The California Self-Determination Program (SDP) is designed to give families the ultimate flexibility and control over how they allocate resources to meet their loved one's unique goals. If your family is enrolled in SDP, you have the incredible freedom to choose supports that truly make a difference... including specialized training to empower you as the primary advocate.

Our Parent Advocacy & Training services (Service Code 371) focus on equipping you, the parent, with the knowledge and confidence necessary to navigate complex systems, especially leading your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.

Your role as a parent is the most critical factor in your child's success. While the SDP allows you to pay for direct services for your child, using your funding for parent education is one of the most powerful long-term investments you can make.

• Lead IEP Meetings with Confidence: Learn the specific legal language, process flow, and best practices for developing a strong, measurable IEP that supports your child's developmental journey.

• Maximize Resource Allocation: Understand your rights and how to effectively communicate your child’s needs to ensure your SDP spending plan is being used strategically for maximum impact.

• Build Lifelong Advocacy Skills: These skills are not just for the school system; they empower you in all aspects of coordinating care, from regional center services to medical providers.

Utilizing your Self-Determination Program funding for our services is a straightforward process, provided it aligns with your overall goals and spending plan. Follow these three steps to ensure a smooth booking experience:

Before including any service in your plan, you must first discuss your specific advocacy and training goals with your Independent Facilitator (IF). Your IF will help ensure that purchasing Parent Advocacy Training is consistent with your individual budget and person-centered plan.

The specific service code for our Parent Advocacy & Training is 371. This code must be clearly written and approved in your official Spending Plan. A clear description of the service and the total estimated cost are essential for the next step.

Once your Independent Program Plan (IPP) and Spending Plan are approved, your Financial Management Service (FMS) will take over the financial management. They are responsible for handling the payment directly to us upon receipt of a Service Authorization or Voucher.

Important Note: While we are committed to serving every family, we cannot guarantee the approval of your SDP funding. The approval rests entirely with your Regional Center and the adherence of your plan to SDP guidelines.

Once you have received your official Service Authorization from your Regional Center, the booking process is easy!

Tap the link below to view our comprehensive FAQ about the easy booking process and to see what to expect from your personalized training sessions. Take the step today to become your child's most informed and effective advocate!

Monica Trost is the founder of Prepared Parent Advocate. She is a non-attorney advocate, licensed educational psychologist, and mother of children with disabilities. She works with families virtually across California.