What does an educational advocate do?

Advocates review school records, Special Education records, 504 plans, and private assessments and evaluations; they consult with specialists who are knowledgeable about the child and they observe the child in the classroom; they inform parents/guardians of their educational rights.

What is advocacy and education?

Advocacy, in the context of child and youth mental health, offers young people the opportunity to express their perspectives with the aim of shifting policy and creating systemic change. Youth advocacy encompasses the use of education, communication, leadership skills, and evidence to make a compelling case for change.

What is the role of an educational advocate in the school setting?

Advocates are specially trained individuals in disability law. While they are not lawyers, one of their chief responsibilities is to stay current with the regulations that affect children in an educational setting. An Advocate’s role is to represent the student and parents in any meetings with school administrators.

Why is educational advocacy important?

Educational Advocates promote the development of an appropriate educational and community support service plan that identifies and addresses the child’s educational needs so as to create community and educational inclusion, functional skills and adequate measurable progress in the educational and community environments …

What is an IEP advocate?

Special education advocates help parents make sure a child’s special needs are met. They help parents understand available services, interpret test results, and work with schools to plan individualized education programs (IEPs).

What is advocacy in special education?

A special education advocate is someone who works on behalf of a student and student’s family to help the family obtain special education services. Attorneys have specific training in advocacy skills and must be licensed, meet continuing education requirements, and follow ethical guidelines.