IEP/504 Advocacy Services
ADVOCACY SERVICES
IEP/504 advocacy services provide support and peace of mind for both parents and students. With 20 years of experience as both a parent advocate, and a classroom teacher, I offer unique insight and solutions that most do not realize are even possible. My extensive educational training and diverse background allows me to partner with you successfully. I will support your family through the entire process; from the first request for services, to the final draft and implementation of your customized 504/IEP. I do this by your side from requesting and implementing recommendations that actually work, to writing specific measurable goals that clearly define the educational and social areas of growth your child needs, to assist your child to not only succeed but to thrive.
Having sat on both sides of the IEP/504 table, as a parent and teacher, I am able to offer distinctive insights and extensive support into the process, implementation, and follow through, all of which can often feel overwhelming to parents trying to navigate this on their own. I understand what accommodations are possible for implementation into the classroom, and also offer support to teachers and staff on practices to successfully implement them.
As a parent of children with IEP’s/504’s I understand how difficult it can be to sit on your side of the table, normally with 6-8 staff members on the opposite side. It can feel overwhelming, scary, and emotionally personal. Whether you are just starting your journey to receive accommodations, or in need of some additional support or fresh eyes to review what is in place, I can help.
My goal is to create and foster a positive team environment between all parties involved in the IEP/504 process. I do this by bridging any knowledge gaps, setting clear expectations for school staff, offering resources, and when necessary challenge and question opposition. Each of these are detrimental to the success of this process and your child.
-Julie Batchos
Services Include (but not limited to)
IEP/504 review with recommendations
I will review your current IEP/504 and provide recommendations for accommodations and specialized goals.
Assistance with requesting an IEP/504 evaluation
This is the first step in the process of getting your child the help they need to level the playing field. There are regulations on how you should formally request evaluation as well as a time frame in which the school must act, which many parents are unaware of.
Assistance with goal writing
Many goals on IEP’s are generic and appear to simply be copied and pasted from year to year. I assist you in making sure your child’s goals are relevant, specific to their needs, measurable for accountability of the educational system, achievable so as not to dishearten your child, and realistic. If we find that is not the case we will work to rewrite those goals to make sure each of those necessary pieces are met.
Assistance with determining and recommending accommodations
I will evaluate your child and give you my recommendations on what accomodations I believe your child would benefit from both in the classroom and out.
In person advocacy support at eligibility meetings
For advocacy support at eligibility meetings I can provide an agenda for the meeting to both you and the staff, if desired.
I assist you through asking specific questions to get the most direct and helpful information, and to assist with understanding.
I provide detailed notes and recommendations on how you should proceed after the meeting.
I recommend recording the meetings to listen to again once home. This is helpful because these meetings can sometimes become emotional for parents. You must request permission in writing to record prior to the meeting,and I can also assist with that.
In person advocacy support at IEP/504 review meetings for accommodations and goal support.
I can provide an agenda for the meeting to both you and the staff prior, if desired.
I assist you through asking specific questions to get the most direct and helpful information and to assist with understanding.
I provide detailed notes and recommendations on how you should proceed after the meeting.
I recommend recording the meetings to listen to again once home. This is helpful because these meetings can sometimes become emotional for parents. You must request permission to record prior to the meeting and I can also assist with that.
In my own journey as a parent of 4 neurodiverse children and from assisting other parents, time and again, I see the amount of support students receive tied to the parents advocacy skills and presence. Sadly, most schools look out for what is easiest for them and not our children. Teachers are overwhelmed, and the expectations put on them today are often times unrealistic. While we can sincerely sympathise with that reality, we as parents are the only ones that will be advocating for our children. We need to be strong advocates to ensure our children receive the accommodations they need to thrive.
The process can be frustrating and overwhelming to try and navigate on your own. The good news is you don’t have to. As an advocate I partner with you to ensure your child is getting all of the support and accommodations they need. I walk alongside you and guide you through the process, helping to ensure your child’s unique needs are being met.
I empower you as an advocate for your child, through utilizing my extensive knowledge, experiences, and teaching background. I do this by fostering positive and effective team correspondence, and establishing effective goals and accommodations for your child.
In the case of opposition from the educational environment, I also assist with remediation, and if needed, assist you elevating your concerns to the next level for effective support.
