An IEP advocate is your partner in navigating special education services. We help you:

• IEP & 504 Meeting Support – Attend and advocate at IEPs, 504s, SSTs, MDRs, and transition meetings (in person or virtual).
• Pre-Meeting Prep – Review records, plan strategy, and create agendas so you walk in prepared.
• Post-Meeting Follow-Up – Provide clear summaries and action steps after every meeting.
• School Communication – Draft and respond to emails, letters, Prior Written Notice requests, and parent input statements.
• Education Records Review – Analyze IEPs, evaluations, FBAs, BIPs, and 504 Plans for accuracy and compliance.
• Document Drafting – Create IEP goals, service recommendations, and formal complaints to strengthen your case.
• Classroom Observations – Visit school, home, or community settings to monitor service delivery.
• Parent Coaching – Teach you how to navigate special education law, build timelines, and track services.
• Placement & Services Guidance – Support compensatory education requests, private school placement, and independent evaluations.
• Transition Planning – Help students 14+ prepare for life after high school with goals, agency connections, and vocational resources.
• Emergency Advocacy – Respond quickly to urgent issues like placement removals, suspensions, or school refusal.
• Case Management – Keep your records organized, track deadlines, and manage all meeting logistics.
• Assistive Tech & AAC Support – Ensure devices are in place, functional, and being used effectively.
• Travel for Advocacy – Attend in-person meetings, site visits, and observations when needed.

Whether you’re new to special education or have been through multiple IEPs, having a knowledgeable advocate in your corner can make all the difference.

Families often reach out to our California special education advocates when:

• Their child isn’t making meaningful academic progress or social-emotional growth despite having an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
• The school delays or denies special education evaluations for suspected learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or other qualifying needs.
• IEP services, accommodations, or supports are reduced or removed without proper data, justification, or a Prior Written Notice.
• IEP or 504 meetings feel overwhelming, rushed, or one-sided — leaving parents without a real voice in the process.
• Inclusion in the general education classroom and access to the full curriculum are inconsistent or missing.
• Mental health services, behavior intervention plans (BIP), counseling, or emotional supports are ignored, delayed, or minimized in the IEP.

The sooner we begin the special education advocacy process, the sooner we can work to secure appropriate services, supports, and placements for your child — but it’s never too late to improve an IEP or 504 Plan and ensure your child gets the education they deserve.

We serve families in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, the Bay Area, and throughout the state. Services are available in person or virtually. Because we’ve sat on both sides of the IEP table — as educators and as parents — we know how to bridge the gap between schools and families.

Parents often contact our California special education advocacy team when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unheard in the IEP or 504 process. Common reasons families seek our support include:

• Lack of progress: Their child isn’t making meaningful academic growth or social-emotional progress despite having an IEP or 504 Plan.
• Evaluation delays or denials: The school resists or refuses special education evaluations for suspected learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism, ADHD, or other needs.
• Loss of services: IEP services or supports are reduced, removed, or changed without proper data, justification, or a legally required Prior Written Notice.
• Difficult IEP meetings: Parents feel IEP meetings are rushed, one-sided, or overwhelming, leaving them without a real voice in decisions.
• Limited inclusion: Access to the general education curriculum or meaningful inclusion opportunities is inconsistent or denied.
• Ignored mental health needs: Schools minimize or overlook the need for behavior supports, counseling services, or mental health interventions in the IEP.

At Advocate To Educate, we know how discouraging this can feel. The sooner we begin the special education advocacy process, the sooner we can push for the appropriate services and supports your child deserves. But it’s never too late—whether you’re new to the process or years into it, meaningful changes can still be made to your child’s IEP or 504 Plan.

Attorneys provide legal representation for special education disputes that move to Due Process hearings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Special education advocates focus on resolving IEP and 504 issues before legal action becomes necessary, using strategies like record review, meeting support, and negotiation with the school district.

Many families choose to work with both an advocate and a special education attorney at different stages — starting with advocacy to address concerns quickly, and involving legal counsel if the case requires formal Due Process or litigation.

Yes — our IEP advocate California team supports families anywhere in the state via Zoom or phone. While we enjoy meeting in person, we expanded to offer virtual services so we could reach more families across California. The reality is, quality educational advocates are hard to find, and by working remotely, we’ve been able to connect with parents in districts that might otherwise have no access to experienced support.

Virtual advocacy has been incredibly successful — allowing us to attend meetings, review documents, and guide parents through the IEP process without the limitations of travel. We encourage families to ask questions, check experience, and trust their instincts when choosing an advocate. We’re eager to learn the ins and outs of every district we serve, and we’re confident we can deliver the same high-quality results no matter where you are in California.

Absolutely. We prepare you ahead of time, attend the meeting with you, and ensure every important point is addressed.

Educational advocacy isn’t optional in most situations. Parents will do whatever it takes to help their children succeed — but not all support is created equal. Our services are an investment in both securing what your child needs at school and helping you understand their rights under an IEP.

We cut through misconceptions, correct misinformation, and eliminate exaggerations. Whether you need a quick document review or comprehensive, start-to-finish advocacy, we tailor our work to your needs. Most professional advocates charge hourly rates between $200–$400, depending on the complexity of the case and services required.