Prepared Parent Advocate
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.
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.
You’ve been asking the right questions, but the answers about your child's progress feel slow to come.
You care deeply about your child's success, yet between missed calls and vague updates, it's hard to get the clear information you deserve.
Every meeting leaves you feeling confused and doubting what just happened - making it difficult to confidently advocate for your child's needs.
That's where I come in: to help you get clarity, understand your options, and feel empowered every step of the way.
Why Work With Me?
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 - and that's what I'm here for.
Services I offer
For parents who want to learn the IEP basics, advocacy tools, and early childhood red flags at their own pace.
One-on-one support to review IEPs, prepare for meetings, and walk through next steps. Includes written recommendations and meeting prep.
You're not alone—let’s work together to support your child and make sure your voice is heard.
Worried about your preschooler’s development?
Preschool assessments rooted in warmth, clarity, and developmental understanding. If you've noticed changes - or you just want peace of mind - I'm here to help.
Meet Your IEP & Early Childhood Support Partner | Monica Trost
Licensed Educational Psychologist | Parent Advocate | Early Childhood Specialist
Hi I'm Monica Trost, a licensed educational psychologist and a parent of a neurodivergent child. 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, 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? 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.
Testimonials
