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Frequently Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Special Education Advocate?
A Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate is a professional that has special knowledge of the laws and procedures of special education. Advocates work on behalf of families to to help them access and navigate this system so that their child may access a free appropriate public education. A Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate does not practice law or provide legal advice.
What is a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?
A Free Appropriate Public Education, often referred to as FAPE, is the legal entitlement of children age 3-21, regardless of disability status, to a free education that meet their individual needs in the United States. It may constitute special instruction and/or services to help them access and benefit from their education.
What Is your Experience?
I have been advocacting for children at school for 6 years and I’ve received extensive training from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. I am a former RN with experience working as a school nurse. I have two disabled children of my own who have had both IEPs and 504 plans at school. My full resume can be seen here.
Where are you located?
Verdance Advocacy is located in Minneapolis, MN and serves families nation-wide.
How Do I get Started Working with You?
Please start by scheduling a free, 20-minute, no-obligation, consultation call here.
After I Pay the Deposit, What Can I expect in the first four hours?
While each case varies, you can typically expect a full record review (1-2 hours depending on history), a one-hour intake phone call where we will discuss your concerns and our impressions of your child’s records, attendance at an IEP meeting, and a meeting follow up call. Please inquire about your specific case to get a more precise estimate. Verdance Advocacy is always happy to be in communication about estimated billing time.
Is My CHild eligible for an IEP?
Your child’s eligibility depends on whether their disability, which falls under one or more of 13 categories, has an educational impact. This is determined with a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE). The impact is not required to be academic in nature, it may be behavioral, social, etc.
What is an IEP?
IEP stands for Individual Education Plan. It is written by a team made up of school personnel, the parent/guardian of the child, and others with specialized knowledge of the child following an evaluation that indicates a need for specialized instruction and services due to disability. A disability with educational impact can range from dyslexia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and hearing impairment, among many others. The plan details the goals for the child’s progress along with specific interventions and accommodations to meet those goals. If you have questions or concerns about your. child’s IEP, please contact me here.
How it Works
01
Step one
Reach out via the contact form to schedule your free 20-minute, no-obligation consultation.
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Step two
Submit the required paperwork (contract, release, and intake form) and pay your deposit to get started.
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Step Three
Verdance Advocacy will review your child’s education records and schedule a one-hour consultation call to discuss concerns, make recommendations, and determine next steps in the Advocacy Plan.
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Step Four
Execute the Advocacy Plan. This may include attending meetings, requesting evaluations, and writing state complaints among other recommendations depending on your child’s specific needs.