When School Isn’t Working: How Educational Advocates Help Families Navigate

The school year is underway—but what happens when your child is already struggling, accommodations are not being followed, communication with the school feels difficult, or you simply aren't sure whether your child's educational needs are being met?

Join Guiding Bright Minds for a practical and informative panel discussion featuring educational advocates who help families navigate special education services, school meetings, IEPs, 504 Plans, evaluations, accommodations, and other educational challenges.

Families will learn how educational advocates support parents, when it may be time to seek additional help, and what steps they can take to become more informed and effective partners in their child's education.

Panelist:

1. Sam Dieguez of The How Skills
2. Dr. Nancy Buck of Peaceful Parenting
3. Roxanne Bradley of Learning Differences World

Description

Navigating the education system can feel complicated, especially when your child learns, communicates, or experiences school differently.

Parents may find themselves wondering:

• Is my child's IEP actually being followed?
• What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
• Can I request an evaluation?
• Am I doing something wrong?
• What should I do if my child is struggling academically, socially, emotionally, or behaviorally at school?
• How do I prepare for a school meeting?
• When should I consider working with an educational advocate?

During this 90-minute panel discussion, educational advocates will share practical strategies, common challenges they see families encounter, and ways parents can more confidently navigate conversations and decisions about their child's education.

Panelists will also discuss the role of educational advocates, how advocacy can support collaboration between families and schools, and what parents should know about their rights and options when concerns arise.

The goal of this webinar is not to tell families what decisions to make, but to provide information, tools, and questions that can help parents become informed participants in their child's educational journey.

What Will Attendees Learn?

• • What educational advocates do—and what they do not do.
• • The differences between IEPs, 504 Plans, accommodations, evaluations, and other school supports.
• • Common warning signs that a child's educational needs may not be adequately addressed.
• • How parents can document concerns and prepare for productive conversations with their child's school.
• • What questions parents should ask during IEP, 504, eligibility, and school support meetings.
• • When families may benefit from consulting or hiring an educational advocate.
• • How advocates, parents, educators, and school teams can work collaboratively to support students.

Key Takeaways

• Know What You Can Ask For. Parents will leave with a clearer understanding of evaluations, accommodations, services, and supports they can discuss with their child's school.
• Document, Don't Just Remember. Families will learn simple ways to track communication, concerns, progress, and whether agreed-upon supports are being implemented.
• Preparation Changes the Conversation. Parents will receive practical strategies for preparing for meetings, asking effective questions, and communicating concerns clearly.
• You Don't Have to Navigate the System Alone. Attendees will understand when additional support from an educational advocate may be helpful and how to choose an advocate who is a good fit for their family.
• The Goal Is Meaningful Progress, Not Just Paperwork. Families will be encouraged to focus on whether their child's educational plan is resulting in access, participation, support, and meaningful progress.