Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Prepared Parent Advocate Unique?
I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience to the table. As a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4660) who has worked within public schools—and as a parent of neurodivergent children—I understand the system from both sides.
That means I don’t just know the laws. I know how they’re applied in real life—by busy school teams, under pressure, with limited resources. I help you anticipate what the school team might say before the meeting even starts, and prepare a plan that is both emotionally grounded and strategically sound.
Parents often tell me that our sessions helped them feel “100% more confident” and led to stronger services for their child in less time without needing to escalate to conflict or legal action.
You're not just paying for time; you're investing in guidance that saves you hours of research, months of waiting, and years of trial and error. My goal is for you to leave every meeting with clarity, confidence, and a solid next step.
Great question - I always want to be upfront about this.
If you start with parent advocacy services, I won't be able to provide an evaluation for your child later on. That's because it creates what's called a duel relationship - meaning I'd be both an advocate for your family and an evaluator trying to give an objective, professional opinion. That overlap could raise concerns about fairness or conflict of interest.
However, if you begin by having me conduct an independent educational evaluation (IEE) or private assessment for your child, you can absolutely choose to hire me as your advocate later on, if it feels like a good fit.
This approach keeps everything clean, ethical, and focused on your child's best interest. If you're not sure which route makes sense for your situation, I'm happy to chat about it during a free consult.
Most advocates support K–12 students — but early childhood evaluations and services can be very different. I specialize in guiding families through the preschool IEP process with clear steps, practical insight, and deep understanding of developmental needs. You won’t find many advocates who truly understand both the school side and what it feels like to be a parent at this stage.
Yes, there are several resources and trainings available—many of them are designed for educators, attorneys, or advocates at the national level. But these can sometimes feel overwhelming or hard to apply to your personal situation as a parent.
You’re not alone! If at any point you feel stuck or need personalized support, you can book a 1:1 Parent Advocacy session with me. Whether you’re prepping for a meeting, reviewing documents, or just need someone to walk beside you—I’m here to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
If you’ve attended one of my free community talks, listened to the podcast, or explored my digital resources, I’d love to hear what supported you! You’re welcome to leave a public review here: Google Review Link.
To protect confidentiality and uphold ethical standards, I do not request or accept reviews from current or former clients—including those who’ve received advocacy or assessment services. This helps ensure your privacy, preserves professional boundaries, and keeps our work grounded in trust.
If you see a review from someone who’s interacted with my free content or educational materials, please know it was shared voluntarily and without compensation or pressure. I do not request reviews from clients receiving formal services, and I do not respond to public reviews in order to protect confidentiality.
You can read more in my Review & Testimonial Policy (PDF) or the embedded version at the end of the FAQ page.
Because I believe in transparency. I know it can feel overwhelming to reach out for support especially when you're unsure about cost or what to expect. That’s why I share my rates, outline what’s included, and explain why I don’t ask clients for public reviews. I want you to feel informed, empowered, and respected from the very start. You can view the fees and policies at the end of the FAQ page.
Not sure where to start?
Book a free intro call or learn more about private preschool evaluations and/or advocacy services..
Currently, my license allows me to provide direct services only to clients who reside in California. I truly wish I could help families beyond the state, but I am unable to offer services outside of California at this time.
If you're in California, I’m here to support you and your child—please reach out to see how we can work together!
Many families don’t realize that public schools often offer similar services at no cost—whether your child is in public or private school. However, if you're feeling unsure about the information you've received, worried about bias, or simply need more in-depth guidance and flexible support than the school can provide, I’m here to help.
If you're looking for clearer answers and more personalized support, let’s connect to see how I can support your child’s journey.
I can help you understand whether your child may meet California's eligibility criteria for special education based on my private assessment and knowledge of Ed Code. I also consider diagnostic frameworks like the DSM-TR as part of my assessment process, especially when evaluating areas like social-emotional development, attention, or autism-related traits.
