Special Education Advocate for Families Nationwide

When your child needs more from their school, a special education advocate makes sure you are never outmatched or alone. The IEP Coach provides expert IEP and ARD advocacy for families across the country, helping you understand your rights under IDEA and get the services your child is owed.

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What a special education advocate does

  • Reviews your child's records, evaluations, and current IEP or 504 plan
  • Helps you request the right evaluations and services in writing
  • Prepares you for IEP and ARD meetings and attends them with you
  • Translates the jargon (FAPE, LRE, Child Find, prior written notice) into plain language
  • Holds the school accountable to your child's legal rights under IDEA

When to bring in an advocate

  • The school denied an evaluation or said your child "doesn't qualify"
  • Your child has an IEP or 504 but the school isn't following it
  • You're facing an ARD/IEP meeting and feel outnumbered
  • Behavior or discipline issues, including manifestation determination reviews
  • You simply want an expert in your corner before you sign anything

How it works

1

Consultation

Tell us what's happening; we listen and advise honestly.

2

Prepare and represent

We build your strategy and sit beside you in the meeting.

3

Results

Your child gets the services and support they're owed.

Advocate vs. coach vs. attorney

An IEP coach guides and educates you. An advocate does that and also represents you directly in meetings. An attorney handles litigation and due process. Most families need an advocate: someone who knows the law and the system, works collaboratively with the school when possible, and pushes hard when necessary, without the cost of a lawsuit.

Prefer to learn the process and run meetings yourself? See our Special Education Coaching for Parents.

Why The IEP Coach

Founded by Alan Driggers, a former special education teacher specializing in behavior and a former 504 coordinator, with master's degrees in special education and educational leadership. Alan has sat on the school's side of the IEP table, so he knows exactly how districts think and how to get results for your child.

Nationwide, virtual advocacy

We work with families across the United States through secure virtual support, so expert advocacy is available no matter where you live.

Frequently asked questions

What does a special education advocate cost?

We start with a consultation to understand your situation. From there, most families choose a flat-fee package based on the level of support they need, such as records review, meeting preparation, or full IEP/ARD representation. Pricing is discussed upfront so there are no surprises.

Do you work in my state?

Yes. IDEA is a federal law, so every state and every school district that accepts federal education funding must follow it. That means the rights and protections we advocate for apply nationwide. The IEP Coach supports families across the country through secure virtual meetings, so you get expert advocacy no matter where you live.

Is an advocate the same as a lawyer?

No. We focus on getting appropriate services in place collaboratively, not litigation. Attorneys handle due process and lawsuits; advocates work inside the IEP and ARD process to secure what your child is owed.

Will hiring an advocate make the school defensive?

Our approach is collaborative when possible and firm when necessary. Schools work with us regularly. Our job is your child's outcome, not conflict for its own sake.

What if my child was denied services?

That's exactly when to reach out. We help you request the right evaluations in writing, challenge denials, and hold the school accountable to Child Find and IDEA.

You don't have to face the school alone.