Educational Advocacy
How Can an Advocate Help Me?
An advocate can help bridge the gap between the parent and the school system while advocating for the best interest of the child. For many parents, navigating the educational system is a frustrating and daunting process. As your child's advocate, I want to empower parents to understand the process and feel confident in their knowledge and understanding of their rights within the educational setting.
Some ways I can help parents: review their child's educational records and make recommendations, ensure parent's understanding of the information presented in the records, accompany parents to meetings with the school/school district, and educate parents on their rights as well as their child's rights.
Why Choose Lauren?
I am committed to ensuring that ALL kids get what they need to be successful in school.
Professionally, I was a school social worker for 10 years. During my tenure, I always advocated for the needs of children (sometimes in opposition to the school). I have extensive knowledge and experience with: the evaluation process for exceptional student education and 504 plans, MTSS/Problem Solving, FBA/BIP, and Manifestation Determination Meetings. My professional experience also gives me a greater understanding of mental health and behavior and the impacts on students in the educational system.
Personally, I have two siblings that both have disabilities. I have an older brother on the Autism Spectrum and an older sister with Down Syndrome. Growing up with them has instilled in me a sense of empathy as well as a sense of justice. I am not afraid to ruffle some feathers if it means that ALL kids get what they need and what they deserve to be successful in school and life.