Education Advocacy Services
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Helping children get the educational experience they deserve!
The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization’s Education Advocacy services provide information & referral, educational advocacy services, and systems advocacy services for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Our Advocates assist families in accessing supports & services for their child with a developmental or intellectual disability, including early intervention services, free and appropriate special education services, and issues involving health care, in-home supports, benefits and adaptive equipment.
The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization also links families to sources of social support, such as support groups, sibling groups, and training opportunities. CONTACT US »
The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization’s Education Advocacy services provide information & referral, educational advocacy services, and systems advocacy services for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Our Advocates assist families in accessing supports & services for their child with a developmental or intellectual disability, including early intervention services, free and appropriate special education services, and issues involving health care, in-home supports, benefits and adaptive equipment.
The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization also links families to sources of social support, such as support groups, sibling groups, and training opportunities. CONTACT US »
Education Advocacy FAQ's
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate is a professional on your side of the table will guide you in becoming a more effective member of the team. The advocate assists you in ensuring your child has access to the appropriate supports and services to achieve a successful educational experience for your child and maximize his/her potential.
The education advocate will support your goals (generally), help you to prepare (by way of letter drafting), advise on the best next steps, and participate in your child’s IEP or 504 meeting. They will also assist with mediation, resolution hearings, and or filing a complaint. When there is a discrepancy in what the parent sees and what the school sees, an advocate can observe the student in his/her home and or school environment. They may also provide referrals and resources to help you better understand your child’s needs.
Our education advocates are well versed in IDEA, Chapter 14, ADA and 504. Delaware County Advocacy and Resource Organization, formally The Arc of Delaware County has successfully supported parents of children with special needs since 1956. They will help you navigate the very complex world of special education.
What can’t an education advocate do?
An education advocate is not an attorney; they are your partner in the development of your child’s IEP or 504 Plan. The advocate can help to clarify your concerns, occasionally speak on your behalf, and provide input as a member of the team; but the advocate cannot not represent you.
When the advocate assists parents through due process the parents are proceeding pro se, or on their own behalf. They can help you prepare for due process but cannot help you litigate or argue your case to a hearing officer. However, an advocate can assist in identifying a law firm to take your case.
Why do I have to pay for education advocacy?
The education advocacy program at the Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization is not federally funded or fully grant funded. In order to keep the program sustainable, we have to charge a small fee.
The education advocacy program at the Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization differs from many free-parent-advocate non-profits by providing a comprehensive service that is similar to case management. Depending on the specifics of the case, our advocates complete a thorough records review and become a member of the student’s IEP team often developing relationships with the district to ensure the child is accessing the necessary supports.
What is the fee?
The current rate for education advocacy service is $70 per hour. A retainer is requested to be paid upon engaging our services. Our education advocates serve families in Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, Bucks and Philadelphia Counties.
The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization offers financial assistance to families who reside in Delaware County. Proof of household income is required to be considered. See chart below to determine eligibility.
An education advocate is a professional on your side of the table will guide you in becoming a more effective member of the team. The advocate assists you in ensuring your child has access to the appropriate supports and services to achieve a successful educational experience for your child and maximize his/her potential.
The education advocate will support your goals (generally), help you to prepare (by way of letter drafting), advise on the best next steps, and participate in your child’s IEP or 504 meeting. They will also assist with mediation, resolution hearings, and or filing a complaint. When there is a discrepancy in what the parent sees and what the school sees, an advocate can observe the student in his/her home and or school environment. They may also provide referrals and resources to help you better understand your child’s needs.
Our education advocates are well versed in IDEA, Chapter 14, ADA and 504. Delaware County Advocacy and Resource Organization, formally The Arc of Delaware County has successfully supported parents of children with special needs since 1956. They will help you navigate the very complex world of special education.
What can’t an education advocate do?
An education advocate is not an attorney; they are your partner in the development of your child’s IEP or 504 Plan. The advocate can help to clarify your concerns, occasionally speak on your behalf, and provide input as a member of the team; but the advocate cannot not represent you.
When the advocate assists parents through due process the parents are proceeding pro se, or on their own behalf. They can help you prepare for due process but cannot help you litigate or argue your case to a hearing officer. However, an advocate can assist in identifying a law firm to take your case.
Why do I have to pay for education advocacy?
The education advocacy program at the Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization is not federally funded or fully grant funded. In order to keep the program sustainable, we have to charge a small fee.
The education advocacy program at the Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization differs from many free-parent-advocate non-profits by providing a comprehensive service that is similar to case management. Depending on the specifics of the case, our advocates complete a thorough records review and become a member of the student’s IEP team often developing relationships with the district to ensure the child is accessing the necessary supports.
What is the fee?
The current rate for education advocacy service is $70 per hour. A retainer is requested to be paid upon engaging our services. Our education advocates serve families in Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, Bucks and Philadelphia Counties.
The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization offers financial assistance to families who reside in Delaware County. Proof of household income is required to be considered. See chart below to determine eligibility.
