How do I find a educational advocate for my child?

Question

I have an IEP meeting next week, and would like to find an advocate for my child. Those meetings are so intimidating and ambush-like in nature. My son has learning disabilities and always getting detention for offenses such as name-calling, disrupting classes, etc. How do I find a child advocate? I'm in south Orange County, Ca. Thanks!

Answer 1

First, check out http://www.wrightslaw.com/ and look on the left for their advocacy section.  There's tons of great information you can use yourself while you're finding somebody to help with you situation.  The http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/ is great because it will list advocates by state or specialty.

While having a professional is great, and sometimes necessary, don't forget you are your child's biggest advocate!  Being the squeaky wheel is often just what you need to be.

HTH

Shelley S

Answer 2

Go for the advocate. Getting one for next week is probably unlikely though.   As a teacher I would first say, well when was the last time that your child received a full evaluation.  Children often act out when the work is too difficult.  Secondly, I would say this.   If a child's disability does not effect his disruption, name-calling and such, then he deserves the same punishment as the other kids who do the same thing.  Kids, meaning ALL abled kids need to learn there is a right and a wrong way of behaving at school.  It sets them up for a productive future in the workforce.