Parent Advocacy Skills Jennifer BussAssistant Professor Lewis University

Parent Rights http://www.isbe.net/spec-ed/default.htm IEP team has 60 days from date of

referral to complete case study evaluation.

IEP team has 30 days from Eligibility to determine programing.

IEP basics IEP must be reviewed annually Parent updates must occur as often as

nondisabled peers You have the right to request more

frequent updates

Open Communication When is a good time for you to talk with

your special education teacher? What method works for you?

Email? Face to Face? Phone?

What are your Triggers? Problem solve Ask for Clarification Give specifics Options Be open mined

How to Engage with your team No surprise rule Voice Tone Prioritize your list of concerns or items Set realistic items to discuss Praise “Find it”

How to engage with your Team Let them speak Allow time to process information Rule: Don’t say it unless it is in the

best interest for your child Rule: Listen Rule: Practice terms, and be specific

when speaking (we can’t read minds)

Strength Based Write down 3 strengths your child has Identify how these strengths can be a

part of the programing Share them with your team Keep a running list of accomplishments

Strength Based Share with your child Ask your child to identify Remind yourself often what these are Celebrate successes Small or Large

Strength Based Your child is an individual Don’t compare your child to others Don’t get caught up with comparing to

what other parents are saying or doing Your child is unique and deserves your

focus as an INDIVIDUAL

Strength Based What route are you going to take for

your child? What route is your team going to take

for your child? Remind yourself often: What can be

accomplished day to day? Don’t get caught up with over

achievement or unrealistic goals.

What is right for your child and your child only…..

What do I do? Identify your needs Identify what your goals are for your

child Identify what strengths your child has Identify what the school can do for you Identify what confuses you about the

process

Some people succeed because they have what it takes. Others succeed because they are determined to!!!