Mediation

Parents who disagree with a school's decision regarding their child's special education services have the right to file a due process complaint. This complaint initiates a formal dispute resolution process, which may involve mediation or a due process hearing. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps the parents and school reach an agreement. If mediation is unsuccessful or not pursued, a due process hearing may be held, where an impartial hearing officer reviews the case and issues a decision.

6.Stay-Put Provision

During the resolution of a due process complaint, the "stay-put" provision ensures that the child remains in their current educational placement unless both parties agree otherwise. This provision helps maintain stability for the child while the dispute is being resolved.

Understanding procedural safeguards is crucial for parents and guardians of special education students. It empowers parents to advocate for their child's rights and ensures they receive appropriate support and accommodations. In addition, by familiarizing yourself with these safeguards, you can actively participate in the special education process and work collaboratively with the school to create the best possible learning environment for your child.

Overall, any individual struggling with problem behaviors that interfere with their ability to learn or interact with others may benefit from an FBA. By identifying the function of these behaviors and developing effective interventions, individuals can learn to manage their behaviors and succeed in their environment.

Several signs can indicate an FBA may be necessary. These include:

• A behavior that is interfering with the student's ability to learn or the teacher's ability to teach.
• The behavior is causing harm to the student or others around them.
• The behavior frequently occurs, and the child is not responding to typical classroom management strategies.
• The behavior is causing the student to be excluded from the classroom or school environment.

If any of these signs are present, an FBA should be considered.

The FBA process typically includes the following steps:

Identifying the problem behavior: This involves defining the behavior in clear, observable terms.

Collecting data: This includes tracking when the behavior occurs, where it occurs, and what happens before and after the behavior.

Analyzing the data: This involves reviewing the data to identify patterns and potential causes of the behavior.

Developing a hypothesis: Based on the data analysis, a theory is formed about the function or purpose of the behavior.

Testing the hypothesis: This involves implementing an intervention plan to see if it reduces the occurrence of the behavior.

Evaluating the results: The effectiveness of the intervention plan is assessed to determine whether it successfully reduced the behavior.

An FBA can be conducted by a variety of professionals, including school psychologists, behavior specialists, and special education teachers. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the person conducting the FBA has the necessary training and expertise to conduct a thorough analysis.

The benefits of conducting an FBA include the following:

• Identifying the underlying cause of the behavior allowing for more effective intervention strategies to be developed.
• Reducing the occurrence of problem behaviors improving the learning environment for both the student and teacher.
• Improving communication between the school, parents, and other professionals involved in the student's care.
• Providing a framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the intervention plan.

In conclusion, Functional Behavioral Analysis is a valuable tool for identifying the underlying cause of problem behaviors and developing effective intervention strategies. Suppose you notice signs that an FBA may be necessary. In that case, take action! Provide a written request to your child's school requesting an FBA be conducted and that you meet to consider a Behaviour Intervention Plan to address the behavior and ensure your child can succeed in their learning environment. Make sure to include in your written request permission to assess so and follow up with the school within a few days so that any timeline they are held to by state law begins ticking. By conducting an FBA and developing a behavior intervention plan, you can create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

My interest in behavior has driven my career. I got a master's degree in behavioral science from the University of Arizona and I'm well versed in conducting FBAs and creating BIPs. If you need help navigating the special education system and your child's behaviors and want to add an advocate to your team to make sure the plan that is in place is the right plan for your child please make an appoinement for a 20-minute consultation to talk to me. Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and successful.