Our Advocacy Services
Thank you for considering our services. We understand that everyone has different needs and is looking for specific support. To ensure we are the best fit for your family, we offer a free consultation to get started.
What is an Educational Advocate?
If your child needs support in a school setting, you may have come across the term "Educational Advocate." But what exactly does an educational advocate do?
What is an Educational Advocate?
An educational advocate is a trained professional and trusted partner who helps families understand their rights and navigate the special education system. Advocates work alongside parents and caregivers to ensure schools provide the right services, supports, and accommodations so every child has what they need to succeed. A knowledgeable advocate understands laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and guides families through complex processes — from interpreting assessments to developing or reviewing IEPs, IFSPs, 504 plans, and securing academic accommodations. We also stand beside you in special education meetings, making sure your child’s rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Why Hire an Educational Advocate?
Navigating special education can be overwhelming. With an experienced advocate like Alexa Sherman by your side, you gain a knowledgeable partner who understands the laws and school systems, helping ensure your child gets the services they need. We guide you through assessments, plan development, and meetings—making sure your child’s rights are protected and your voice is heard. Don’t go it alone; having an advocate means you’re supported, empowered, and moving closer to the appropriate education your child deserves. Families work with an advocate to feel informed, prepared, and confident in making the strongest decisions for their child’s unique learning journey.
Educational Advocacy: What We Offer
Here's what you can expect...
Free Consultation
When we first connect, we offer a free consultation to discuss your family’s unique needs. During this meeting, I’ll explain the process, review what documents we’ll need, and provide an estimate of the time involved to support you effectively.
HOURLY SUPPORT
Document Review
As a new client, I usually request documentation from the past year—and sometimes earlier—that provides a clear picture of your child’s educational history, including:
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School evaluation reports
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Outside evaluation reports
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Consent forms
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Current IEP, 504, or IFSP plans
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Drafts of upcoming IEP, 504, or IFSP plans
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Progress reports related to IEP or IFSP
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Last year’s report cards
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Notes or communications with the school team
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Medical diagnoses or relevant health information
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If your child does not yet have an IEP, 504, or IFSP, I will still request any relevant documents such as evaluations, medical records, and communications that relate to your advocacy needs.
Typical Process Overview for IFSP, IEP, or 504 plan Support
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Document Review (1–3 hours): I thoroughly review all relevant documents independently.
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Follow-Up Meeting (30 minutes–1 hour): We meet to discuss my findings and map out next steps.
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Team Meeting (about 1 hour): I attend your child’s team meeting with you — whether it’s an IFSP, IEP, 504 Plan, or other special education meeting — to provide direct advocacy support.
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Document Updates (15 minutes–1 hour): After the meeting, I review any updated documents to make sure your input was included and follow up with you by email or an additional meeting if needed.
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Ongoing Follow-Up: I’ll respond to any extra emails from you or the school and provide additional support as needed, always replying within a timely manner.
Most families use at least 6 hours per IEP year, with many averaging closer to 10. Explore the membership options below to see if one might be a better fit than hourly billing.
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Every family’s situation is unique, so your exact process may look different. Reach out to learn what personalized support could look like for you.
Billing
Quick email communications are not billed separately. I track my time and bill in 15-minute increments, typically after major meetings such as IEPs, IFSPs, or 504 plan meetings. If no meetings occur for over a week, I will bill immediately after the service. For your convenience and security, I require a credit card to be kept on file at all times.