FAQ

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An educational advocate is a professional who supports students and their families in navigating the education system to ensure the student receives appropriate services, accommodations, or opportunities. They act as a liaison between families, schools, and other stakeholders, often specializing in areas like special education, gifted programs, or disciplinary issues. Their role includes:

• Understanding Rights: Explaining legal rights under laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504.
• IEP/504 Plan Support: Helping develop, review, or enforce Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans to meet a student’s needs.
• Mediation: Resolving disputes with schools over services, accommodations, or disciplinary actions.
• Resource Navigation: Connecting families to appropriate educational resources or specialists.
• Representation: Attending school meetings to advocate for the student’s best interests.

• Complex System Navigation: The education system, especially special education, can be bureaucratic and overwhelming. Advocates know the processes and terminology, ensuring you don’t miss critical steps or rights.
• Ensuring Fair Treatment: If a student isn’t receiving proper accommodations (e.g., for ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities), an advocate ensures schools meet legal obligations.
• Conflict Resolution: Advocates can mediate disagreements with schools, reducing stress and avoiding costly legal battles.
• Tailored Support: They help customize education plans to fit a student’s unique needs, whether for disabilities, giftedness, or behavioral challenges.
• Empowerment: Advocates educate families to better understand and assert their rights, fostering long-term self-advocacy.

• You might consider hiring one if your child is struggling academically, behaviorally, or socially, and you feel the school isn’t addressing their needs adequately. They’re especially valuable for students with disabilities, facing disciplinary actions, or needing specialized programs. 

• IEP and 504 Plan consultation and meeting support
• School placement assistance (e.g., public, private, or specialized programs)
• Mediation and dispute resolution with schools
• Academic and behavioral intervention planning
• Parent and educator workshops on advocacy and education law
• Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying support
• Referrals to specialists (e.g., tutors, therapists, or evaluators)

We work closely with families to understand their child’s unique needs, review evaluations, and develop or refine IEPs or 504 Plans. We attend school meetings to ensure the student’s accommodations are appropriate and advocate for necessary services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or specialized instruction.

Our advocates are highly trained professionals with expertise in education, special education, and advocacy strategies. Many hold certifications such as Special Education Advocate training or have backgrounds in management, education, and behavior analysis.

Our process typically includes:

1. Initial Consultation: A meeting to discuss your needs and goals.
2. Document Review: We analyze relevant records (e.g., IEPs, report cards, evaluations).
3. Strategy Development: We create a tailored plan to address your concerns.
4. Advocacy Support: We guide you through meetings, negotiations, or hearings.
5. Follow-Up: Ongoing support to monitor progress and adjust plans as needed.

Costs vary based on the scope of services, such as consultations, meeting attendance, or ongoing advocacy. We offer flexible packages and hourly rates. For detailed pricing, please contact us or check out our Pricing Page.

Embrace Advocacy offers a variety of discounts & incentives including, but not limited to a Referral Program, Teachers, Military, First Responders, and Foster Families. We also have limited spaces per quarter for Donated Services & Pro-Bono work.

We adhere to strict confidentiality standards, protecting all personal and educational information shared with us. We comply with applicable laws, such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), and use secure systems for document storage and communication.

We offer both virtual and in-person services, depending on your location and preferences. Virtual consultations and meeting support are available via secure platforms, while in-person services are offered in Virginia Beach & Surrounding areas.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Simple consultations may take a few hours, while ongoing advocacy for IEP development or dispute resolution may span weeks or months. We provide a clear timeline during the initial consultation.

Yes, we assist families exploring homeschooling, charter schools, or private programs. We provide guidance on curriculum choices, legal requirements, and ensuring students with special needs receive appropriate support in alternative settings.

Embrace Advocacy is a Veteran & Family Owned / Operated business. Daniel is a Marine Corps Combat Veteran with years of management, advocacy, and IEP experience while Nicole is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and former Teacher / Special Education Teacher. We have 4 school aged children, 3 with IEP’s, including 1 on the Autism Spectrum. Our personalized, family-centered approach, combined with our deep knowledge of education, and navigating school systems, sets us apart. We prioritize collaboration, transparency, and empowering families to advocate confidently for their child’s education.