Qualities To Look For In Competent Special Education Parent Advocates

By Eliza Mendoza


Help from parent advocates will be essential especially if you have an autism child or one who has problems in learning. You can also seek help when having problems dealing with the staff in the school. The good thing about the professional is that they will help in acquiring the right education for the child. This type of advocate usually undergoes special training that enables parents in steering the system of special education. There are some cases where parents usually assume the role of the advocate. However, it is recommended that you should hire professionals because of the vast knowledge they provide. Here are some qualities that you should look for when hiring this expert.

First and foremost, you should look at his experience. Ensure that the advocate is familiar in dealing with the type of disability that your child is suffering from. This will confirm that he will effectively support you. Inquire from him the nature of cases he has dealt with.

Being conversant with state laws that govern the special education program is a good quality for the advocate. This is because the expert will apply the laws in relevant situations. It is important noting that special education is governed by several state and federal rules. Some of them include Disabilities Education Act, No Child Left behind Act and special education federal rules.

The advocate is not required to memorize these laws but should have basic knowledge of what is contained in them. During IEP meetings he is supposed to bring up these laws if they will be beneficial to the child. It may look unprofessional for him if all he needed to solve the problem was one law and he does not know what is in it.

False promises are something that you will not find in a competent advocate. You should think twice about a professional who promises to acquire all the services required for your child. Special education will not come with any guarantee thus you should not be promised something that is difficult to achieve. A good advocate with a good understanding of the law will help in acquiring what your child needs.

You should go for a professional who is passionate about his job. This will help in ensuring that the lawyer will work hard to ensure that your child needs are satisfied. On the other hand, one who is not passionate will not deliver good results. This is something that you will not enjoy especially at this time of need.

He should be willing to defend your child rights even when dealing with the staff in special education schools. Good defense skill is an important quality that will outshine the other qualities. You will be assured that the advocate will deliver most of the services that you require from him.

Detail orientation is another important quality that you should look for when hiring a professional. A good advocate will write down all the services that the staff in special education schools promises to offer. Before the meeting ends, competent parent advocates should go through the IEP. This will help in identifying any changes to be made if necessary. It is important knowing that minor details can account to huge success. Paying attention to these qualities will help in finding the right advocate to provide the required services.




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