Frequently
Asked Questions

An educational advocate helps families understand and navigate the educational process so they can make informed decisions for their child. We assist with concerns involving MTSS, evaluations, IEPs, Section 504 Plans, gifted education, school meetings, educational records, and communication with schools. Unlike an attorney, an educational advocate does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Instead, we work alongside families to help them understand their options, communicate effectively with schools, and advocate for supports and services that keep the focus where it belongs—on the child.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a Section 504 Plan are both designed to support students, but they serve different purposes. An IEP provides specialized instruction and related services for students who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A 504 Plan provides accommodations that help students access their education but does not include specialized instruction. DEA helps families navigate the process, understand the differences, and make informed decisions based on their child's unique needs.

We can attend many different types of school meetings, including: IEP meetings Initial eligibility meetings Reevaluation meetings Annual review meetings 504 meetings MTSS meetings Child Study Team meetings Parent-teacher conferences Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) meetings Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) meetings Transition planning meetings Gifted eligibility and education meetings Early intervention transition meetings Resolution meetings Informal conferences with school staff Virtual or in-person meetings when appropriate

We review virtually any educational records or documents provided by the school to help you better understand your child's educational program. IEPs 504 Plans Psychoeducational evaluations FBAs BIPs Progress reports Progress monitoring data Report cards State assessments Classroom assessments MTSS/RTI documentation Intervention data Eligibility paperwork Prior Written Notices (PWNs) Meeting notes Discipline records Attendance records Gifted evaluations School communications Outside evaluation reports

We support students with a wide variety of learning differences, disabilities, and exceptionalities, including: Dyslexia Dysgraphia Dyscalculia ADHD Autism Speech and Language Impairments Specific Learning Disabilities Intellectual Disabilities Emotional or Behavioral Disabilities Developmental Delays Other Health Impairments Physical Disabilities Gifted students Twice-exceptional (2e) students Students with multiple exceptionalities If you're concerned about your child's learning, behavior, or development, we're happy to discuss your situation—even if your child has not received a formal diagnosis.

Yes. We work with families of gifted students, including students who are twice-exceptional (2e)—those who are both gifted and have a disability. We can help families understand gifted eligibility, review evaluation data, navigate gifted services, and advocate for programming that supports the whole child.

We provide comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations that examine a student's cognitive, academic, behavioral, executive functioning, and social-emotional profile.Families seek private evaluations to better understand their child's strengths and areas of need, guide educational planning, provide additional information during school meetings, or obtain an independent perspective.While private evaluations can provide valuable information and help guide educational planning and eligibility discussions, the school team ultimately determines eligibility for special education services.

The initial consultation is an opportunity for us to learn about your child, understand your concerns, and discuss your goals. We'll gather information about your situation, answer general questions about our services, and explain how DEA may be able to support your family. If we determine we're a good fit to work together, we'll discuss the next steps.

Yes. Our parent coaching services are designed to help families better understand their child's unique strengths, challenges, and educational needs. We work with parents to build confidence, improve communication with schools, prepare for meetings, understand evaluations, and become effective advocates for their child throughout their educational journey.

DEA does not provide legal advice or legal representation.

We provide services nationwide but are based in Florida.

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We'll learn more about your child, discuss your concerns, explain how DEA works, and review how we may be able to support your family moving forward.

You don't have to know whether your child qualifies before reaching out. If you have concerns about your child's learning, behavior, development, or school performance, we can help you better understand the supports that may be available and advocate for the next appropriate steps. Sometimes the first step is simply understanding your options.