Education Advocates of America

11/30/2025

Vague IEP goals don’t support real progress, especially when it comes to behavior.

A goal like “improve classroom behavior” is not measurable and doesn’t tell you what success looks like.

Here’s what measurable behavior goals sound like:

✔️ Uses coping strategies in 4/5 observed situations
✔️ Raises hand before speaking 80% of the time
✔️ Stays on task for 10 minutes in 4/5 sessions

Always ask how data is being tracked, behavior charts, frequency counts, logs… not just teacher notes.

Your child deserves clear, trackable growth.

Save this for your next IEP meeting!
https://calendly.com/d/csth-tx3-xcn/book-your-free-consultation-call-fb

11/23/2025

Great info!

If you missed our SPEAK session last week on sleep disturbances in children with Down syndrome, you missed a good one! Dr. Hilary Pearson with Cook Children's Sleep Clinic shared some great information that can help your whole family get a better night's sleep! All of our SPEAK sessions are recorded and up on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/ousPUQzYZUk.

11/22/2025

Keep this list for those transition meetings in high school:-)

11/20/2025

Did you know dyslexia impacts 1 in 5 children, and many never receive the diagnosis or support they need?

Early signs can show up in kindergarten, like difficulty with rhyming or blending sounds. As kids get older, challenges with reading fluency and decoding become more noticeable.

If something feels “off” with your child’s reading, trust your instincts.

Education Advocates of America is here to guide you and help you understand the support your child may qualify for.

11/20/2025

The Hidden Power of Pre-Meeting Prep

Most parents think advocacy happens in the meeting itself, but the real work takes place long before you sit at that table. Pre-meeting prep is where you build your confidence, organize your thoughts, and get clear on what your child needs.

Here’s what strong prep can look like:
-Reviewing the draft IEP or 504 plan ahead of time so you’re not scrambling
-Reading through evaluations slowly, highlighting any scores, comments, or recommendations you want to discuss
-Look for the gaps missing accommodations, unclear present levels, goals that don’t match what you see at home
-Writing down the top 3 concerns or priorities you have for your child right now
-Listing the questions you want to ask so you don’t forget them once the meeting starts
-Talking with your spouse/partner, advocate, or therapist to align on what’s most important

When you prepare, you walk into the meeting focused instead of overwhelmed. You speak up with purpose instead of reacting under pressure. And you leave knowing you advocated from a place of clarity, not confusion.

What’s something you always review before a meeting?

Join our fb group, IEP, 504 & Parent Advocacy - Education Advocates of America for weekly series! Ask questions, get answers, and advice from our advocates. If you are in need of individualized support, schedule a FREE consultation with us today -

Our advocates have extensive experience in dyslexia, autism, behavioral/discipline concerns, and training individuals within the community on how to navigate the educational system.An advocate will call you at the time of your appointment.

11/18/2025

IEP meetings can feel overwhelming, especially when the goals aren't clearly measurable.

Your child’s progress should be tracked with real data, not vague terms.

Ask your team how each goal will be measured and ensure progress reports include percentages and mastery levels. You deserve clarity, and your child deserves the support that comes with it.

Education Advocates of America is always here to help families navigate the process with confidence.

11/17/2025

Knowledge is important, but what truly changes a child’s future is action.

Every step you take to advocate, ask questions, and push for what’s right makes a difference.

We’re here to help families turn understanding into action that makes a difference in their education.

11/17/2025

Welcome to This Week’s Series: Behind the Scenes of Strong Advocacy

Advocating for your child isn’t just about showing up to an IEP or 504 meeting. It’s about understanding the why behind decisions, the rights behind the process, and the strategies that help you speak up with confidence.

All week long, we’re going to pull back the curtain and look at what really drives strong, effective advocacy.
Not the overwhelming legal jargon. Not the “just trust the process” advice. But the real, practical, everyday pieces that help you support your child and work with the school team in a meaningful way.
Here’s what you can expect this week:
-What it truly means to be an equal member of the IEP/504 team
-What you should receive and review before any meeting
-How your parent input can shape the entire plan
-Why data is the backbone of every service and support

The difference between accommodations, modifications, and interventions

How behavior communicates needs and what teams should do with that information

This series is designed to empower you with knowledge, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re brand new to advocacy or you’ve been doing this for years, there’s something here for you.

Let’s start the week strong together. What’s one area of the IEP or 504 process you want more clarity on?

Join our fb group, IEP, 504 & Parent Advocacy - Education Advocates of America for weekly series! Ask questions, get answers, and advice from our advocates. As always, if you are in need of support, schedule a FREE consultation with us today -

Our advocates have extensive experience in dyslexia, autism, behavioral/discipline concerns, and training individuals within the community on how to navigate the educational system.An advocate will call you at the time of your appointment.

11/15/2025

👉 Good grades don’t always mean your child isn’t struggling.

Accommodations aren’t about “fixing” they’re about supporting.

If your gut says they need help, trust it. 💪

11/15/2025

Understanding the IEP Profile: The Heart of Your Child’s Story

When you open an IEP, one of the first sections you’ll see is the Profile (sometimes called the Student Profile, Learner Profile, or Summary of Strengths and Needs). It might look like a simple paragraph or two, but don’t underestimate its importance. The Profile is the foundation of your child’s entire plan.

This section should tell your child’s story, who they are, how they learn, what they love, and where they need support. It’s meant to give everyone at the table a snapshot of your child as a whole person, not just a set of scores or behaviors.

A strong Profile includes:
Strengths and interests that motivate and engage your child.
Areas of challenge or concern that affect learning or participation.
Strategies or supports that work best, based on experience or data.
Parent and student input, because your perspectives add valuable context.

Why does this matter? Because everything that follows, goals, accommodations, services, should be connected to what’s described in the Profile. If the Profile doesn’t accurately reflect your child, the rest of the IEP may miss the mark too.

Take time to read this section closely and ask yourself: Does this sound like my child? Does it reflect both their strengths and their needs? If not, you can absolutely request that it be updated. You might suggest adding what motivates your child, how they learn best, or what tends to cause frustration.

When written thoughtfully, the Profile becomes the heart of the IEP. It reminds everyone on the team that behind every goal and data point is a unique child who deserves understanding, respect, and a plan built around their individual strengths.

Join our fb group, IEP, 504 & Parent Advocacy - Education Advocates of America for weekly series! Ask questions, get answers, and advice from our advocates. As always, if you are in need of support, schedule a FREE consultation with us today -

Our advocates have extensive experience in dyslexia, autism, behavioral/discipline concerns, and training individuals within the community on how to navigate the educational system.An advocate will call you at the time of your appointment.

11/14/2025

Every family’s journey is unique, but one thing remains the same: every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. 🌟

We’re honored to walk beside parents like Alicia, helping them navigate the complexities of IEPs and special education with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

When advocacy feels overwhelming, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

11/13/2025

Tired of confusion and school runaround?

It’s time to take back control.

Learn how to navigate the special education system, and finally feel equipped to advocate for what your child deserves. 💪

Education Advocates of America
www.eduamerica.org