Knowledge is Power.
Advocacy is Possible.
We're glad you're here
Did you leave your last IEP meeting feeling frustrated or just plain confused?
You are not alone. So many parents feel complicated feelings around their child's IEP. You may feel like some of the present levels don't fully capture your child's abilities, or that the goals aren't challenging enough or that the minutes provided are insufficient, but you're not sure how to approach these topics.
Many parents don't want to seem "difficult" or ungrateful for the hard work of the teachers and therapists on their child's team, so they don't say how they really feel around the IEP table. Some parents don't know what questions to ask in the moment because every meeting feels like information overload. If this sounds familiar, that feeling in your gut is telling you the truth, there has to be a better way.
You are entitled to participate meaningfully in your child's IEP and that means having your opinion and concerns fully heard and respected. It also means having the reports and proposed goals and minutes in your hand before and IEP meeting so you have time to really consider them. Feeling confidence at the IEP table starts with feeling well-informed and knowing you and your child's educational rights.
I can help. No parent should feel like they're on an island alone or in the dark when it comes to their child's IEP. It's never too late to set expectations for clear communication with your team and begin on the path to true collaboration. I will help you practice having these conversations respectfully and in a way that helps everyone on the team really feel like a team.
Book a Free Consultation
Colleen offers free 20-minute consultations to help both her and prospective clients determine if they are a good fit for advocacy services. Complete the “Contact Us” form to request a free consultation.
Initial Advocacy Plan Package ($450)
Every Advocacy client of Ashford Speech and Advocacy P.C. will begin with the Initial Advocacy Plan Package. This includes a review of all special education records and reports from outside therapy to provide parents with recommendations for advocacy within the IEP process. Following the record review, Colleen will meet with you virtually to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your student's current IEP, if they have one already, and future recommendations. A summary of the record review and the recommendations will be written in a shared document titled "Advocacy Plan." During that virtual consultation, Colleen will discuss your options for continued support, including in-person meeting attendance and behind-the-scenes support.
This is a one-time upfront payment of $450. All subsequent services, including future record review, virtual consultations, email correspondence, and meeting attendance, are billed at the rate of $150/hour (20 min increments).
SELAS Certified
Colleen completed the Special Education Law Advocacy Series and learned from top special education attorneys of San Diego County, including Margaret Dalton Esq. and Matthew Story Esq. Colleen has attended over 100 IEP meetings for children of various ages and abilities.
Meeting with Colleen to discuss your child and their IEP now will give you the peace of mind that, whether she is beside you at the table or behind the scenes coaching you next school year, you will be ready to collaborate with your child's team for the best possible outcome
Free IEP Workshop
Every month, Ashford Speech and Advocacy P.C. hosts an IEP Workshop. You can expect rotating topics to be discussed, such as Dyslexia, Autism, and more.