How to Be the Best Advocate for Your Child—Even if You're Not an Expert
Advocating for your child in the special education system can feel overwhelming—especially if you're new to the process. You might wonder, “Do I know enough?”, “Am I doing this right?”, or even “Will anyone listen to me?” The truth is, you don’t need to be an expert in law or education to be the best advocate for your child. What you do need is a willingness to learn, the courage to speak up, and the confidence to trust your instincts as a parent.
Here’s how you can become an effective advocate for your child—no legal degree required.
1. Start with What You Know: Your Child
You are the expert when it comes to your child. No one knows their strengths, challenges, triggers, or potential like you do. Use that knowledge as your foundation. Teachers and specialists may be professionals in their fields, but you bring insight that can’t be found in test scores or evaluations.
When attending meetings or communicating with the school, don’t be afraid to speak up about what you’ve observed at home, what works for your child, and what you know they need to be successful. Your voice matters—more than you may realize.
2. Educate Yourself About Your Rights
While you don’t need to know the entire Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by heart, understanding your basic rights as a parent is essential. Key concepts to become familiar with include:
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
Procedural Safeguards
You can find helpful information through reputable sources like Wrightslaw, your state’s Department of Education, and local advocacy organizations. If you're unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a special education advocate or mediator (like myself) for guidance.
3. Get Organized and Document Everything
Keep a binder or digital folder with all relevant documents—IEPs, evaluations, emails with teachers or administrators, meeting notes, progress reports, and anything else related to your child’s education. Documentation is not only helpful for your own reference but also provides a clear record if concerns arise.
Take notes during IEP meetings and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear. You are entitled to fully understand what is being discussed and decided.
4. Build Collaborative Relationships with the School Team
Advocacy doesn’t have to be adversarial. In fact, building a collaborative relationship with your child’s school can often lead to better outcomes. Start by assuming positive intent, and approach conversations as opportunities to problem-solve together. Be polite but firm. Be open to their input, but clear about your expectations.
That said, if you feel your concerns are not being taken seriously or your child’s needs aren’t being met, you have every right to push for change. Remember, advocacy means respectfully holding the system accountable.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
You are not alone. There are experienced advocates and mediators who can walk you through the process, help you prepare for IEP meetings, review documentation, and even attend meetings with you. Asking for support doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re doing everything you can to protect and uplift your child.
In fact, many parents find it empowering to have someone by their side who understands both the law and the emotional weight of advocating for a child with special needs.
6. Trust Your Gut
If something doesn’t feel right—whether it's a service that was removed, goals that don’t align with your child’s needs, or a lack of communication—trust that instinct. You have the right to question, pause, request more information, and even disagree. You can request additional testing, call for an IEP meeting at any time, or file for mediation or due process if necessary.
Being your child's advocate means stepping into a role that might be unfamiliar, but you were made for it. Your child needs your voice, your presence, and your persistence.
Final Thoughts
You may not have a law degree or a background in education, but you are the most powerful advocate your child will ever have. You bring heart, determination, and firsthand knowledge that no one else can replicate.
And when you need support—whether it's understanding an IEP, navigating conflict with a school, or finding your confidence again—there are professionals ready to help. I’m one of them. Through both advocacy and mediation, I help parents like you feel empowered, informed, and equipped to fight for what your child deserves.
You’ve got this. And when you need a hand, I’m here.
Blog 5: Accommodations vs. Modifications: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Understanding the difference between accommodations and modifications is crucial to making sure your child is set up for success—without lowering expectations unless absolutely necessary.
Definitions:
Accommodations: Changes how your child learns
Same curriculum, different access
Examples:
Extra time on tests
Audiobooks
Visual schedules
Noise-canceling headphones
Modifications: Changes what your child is expected to learn
Different curriculum or lower-level assignments
Examples:
Reduced assignments
Alternate reading material
Simplified tests
Why This Matters:
Accommodations keep your child on grade-level goals and allow for inclusion. Modifications change the academic expectations, which may affect:
Report cards
Standardized testing
Graduation requirements
Accommodations vs Modifications Table
Feature
Accommodations
Modifications
Learning Content
Same grade-level material
Altered or simplified content
Expectations
Unchanged
Lowered or individualized
Grading
Same standards
Graded against modified standards
IEP/504
504 or IEP
IEP only
Ask your child's team which supports are in place and how they align with grade-level expectations. Clear understanding leads to better advocacy.