How many of you used an advocate at your CSE meetings?

Either paid for one or didn't if that makes sense?

Thank you

Re: How many of you used an advocate at your CSE meetings?

I did not. However, most of my friends have used them both in our district and in other districts. I would go in with the mindset that the people in the room are right, and then ask what you want and what you need for your kid. If you go in with a fight mindset then I see it backfiring time and again. I always say to the teachers you are the expert and I need to get up to speed. Please educate me on why you chose your method. Then I listen to them and try to be as impartial as I can be. Then I ask have you considered X or Y. Sometimes they have and will explain the reasoning behind it. Sometimes they have not and will add or try it. I find going in with kindness gets me what I need for my child.

Re: How many of you used an advocate at your CSE meetings?

I have before. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

How many of you used an advocate at your CSE meetings?

I have. I don’t think it is going in there with a fight attitude. I work in special education myself and sometimes parents do not know all the options and the staff do tell the parents all the options. I ended up consulting with an advocate before my sons last meeting. He reviewed my sons evaluations and gave me good advice. Once my district heard that I was working with an advocate their whole attitude changed. I think you should go in there knowing what you want for your child. And the IEP meeting should not be the first time that you should be hearing things. The teachers and therapists may be the experts but the parent is part of the team too.