A special education advocate or advisor is an expert who helps guide parents through the special education process. But there are many advocates in the NYC area, and no specific licensing process. As such, parents must choose their advisors carefully.
This article outlines the factors parents should consider when searching for a special education advocate, as well as questions to ask before hiring an advocate. It also explains when a therapeutic school in NYC might help.
What Does a Special Education Advocate or Advisor Do?
Special education advocates help parents handle their child’s special education process. This might include assistance with tasks such as:
- Deciding whether to begin the IEP process
- Guiding you through the special education evaluation process
- Preparing for special education meetings
- Coming up with lists of possible accommodations or modifications
- Considering which related services (e.g., occupational therapy) your child might need
- Helping you shape your child’s IEP goals
- Evaluating potential placements
- Preparing for annual reviews and reevaluations
Are Special Education Advocates Licensed or Regulated?
No. Unlike lawyers, teachers, and other professionals you might deal with during the special education process, special education advocates are not licensed or regulated by any central organization. This means that there is no standard certificate or degree program that a person must complete to become an advocate. It also means that while you can raise a complaint against a lawyer or teacher with the New York Supreme Court or Education Department, there is no way to make a complaint against an advocate if you are unhappy with their work.
This does not mean that you shouldn’t hire an advocate. Many parents do and are happy with the results. However, the lack of oversight means that you should proceed carefully during the hiring process and ask clear questions.
Where Can NYC Parents Find a Special Education Advocate or Advisor?
The best way to find a qualified special education advocate or advisor is to get a recommendation from a trusted source.
Today, most people’s first impulse is to look online. But because special education advocates aren’t regulated, this may not be the best approach. On the other hand, getting insight from people who’ve worked with these advocates or seen them in action can help you find a qualified candidate. Some good sources for referrals include:
- Other special ed parents
- Your child’s special education teacher
- The school psychologist
- Your child’s IEP case manager
- A New York-based parent support organization, such as INCLUDEnyc or Advocates for Children of New York
These sources cannot guarantee a match with a suitable advocate, but they are good places to start. Some can even help you find an advocate who will work for free or at a reduced cost.
What Signs Should NYC Parents Consider When Meeting with a Potential Special Education Advocate or Advisor?
A good advocate should have extensive knowledge of the NYC IEP process and a solid track record of helping families. However, every family is different. As such, the most important thing to consider is whether the advocate understands your family’s unique needs and what you want for your child. An advisor who seems aligned with your family’s goals and temperament is a good choice.
Other positive signs to consider when evaluating a special education advocate include whether they:
- Have a clear understanding of the relevant special education vocabulary
- Ask about your child’s needs – academic, emotional, medical, and otherwise
- Review your child’s records thoroughly before offering opinions or making recommendations
- Know how to be firm without being disrespectful or off-putting
By contrast, an advocate who doesn’t have the required experience, knowledge, or curiosity about your child should raise concerns. Other “red flags” to watch for include an advocate who:
- Guarantees outcomes
- Refuses to discuss fees or cannot clearly explain them
- Forces you to make decisions under pressure
- Gives legal advice without a law license
What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring an Advocate or Advisor?
When meeting with an advisor, parents should ask questions that get to the heart of the advisor’s expertise, knowledge of the NYC special education process, and approach to the work. Some good questions to ask during your first meeting with a potential special education advisor include:
- How long have you been doing this work?
- How many families have you guided through the NYC special education process?
- Have you ever helped children with needs like mine?
- Do you help with the entire process or just parts of it?
- How do you prefer to communicate with parents – via email, text, phone, or in-person meetings?
- How often do you communicate with parents?
- How do you handle situations when you and the family disagree on something?
- How do you approach the members of the IEP team? Do you see them as adversaries, as collaborators, or something else?
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Advocates in NYC
- Can a special education advocate help if my child already has an IEP?
Certainly. Even after an IEP is created, many parents are dissatisfied with how it is implemented. An advocate can help with this, as well as annual reviews and reevaluations.
- Can I talk to an advocate before requesting an evaluation?
Absolutely. For example, you can ask the advocate their opinion on whether it’s worth pursuing special education or continuing with other options such as tutoring.
- Can an advocate help me prepare for a meeting without attending it?
Yes. If you only need limited support, the advocate can help you prepare while you handle the actual meeting on your own.
- Can a special education advocate help with a reevaluation or annual review?
Yes. Many advocates help with these reviews. Be sure to ask during your initial meeting.
When Do Parents Need More Than a Special Education Advocate?
Sometimes, the issue isn’t better advocacy. There are times when families get the IEP that they want, but they are still dissatisfied with how it is being implemented. Also, it could be that your child’s current traditional public school is ill-equipped to consistently serve your child’s needs.
If your child isn’t making progress even after solid advocacy, it may be time to consider a therapeutic school. Unlike traditional schools, therapeutic schools have smaller class sizes. Smaller classes mean that children are more likely to get the academic and emotional support that they need.
If your family is considering a new placement for your child, consider Academics West. We’re a therapeutic school on the Upper West Side. Our teachers and counselors are trained to work with a wide range of students. To learn more, call 212-580-0080 or use our online contact form to schedule a visit.
