Becoming Your Child’s Best Advocate

It is heartbreaking to watch your child struggle, and it’s even more difficult when you don’t know how to help. Yet so many parents find themselves in this position each year. In some cases, families are lucky enough to be a part of a proactive school that takes action to address challenges a student might face. More often than not, though, parents must take the lead in order to advocate for their child. And most times, families in this situation are left wondering where to begin.

That’s why we were so excited to speak with parent advocate and educational expert Meredith Gotlin. She worked as a math teacher, assistant principal, and principal with the New York City Department of Education before becoming a parent who had to learn to advocate for her own kids. She channels that wealth of experience into her work at Someplace to Start where she provides educational planning, support, and advocacy to families. Are you curious about how to become your child’s best advocate? Listen to the interview and read on for key takeaways.

Key Takeaways

Parents should always trust their instinct! If you think that your child is struggling in any way, be proactive. A great first step is to reach out to your child’s teacher.
During that conversation, don’t forget to be specific about where you think your child is having a hard time. This evidence will lead to a more meaningful dialogue that is grounded in facts.
And this will begin your education as an advocate! At this stage, the best thing a parent can do is learn. Engage your child’s teacher, review your child’s work, ask questions, and ask for evidence so you can learn more!
Then, once you’ve identified that there is an issue, it is time to secure intervention services for your child. This process begins with an evaluation.
After a parent has received a neuropsychological report from the doctor, it is important to understand the results of the testing. You should carefully read the document, with the help of a doctor or educator if necessary, in order to understand your child’s neuropsychological profile and learning needs.
Then, parents should share that report with their child’s school in order to secure services by putting an IEP or 504 Plan in place. Some schools will want to do additional testing, while others will accept the results of a private evaluation. If your school suggests the former, you should agree to specific additional testing, such as an OT evaluation or one for assistive technology, but not a completely new neuropsychological exam. It is simply unnecessary, tedious, and exhausting for the child.
Next, parents should ask lots of questions about the intervention plan in order to make sure that it is appropriate. At this stage, it is important for you to remember that the more questions you ask, the more you will learn; and the more you know, the better positioned you will be to advocate on behalf of your child!
Be sure to keep in mind that schools will write an IEP that suits them best because every institution has limited resources. Ultimately, though, an IEP is a document that should service the needs of the child. In this way, a noisy parent will be a more effective advocate!
Once an intervention begins, parents should be sure to ask for updates. Check in and ask for feedback from educators. That way, you can not only monitor but actually understand progress. Plus, you’ll be in a better position to proactively advocate for additional interventions or support if necessary.
Ultimately, the most important step a parents can take to become their child’s best advocate is to learn. And the most powerful way to learn more is to ask questions! By doing this, not only will you teach your child how to become her own best advocate, you’re also demonstrating your commitment, love and support to your child’s success.