If you are visiting my site, you likely completed a search looking into special education, advocacy, IEP meetings, or parent support. If so, you ended up in a pretty good spot and I hope that I can support what you are looking for or even point you in the right direction.
If you entered any of the above, you may have recently had a child or family member identified as eligible for special education services. Perhaps, you think your child may have an educational disability but do not know where to begin to look for help. Maybe your child has been receiving special education services, but something is not working. Either your child is not making progress, not receiving their accommodations, or they are not in the best placement. No matter where you are in the world of special education, questions and concerns can come up at any time. The hard part? It can be hard to navigate and find answers to your questions.
Fortunately, that's what an IEP Coach is for! I want to start by saying that an IEP coach is a bit different than an IEP advocate. While both are there to support you and your child, an IEP coach is there to teach you the process and procedures. When thinking of an athletics coach, they do not play the game for the team or the players. The coach teaches them the necessary skills so that the players can be effective during the game. An advocate is typically there to do it for you.
If you are still uncertain about hiring an IEP Coach, here are FIVE reasons why you need one.
1. Experience.
As an IEP Coach, I have experience in the field of education. I know special education law, procedures, timelines, and best practices. I know what to look for in documents, reports, and meetings. I can find what is missing (or lacking), and provide appropriate recommendations based on the family's goals for the student. I understand the conversations, resources, and practices that schools use and can therefore navigate what is being said in a calm and clear manner.
2. Relationships
Relationships within the IEP team are critical! When relationships are strong, collaboration is stronger. It's an IEP team for a reason - everyone is responsible for the success of your child. I can help navigate your questions, concerns, and requests in a way that invites conversation. From my own experience, you don't want someone at the table that is accusatory and dismissive of the school-based team. This can then harm the relationships, collaboration, and success of the team. When hiring an IEP coach, you are hiring someone passionate about helping, being involved, and encouraging. I find it best when a parent is advocating on behalf of their child while being fully supported by a coach.
3. Empowerment.
As mentioned above, I am there to support you in learning the process and procedures. When I review documents and prepare for meetings, I am going to tell you the what, why, and how behind every question and recommendation. You will find clarification and direction that will support you in the educational journey for your child. I am going to encourage you and help you in a collaborative way that will eventually leave you feeling empowered. for
4. Relief
IEP Meetings are mentally and emotionally exhausting. There are so many things to be aware of, consider, discuss, and decide on. An IEP coach is there to take some of the burdens off of you! You can feel relief that someone is there overlooking all the documents for and with you. We can provide a new and fresh perspective. We can help the team to ensure that your child is getting what they need.
5. IEP COACHES ARE...
While not all IEP coaches are the same, through my experience and training I am:
Observant
Professional
Personable
Student-Focused
Creative
Knowledgeable
Resourceful
If you are ready to work with someone who is passionate about educating families, empowering IEP teams, and having positive outcomes; book a free consultation to see if a coaching relationship is right for you and your family!