What is an PRofessional Education Advocate?
An educational advocate is a professional who supports families in navigating the school system to ensure their child receives appropriate educational services and accommodations. They are knowledgeable in special education laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other state and federal guidelines. Educational advocates work with parents and schools to develop or review Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans, ensuring the child’s unique needs are met.
Why You Might Want a Professional Education Advocate:
Expert Knowledge: Advocates understand the complex processes, terminology, and laws related to special education that can feel overwhelming for parents.
Objective Support: They provide an impartial perspective to help identify gaps in services and recommend strategies that align with your child’s best interests.
Effective Communication: Advocates help bridge the gap between parents and schools, ensuring that discussions remain focused on solutions rather than conflicts.
Advocacy Skills: When disagreements arise, they can professionally mediate and negotiate to ensure your child’s rights are upheld.
Time-Saving: Navigating the special education process can be time-consuming; having an advocate ensures that the process is efficient and thorough.
By partnering with a professional education advocate, parents can feel more confident and empowered to secure the resources and accommodations their child needs to thrive in school.
When May It Be Necessary to Have an Educational Advocate for Your Child?
Hiring an educational advocate can be invaluable in certain situations where navigating the school system feels overwhelming, or your child’s needs aren’t being fully met. Here are some common reasons parents choose to work with an advocate:
Your Child is Struggling Academically or Emotionally: If your child has a disability or learning challenges and you’re unsure whether the school is providing adequate support, an advocate can help identify necessary services and accommodations.
You Feel Overwhelmed by the Process: The special education system is complex, with specific laws, timelines, and procedures. An advocate brings expertise to guide you through IEP or 504 meetings and ensure nothing important is overlooked.
You’re Facing Resistance from the School: If you feel the school is downplaying your concerns or denying services, an advocate can act as a professional ally to ensure your voice is heard and your child’s rights are upheld.
You’re Unsure About What Your Child Needs: Advocates can review your child’s evaluations, school records, and progress reports to provide clarity on the types of support and accommodations that would be most beneficial.
You Want to Strengthen Your Partnership with the School: Sometimes emotions can run high during meetings. An advocate ensures that discussions remain focused and productive, creating better outcomes for your child while maintaining positive relationships with school staff.
Meet Our Professional Education Advocate
Crystal Oehlers, LPC-Associate & Professional Education Advocate
At the center of our educational advocacy program is Crystal Oehlers, Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and COPAA Professional Advocate. She has experience with how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (504), the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and countless state and local laws and their regulations work. She works to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their families. She brings years of experience as a former teacher, school counselor, and special education professional, combined with training in educational advocacy, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity. She is knowledgeable in laws and policies, identifying services, and skilled in communicating effectively with schools to create the best possible plan for children and their families. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and focused on achieving results tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Having a Professional Education Advocate by your side can make all the difference in securing the education your child deserves!
