Your Child Deserves the Right Support - You Deserve a Clear Path Forward
Helping overwhelmed parents of young children navigate IEPs, evaluations, and school services with clarity and confidence. Get compassionate, behind-the-scenes support from a licensed educational psychologist who’s also a parent of a neurodivergent child. One well-prepared IEP meeting can change everything.
You want answers, support, and a plan. You want to know if your child’s struggles are “normal” or need more help. You want someone who can translate all the education jargon and actually listen to your concerns.
I help parents of preschool and elementary-age children navigate the IEP process with clarity and confidence — even if you’re still wondering whether something more is going on.
Whether your child is struggling with behavior, sensory needs, language, or learning, I provide thoughtful evaluations and behind-the-scenes advocacy support so you can make informed decisions — with or without a diagnosis.
My licensure and training as a Licensed Educational Psychologist are equivalent to a School Psychologist on your school's IEP team. Your child deserves early support, and you deserve to feel confident, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
Clear next steps, tailored to your child’s unique needs
Coaching that helps you speak up in school meetings with clarity and confidence
Thoughtful guidance from someone who truly understands this process
Reassurance that you’re not missing anything important
You're not behind.
You just haven't had the right support yet.
That's what I'm here for.
Testimonials
Services I offer
Preschool Autism Educational Evaluation
Worried about your preschooler’s development?
Preschool assessments (for ages 2.6-5 years old) rooted in warmth, clarity, and developmental understanding. Get a trauma-informed, parent-sensitive developmental evaluation for autism or learning concerns — with a clear written report you can share with your child’s school or keep for your own peace of mind.
Behind-the-Scenes Parent Advocacy Service for IEPs and 504 Plans
You're not working with just anyone calling themselves a "Parent Advocate." My credentials are equivalent to the School Psychologist on your school's IEP team, but I'm in private practice. That means you will be receiving one-on-one support to review IEPs, prepare for meetings, and walk through next steps with written recommendations and practical prep - from someone who truly understands what you need to effectively advocate for your child.
What Makes This Different?
I don’t attend IEP meetings—and that’s on purpose.
My services focus on advocacy skill building: helping you prepare, plan, and show up with clarity and confidence, so you feel ready to speak up on behalf of your child—not just once, but again and again.
You don’t need someone to take over.
You need someone in your corner.
This is advocacy skill building for parents who want to lead with clarity—and stay grounded along the way.
The ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents
Special education can feel overwhelming - but it doesn't have to. Listen to a short, approachable podcast designed to help parents like you navigate the IEP process with more clarity, confidence, and insider perspective. Each episode comes with a free companion handout with resources to help you advocate for your child.
Think of it as a weekly coffee chat with a knowledgeable friend - honest, down-to-earth, and focused on giving you practical tips without the overwhelm.
Licensed Educational Psychologist | Parent Advocate | Early Childhood Specialist
Hi I'm Monica Trost, a Licensed Educational Psychologist and a parent of a neurodivergent child. My licensure and training are equivalent to a School Psychologist on your school's IEP team - the difference is, I'm here to work for you. I founded Prepared Parent Advocate because I know first hand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the special education system; especially, when all you want is for your child to feel understood, supported, and seen.
With over ten years of experience in public schools in varying roles, I've sat at hundreds of IEP tables and supported families through the evaluation, eligibility decisions, and service plans. But it wasn't until I became a parent myself that I truly felt the urgency and emotional weight so many families carry.
That lived experience, combined with my professional training, shapes the way I show up: with empathy, clarity, and deep respect for each family's unique journey.
Whether you're seeking clarity about preschool eligibility, preparing for a challenging IEP meeting, or simply trying to make sense of what your child needs, I'm here to support you with care and without judgement.
I serve families across California virtually, and offer in-person evaluations in Walnut Creek, California.
We're in this together - I'll help you navigate it
Clarity and Support
We begin with a mini consultation or full coaching session to understand your concerns and your child’s unique needs. You'll leave with clarity and a clear direction for what to do next.
Take Action Together
Whether it’s preparing for an IEP, reviewing evaluations, or considering an assessment, we'll create a personalized plan to help you move forward with confidence.
Feel Empowered
You'll walk away with advocacy tools, peace of mind, and the reassurance that you're no longer in this alone. You'll feel heard, supported, and ready for what's next.
Support For Preschool Evaluations and IEPs
Not sure how to request a preschool assessment from your school district? Not sure if your child needs help yet? You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to take the first step. I'm here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process step-by-step.
Let’s work together to make sure your child gets the support they deserve.
