Special Education Advocacy
Too many parents doubt their dreams for their child and in frustration go along with school decisions without knowing their rights and their options. I don’t want this to happen to you.
I work with parents of school-aged children with disabilities to be a more effective advocate by:
* Teaching you your special education rights and most importantly how to strategically use them so you get better results for your child;
* Showing you critical actions to take before, during and after IEP meetings so you are prepared, confident, and leave the meeting being heard;
* Helping you learn the nuances of asking for the education your child deserves
I do this by working 1:1 with families and attending IEP and 504 meetings, in-person or virtually.
I use a specific framework when reviewing evaluations, IEPs, 504 Plans, and other educational documents to be able to carefully pinpoint your child’s strengths. Then the team can build on them while helping your child to continue learning and showing others what they know.
We want to make sure disabled children are welcomed, seen as having contributions, and have a sense of belonging while they learn beside their friends in general education classes.
We’ve seen too many children losing out on a quality education because of low expectations of educators. I don’t want this to be your child.
You shouldn’t have to fight to get the education your child deserves. Let’s work together and change that!
Just click on the CONTACT button below and I’ll reply to you.
Public Speaking
I also enjoy presenting engaging, practical, and value-packed sessions at local, state, and national conferences and events, virtually and in person. Presentations on Advocacy, IEPs, and Inclusion are tailored to meet your specific outcomes.
Please click on the CONTACT button below and we can talk about your upcoming event.
Service 3
F.A.Q.
I help parents sort through what is happening at school, figure out what is working/not working for their child, and develop a strategic advocacy plan for making changes. I do review IEP/504 Plans, recent evaluations, Progress Reports, and conversations with parents and students.
I attend evaluation and IEP meetings to support families and ensure their rights are not violated. If necessary, I also help advocate for students by assisting parents with preparing for facilitated IEP meetings, filing state or OCR complaints, and attending mediation meetings.
Would you like to talk with an experienced advocate about how to make sure your child is getting the education they deserve?
I’m ready to listen to what’s going on and help you come up with some new ideas!
You can have a free 30-minute phone consultation where we can talk about your child’s situation and look at some specific next steps you can take.
Use this link for my online calendar so you can pick a day and time that works for you.
bookme.name/charmaine
The problem is so many students with disabilities spend their days at school being lonely, feeling dumb, and believing they’re not good enough.
I am a Changemaker! I can help you be a Changemaker too! First, you have to work with someone who has been there, done that (and of course, has the T-shirt). The T-shirts I wear say:
- My child has an I.E.P. (Involved Educated Parent)
- I’m a Teacher That Presumes All Are Competent
- My child needs an I.E.P. (Inclusive Education Plan)
- Want IEPs Without Drama? I’m Your Advocate
- Keep Calm – Use Collaborative Special Education Advocacy
- Our Lives Begin To End The Day We Become Silent About Things That Matter
I have years of parenting, teaching, and advocacy experience.
I currently support parents through advocacy and public speaking.
What makes working with me different?
- I know what it is like to be a parent and how essential it is to speak up for your child.
- I also understand what challenges teachers face and how the education system works.
- There aren’t many people that have the combination of life/job experiences that I do.
- My variety of unique perspectives and skills will help you make a difference in your child’s life.
How can I help you be a Changemaker?
When you and I start working together, you will learn to:
- Be Heard, Understood, And Respected
- Help Others Know Your Child Better
- Put The I Back Into Your Child’s IEP
- Achieve Positive Outcomes For Your Child
- Get Educators To Think Outside The Box
Everything I do is because I believe life can be better. My passion and work is to help life be better for students with disabilities.
- Our children can be included and have that critical sense of belonging.
- Each of our kids can learn new skills and show what they know.
- Our children can have rich, fulfilling lives.
I would love to connect with you. I know as a parent of a son with Down syndrome, how critical it is to speak up for your child. And I know the inner workings of the education system after teaching for 30 years. I combine those unique perspectives and her years of being an advocate to help parents become even more effective advocates for their children. Just fill out the form below.
I also enjoy presenting engaging, practical, and value-packed sessions at local, state, and national conferences and events, virtually and in person. Presentations are tailored to meet your specific outcomes
Charmaine conducts workshops that are engaging, practical, and highly effective in bringing about positive change. For more than 30 years, Charmaine has worked with families and educators, presenting at state and national conferences.
Presentations are tailored to meet your specific outcomes and time constraints.