Meet Monica Trost, Licensed Educational Psychologist and
Special Education Advocate
You know your child.
I'll help you navigate the system.
As an Educational Psychologist and Special Education Advocate, I empower parents with the tools they need to advocate confidently for their child, bridge communication gaps with schools, and build true partnerships.
About Monica Trost
Credentials & Experience
Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4660) – California
Credentialed School Psychologist, Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)
Experience in early childhood development and special education
Former classroom aide supporting students with disabilities in inclusive settings
After-school program teacher focused on building students' social-emotional skills
Affiliation with California Association of School Psychologists (CASP)
Affiliation with National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Affiliation with Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Non-Attorney Parent Advocate
Why I Created Prepared Parent Advocate
Prepared Parent Advocate grew out of my experience on both sides of the IEP table. Earlier in my career, I worked as a school psychologist. Today, I am also the parent of two children with disabilities. That perspective has given me a clear understanding of how confusing, emotional, and overwhelming the education system can feel when you are simply trying to make sure your child receives the support they need to succeed.
Who I Work With
I work closely with California families who are transitioning from Early Start into preschool IEP services, helping ensure there is no gap in support during this critical shift. Many parents also reach out during this time to request an Independent Educational Evaluation, review assessment results, or make sense of eligibility, goals, and services as their child enters the school system.
My role is to help families make sense of the process and develop the confidence to advocate for their child in a thoughtful, sustainable way. Advocacy should not leave parents exhausted or burned out. My goal is to equip families with the knowledge and strategies they need so that, over time, they can navigate the system with greater clarity and independence.
For families who are clients of a Regional Center, I also accept Self-Determination Program (SDP) funding for non-attorney advocacy services. These supports are typically provided as professional consultation and parent training to help families strengthen their advocacy skills and navigate the educational system with confidence.
Autism Advocacy and Inclusive Education
The system moves fast, and parents are often left without the guidance they deserve.
Advocating for autistic students and inclusive educational environments is deeply important to me. I strongly believe in helping students access learning in the least restrictive environment whenever possible.
That belief is personal as well as professional. I successfully advocated for inclusion for my own autistic son. That experience strengthened my commitment to helping other families pursue the same opportunities for their children.
My background in autism assessment allows me to approach these conversations with care and developmental insight. Especially in the early years, families deserve clear explanations, thoughtful guidance, and the reassurance that their concerns are being heard and understood.
Our Services
Prepared Parent Advocate offers IEP Advocacy in California to help families move from uncertainty to a clear, confident path forward. Drawing on her experience as a Licensed Educational Psychologist and as a parent of a child with an IEP, Monica Trost supports families in understanding evaluations, preparing for meetings, and advocating effectively for the services their child needs.
If you believe your child’s school evaluation missed something important, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) from a qualified professional outside the district. In California, this option is available when you disagree with the school’s assessment. As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, Monica Trost provides comprehensive evaluations that clarify your child’s needs and offer clear, actionable recommendations for school support.