IEP Advocacy:
Expert Guidance for Families Navigating Special Education in the Seattle Area
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Are you concerned about the appropriateness of your child’s education, despite the fact that they have an IEP?
Are you receiving frequent complaints from the school about your child’s behavior?
Is the school frequently asking you to pick your child up early?
We can help.
What the Process Looks Like
1. Start with a consultation
During a 30-minute call, we will find out what's happening at school, what you've already tried, and the questions or concerns that brought you to us.
2. Review the full picture
If we decide to work together, you will be assigned an advocate who will review relevant educational records and communication so we understand your child's history, current supports, and areas of concern.
3. Develop a plan
Your advocate will help you distinguish between what is known, what is unclear, and what additional information may be needed. Together, you and your advocate will determine the most useful next steps which could include preparing for an IEP meeting, requesting additional evaluation, reviewing goals or services, observing at school, or addressing concerns about implementation.
4. Support you through the process
Depending on your needs, your advocate will help you prepare for meetings, communicate with the school, review proposed changes, and participate alongside you in IEP meetings.
Some families may only need to work with us for a few months, whereas others prefer ongoing support. We will help you figure out what is right for your child and you.
What does an IEP Advocate do?
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Classroom Observations
A trained professional with expertise in Special Education will observe your child directly in their classroom to understand what’s getting in the way of their learning. This specialized lens allows us to identify barriers that others may overlook—whether in the IEP, the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), the environment, or the supports being provided.
After the observation, we provide clear, actionable guidance so you know exactly what needs to change to help your child make meaningful progress at school.
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IEP Meeting Support
After observing your child in their school setting, we attend IEP and Special Education meetings alongside you—either virtually or in person. We will help translate school language, ask the right questions, and ensure your child’s needs are clearly understood and supported by the IEP team.
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Special Education Expertise
Your advocate will bring an expert eye—and years of experience working inside public schools and on multidisciplinary teams—to carefully review your child’s records. We help you understand what’s in the IEP and BIP, what’s missing, and what progress should look like.
As part of our ongoing support, we monitor your child’s IEP and BIP progress with you, flag concerns early, and help ensure the school team follows through on the interventions, supports, and services your child needs
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Comprehensive Behavioral and Educational Consultation
When additional support is needed, we offer comprehensive behavioral and educational recommendations that extend beyond the school setting. With our combined BCBA and public-school Special Education experience, we will make customized referrals to ensure your student has the right support across home, school, and community.
Why Partner with School Behavioral Consulting as Your Non-Attorney Advocate
At School Behavioral Consulting, you’ll work with a member of our specially trained advocacy team, led by our founder, Allison, who is a local BCBA and former Special Education teacher. Our team understands how schools operate and what it takes for your student to make meaningful progress. IEP Advocacy will help you gain clarity about your child’s needs, communicate effectively with the IEP team, and feel confident in every step of the process.
You deserve support that’s informed, collaborative, and grounded in real classroom experience. Together, we’ll make sure your child receives the education—and the opportunities—they deserve.
IEP Advocacy FAQs
My student does not have an IEP, but I suspect they might need one. Can you help me?
Yes. We can assist with cases in which the child is currently undergoing an evaluation for Special Education or whose family suspects a disability and needs help navigating the school system to request a proper evaluation.
How will you advocate for my child?
We take a collaborative approach to advocacy by helping families navigate public education in a non-adversarial way. Our advocates are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice for due process cases.
What does a typical year of IEP advocacy look like?
This varies based on your needs. Some families just need a second set of eyes on special education paperwork, while others seek a full support system, including on-site student observations and step-by-step IEP guidance. When you start working with us, we will tailor a plan to fit your specific situation.
Do you offer in-home services or take insurance?
No. School Behavioral Consulting only offers IEP advocacy and school consultation services through private pay on an hourly basis.
Will you work directly with my child?
No. We will work with YOU, as the parent or guardian, on school-related matters and can provide you with professional recommendations related to educational services and supports for your individual child.
Do you take cases outside of Washington state?
Currently, we only provide advocacy services within Washington State. If you're outside our in-person service area (Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Shoreline, and surrounding Washington communities) virtual support is available, or travel options can be discussed.
What if I’m not sure I need an advocate yet?
That’s completely okay. We offer a free, no-pressure consultation to help you understand your child’s rights to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Our goal is to give you clarity and to provide useful information about your child’s school experience. Even if you choose not to move forward with advocacy services, you’ll leave the consultation with valuable insight to support your child.
Still not sure? Check out our free resources and get on the email newsletter to save this information for later.
What People Are Saying
“I want to emphasize that [Allison was] extremely helpful in all of this, and we deeply appreciate [her] support and expertise. [She] really helped this process go from opaque to making sense. Thank you so, so much!”
— Former Client“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! She came in listened and join our meetings for our child! She brought her experience, knowledge and understanding to help us with getting things correct and holding our school accountable. She joined our team as our advocate!!!! Thank you Allison !!!”
— Former Client“Alli is wonderful! [I] highly recommend her services!”
— Colleague *Disclaimer:
All testimonials featured on this website were solicited from former clients and collaborators in accordance with the BACB Ethics Code (5.08: Using Testimonials from Former Clients for Advertising). Each testimonial accurately reflects the professional relationship between the author and School Behavioral Consulting and has been shared with permission. No identifying student information is included to ensure confidentiality and privacy compliance.
FREE Download for Parents and Guardians
What to ask, what to look for and when to seek additional assistance when behaviors interfere with learning.
Comprehensive Behavior Planning Guide for Families Navigating Special Education
Specifically crafted by a BCBA and former Special Education Teacher for parents and guardians navigating the FBA and BIP process in Washington State.
On sale for a limited time: $19 + sales tax