Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General FAQs

Does my child need an IEP, 504, or disability to hire a special education advocate or educational consultant?

Your child does not necessarily need an IEP, a 504 plan, or a formal disability designation to hire an educational advocate or consultant. These professionals assist families with a wide range of educational needs and challenges, including but not limited to navigating the education system, developing personalized learning plans, advocacy and support, and college & career planning.

Hiring an advocate or consultant can be beneficial for any family seeking personalized support and expert guidance to enhance their child's educational experience.

How much does it cost to hire Wildflower Advocacy & Consulting LLC?

The range and complexity of services provided impacts pricing. I offer free 15-minute consultations and my packages starting at $350. Comprehensive or Intensive packages that include assessments, home visits, IEP development, ongoing support, and attendance at school meetings will generally cost more than basic consultation services. Advocacy and consulting services requiring in person attendance will incur a travel fee.

Why are your packages 9 weeks long?

Our packages are 9 weeks long to provide a structured and consistent approach that fosters meaningful progress. This period includes a week for gathering baseline data, a week for establishing goals, six weeks of ongoing progress monitoring, and a final week to analyze outcomes and determine future actions. This comprehensive timeframe ensures that interventions are effective and adjustments are made promptly, leading to sustained improvement and success.

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a small group of students and families that I support over a 9-week stretch. We host cohorts in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. We limit the number of clients that we support in each cohort to ensure that each client receives the high-quality, individualized attention they deserve. This approach allows for effective progress monitoring, detailed data analysis, and consistent communication. Additionally, it helps prevent burnout, enabling us to maintain a balanced workload and provide exceptional results, fostering strong, trusting relationships with each family we serve.

Why are your services so expensive?

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and have over half a decade of experience navigating the special education system within public schools. I am licensed to teach students with IEPs from preschool to 21 years old and have extensive experience advocating for and teaching students with high support needs, severe behaviors, those in the foster care system, and students experiencing trauma.

My professional training and firsthand experience provide me with in-depth knowledge of the complex legal requirements of IDEA in public schools. I also have a solid foundation in developing evidence-based interventions and data-based decision-making. My skills in ensuring compliance with IDEA, delivering data-based assessments and interventions, and providing individualized instruction and behavioral support lend strong credibility when serving on an IEP team or offering expert guidance to families.

I provide high-quality, informed suggestions to IEP teams and families, resulting in support, strategies, and interventions that are tailored to each student's unique needs and are practical to implement. My track record of successful advocacy for students' rights under IDEA assures clients that they are working with a knowledgeable and capable professional.

Do you offer legal advice?

Special education advocates and educational consultants do not provide legal advice, as they are typically not licensed attorneys. Wildflower Advocacy & Consulting DOES NOT OFFER LEGAL ADVICE.

Instead, we offer expert guidance on navigating the special education system, developing IEPs, and ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For legal matters, such as due process hearings or disputes requiring legal intervention, it is sometimes advisable to consult with a special education attorney. In these instances advocates and consultants can collaborate with legal professionals to support the child's educational rights and needs effectively.

Where can I learn more if I want to advocate independently or can't afford an advocate?

I highly recommend the resources provided at adjurcation.com

These affordable guides are created by a licensed attorney who has a child with an IEP. The guides are easy to understand and provide a straightforward way to share critical facts about IDEA with IEP team members, district administration, and school boards.

Special Education Advocate FAQs

What is a special education advocate?

A special education advocate is a professional who assists parents and students in navigating the special education system, ensuring that students receive the services and accommodations they are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

What does a special education advocate help with?

Special education advocates offer a range of services, including attending IEP meetings, reviewing and interpreting educational evaluations, assisting in the development of IEPs and 504 plans, advising on legal rights and responsibilities, and mediating disputes between families and schools.

When should I hire a special education advocate?

You should consider hiring a special education advocate when you encounter difficulties securing appropriate services for your child, if you are unsure about your child's rights under IDEA, if there are disagreements with the school about the IEP, or if you need help understanding and navigating the special education process.

A special education advocate can help ensure that your child receives appropriate services and accommodations, improve communication between you and the school, develop effective IEPs, and provide expert advice on navigating the special education system. Advocates work to ensure your child's educational rights are protected and that they have the best opportunity to succeed.

Private Educational Consultant FAQs

What is a private education consultant?

A private education consultant is a professional who provides personalized educational guidance and support to students and families. They offer a variety of services, including educational assessments, school placement advice, development of personalized learning plans, tutoring recommendations, college planning, and support for students with special needs or learning disabilities.

What do private education consultants do?

Private education consultants tailor their services by conducting thorough assessments of the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and educational needs, collaborating with families and educators, and developing customized learning plans and strategies that address the specific challenges and goals of the student.

A private education consultant can provide expert guidance on selecting appropriate schools, developing individualized education plans, recommending evidence-based interventions, and ensuring your child receives the necessary support and accommodations to thrive academically and socially.

When should I hire a private education consultant?

You should consider hiring a private education consultant when you need personalized guidance on your child’s educational path, are seeking specialized support not provided by the school, require assistance with school placement decisions, or need help addressing specific learning challenges or behavioral issues.

Can a private education consultant help with college planning?

Private education consultants often provide college planning services, including assistance with college selection, application strategies, essay writing, and preparation for standardized tests. They help students navigate the college admissions process to find the best fit for their academic and personal goals.