Education Advocates of America

12/05/2025

Not sure what happens when you hire an advocate?

Your first step is a consultation.

✔ Review your goals
✔ Thorough file review
✔ Personalized plan of action

You deserve clarity. Let us help you get there.
https://calendly.com/d/csth-tx3-xcn/book-your-free-consultation-call-fb

12/05/2025

Congratulations to an extraordinary woman whose leadership and commitment to advancing understanding of autism has opened doors for countless families and professionals. Your work continues to change lives.

We’re Proud of You, Temple!
We are thrilled to share that Dr. Temple Grandin has been honored with the Portrait of a Nation Award for her incredible contributions to animal science, autism advocacy, and education.

Her newly unveiled portrait, titled "Brocken Spectre and Glory: Portrait of Temple Grandin", by artist David Lenz, will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery from November 14, 2025 – October 25, 2026, before joining the museum’s permanent collection.
This award celebrates Americans of remarkable character and achievement—and Dr. Grandin truly embodies that spirit!

12/04/2025

Holiday break doesn’t have to undo your child’s progress. ❄️

A change in routine can feel exciting, but for students with IEPs or 504 plans, it can also create stress, regression, or overwhelm.

With a little intention and preparation, winter break can actually become an opportunity for growth, connection, and confidence.

We put together a new blog to help parents navigate the holiday season with ease, support, and clarity.

Read it here 👇
https://www.eduamerica.org/blog/holidaydisruption

12/03/2025

“We don’t have the staff for that right now.”

A phrase parents hear far too often, but staffing challenges do not erase IEP obligations.

Here’s what you can say:

👉 I understand staffing is a challenge, but my child’s services still need to be provided as written. How will you ensure this happens?
or
👉 Thanks for letting me know. In the meantime, what’s the plan to ensure my child still receives the support outlined in their IEP?

You can be respectful and still advocate with strength.

Save this for your next IEP meeting!

12/02/2025

When you understand your child's rights, the whole game changes.

Advocacy isn't about conflict; it's about clarity, confidence, and making sure your child gets what they need to thrive.

➡️ Follow EAA for support, tips, and tools that empower you to advocate like the parent/guardian your child already knows you are.

12/01/2025

Myth: “My child needs to be failing before they can get an IEP.”

The Myth:
Many parents are told that unless their child is failing academically, they “don’t qualify” for special education.
The Truth:
A child does not need to be failing to receive an IEP. IDEA requires that eligibility is based on whether a disability adversely affects educational performance, and educational performance includes much more than grades.

Educational performance includes:
-Behavior
-Social-emotional skills
-Executive functioning
-Communication
-Access to the curriculum
-Functional skills needed for independence

Many students with strong grades still struggle silently. If a disability impacts their school day, access, or progress, an evaluation is warranted.

Reminder:
If you’re hearing “they aren’t failing,” that’s a sign to put your request in writing and reference IDEA’s definition of educational performance.

Join our facebook group for insights to more "myths" about Special Education! IEP, 504 & Parent Advocacy - 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.