I just figured out I need a new parent advocate CO?

Question

I'm really having a lot of problems with the school system since I moved to Colrado Springs, CO. I just found out from my last post , http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmG3mexUxRkzz1ZnHeCZQaUgBgx.?qid=20061214102408AA7uNez that my parent advocate has not been doing she/his job right. I found out that he is sposed to be helping my daughter and he/she really hasn't did anything. He/she doesn't return my call. He/she told me I'm doing better than most parents,(really sad)I found out that the school messed up on my daughters paperwork, saying she doesn't have delays in certain areas and she does. How can I find another parent advovate in Colorado Springs. I need one who know the laws, how to protect my daughter rights and is not afraid to speaks up to the school! I feel like my daughter has been cheated

Answer 1

Every state has a federally funded parent advocacy agency. This agency helps parents for free. I used mine for 8 months and they were wonderful.

call your state dept of education. Get the special ed dept. When you get them, ask for the phone number of 'the federally funded parent advocacy agency for your state'

You can learn about the laws and handle some things yourself. It's hard to do but not impossible.

go to www.wrightslaw.com and www.reedmartin.com
These are the 2 best sites for special ed laws and rights.

Also go to www.schwablearning.org and sign up for free to post on their parent to parent message board.
This is a very active board with lots of great help..

Answer 2

The Council for Exceptional Children has a wonderful list of resources for people in your position. I beleive their website is www.cec.org but not sure. You can google it. Also remember that an advocate does not necessarily need to be a person who always works as an advocate. If you know someone else who is a teacher who you trust, or your child's psychologist, you can ask them. Even another family member. MAke sure that when you attend meetings about your child that you have alist of expectations and if the school cannot accomodate those then you need the reasons in writing. You should be provided a copy of the minutes for any meeting you attend. Schools are thin on money and they cant grant everyone's wishes, but if you have legitimate concerns about your child then they must address those. I wish you luck and hope that you are able to resolve your problems with the school satisfactorily.

Answer 3

PACER is just about everywhere, can you locate a local chapter? Their advocates are top notch.