Here’s what you should know about school advocates and how they can help your child succeed.

The role of a school advocate

An advocate helps turn what can feel like a solitary journey into a team effort. These individuals have specialized training in school systems and the educational services required to help children succeed.

Thanks to this extensive expertise, an advocate can help negotiate with service providers and schools by:

• Conducting research
• Offering opinions and guidance
• Coaching or representing parents

Working with an advocate can also ensure your child gets the treatments, services, or equipment they need, especially if denied by the school system. That’s because advocates have a comprehensive understanding of the legal rights, protections, and regulations.

The benefits of having a school advocate

Having a school advocate can offer you and your child numerous benefits. A school advocate can help you do the following:

Understand educational programs

When preparing your child for school, your advocate can help review the plan in advance. This will ensure that all of the information pertaining to your child’s needs will be reflected, optimal goals will be reached, and additional action can get pursued if needed.

Translate the lingo

There are a dizzying number of acronyms and terms used in the educational system, especially when they involve autism or other behavioral and developmental disorders. Your advocate can help dissect these terms and provide you with greater understanding and leverage in the long run.

Guide you through the educational system

Like translating the lingo, an advocate can also help you understand the testing involved when assessing your child. This expertise can help eliminate confusion and create a clearer path for the future.

Define new and evolving goals

Like most things in life, educational goals aren’t static. Fortunately, a school advocate can help you measure and adapt these goals as your child moves through the school year. And, if your child doesn’t seem to progress as you think they should, your advocate can work with the school to redefine their educational goals for the greatest successes.

Temper emotions

Anything involving our children can make emotions run high, especially when special needs come into play. However, when you include an advocate, they can bring a neutral perspective to the conversation and offer insights and recommendations that can help reduce the stress of the moment or situation.

Lighten your load

Parents wear a lot of hats in everyday life, but an advocate can take one thing off your busy plate. They can act as the dedicated specialist advocating on your child’s behalf by keeping their educational needs front and center.

For more information on the benefits of having a school advocate, book an appointment online or over the phone with Scottsdale Pediatric Behavioral Services today.