However, my role is focused on educational needs and how those may impact a child's ability to learn or access school. Some services - like standalone medical diagnosis, treatment plans or recommendations for therapies such as ABA - require a medical provider or clinical psychologist.
While I do not make formal eligibility determinations (only the school district can do that), my role is to provide clear, comprehensive information about your child's strengths, challenges, and how those needs may impact their ability to learn.
Many families use this information to feel more prepared when approaching the school for assessments or IEP discussions. I also guide parents on what to expect from the school process and how to advocate effectively.
If you've gone through the school's assessment process and you disagree with the results - whether your child was found ineligible for special education, or you feel the evaluation didn't fully capture your child's needs - you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the district's expense.
An IEE is a private, outside assessment conducted by a qualified professional who is not part of the school district. As a Licensed Educational Psychologist (#4660), I can provide IEEs that assess your child's learning, development, and areas of concern through an independent lens.
Families often pursue an IEE when:
-They believe the school's evaluation missed key concerns
-They feel their child's challenges were overlooked or minimized
-They want a second opinion to better understand their child's needs
If you're unsure whether an IEE is the right next step, I'm happy to provide a consultation to help you explore your options.
For educational testing purposes, I currently specialize in preschool age children (ages 2.6-5 years old).
I offer comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations designed for preschool-aged children. Here’s what you can expect:
Connect & Understand – We start with a conversation about your concerns and provide guidance on how to best support your child.
Assessment – I gather a full picture of your child through parent and teacher interviews, observations, rating scales, and play-based, evidence-based testing. You’ll be with your child throughout the process to help them feel at ease.
Results & Clarity – Within two weeks of testing, you’ll receive a detailed, easy-to-understand report. We’ll review everything together and make sure all your questions are answered.
Next Steps – You'll receive clear, personalized recommendations, including referrals to trusted community providers, so you can confidently take the next steps in supporting your child.
You don’t have to figure this out alone—reach out to get started.
To truly understand your child’s needs, I take a gentle, thoughtful approach. The length of time varies depending on assessments used. A ball park estimate typically includes:
A 1-to-2-hour in-depth interview with you, the parent(s), to learn more about your child’s history, strengths, and challenges—without your child present, so we can talk openly. This will be scheduled separately, over the virtual setting or in-person.
A 1-hour observation of your child in a natural setting, like a park or play area, where they feel most comfortable.
A 1-2 hours direct assessment with your child, using engaging, evidence-based activities designed to help them feel safe and supported.
Each step is paced with care and compassion, so we can get the best understanding of your child in a way that feels respectful and reassuring.
I understand how important it is to find a time that works for both you and your child. That’s why I offer weekend and evening appointments, by scheduling in advance. I’ll work closely with you to choose a time that minimizes time away from school and fits your child’s needs—so they can feel comfortable and supported.
A Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) is a specialist trained to understand how children learn and behave in school. They are qualified to assess and diagnose learning, emotional, and behavioral challenges that may affect a child’s education. LEPs also know the special education system well, so they can help families understand their rights and what support their child may be able to get in public schools.
Monica Trost is a License Educational Psychologist. Her license number is 4660, under the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
No referral is needed. If you have concerns about your child’s development or learning, you can reach out directly. I’m here to help you take the next step—no extra hoops, just support when you need it.
I believe in being upfront about costs, so you can make an informed decision before scheduling a consultation. My services are designed to provide clarity, peace of mind, and guidance that can save families significant time, stress, and uncertainty during the special education process.
Current Fees:
Total fee is $3,500, paid in four parts - with each stage billed at the time it is scheduled. Services must be completed in order and within a year since the start of the evaluation process (parent intake interview). No long-term payment plans are offered at this time.
Evaluation Includes:
Parent Intake Interview - $500
Review of concerns, developmental history, and goals for evaluation.
$500 is due at the time this session is scheduled.
Observation - $1,250
Includes in-person observation(s) in a natural setting (for example, at a park or library)
$1,250 is due at the time this stage is scheduled.
Direct Assessment and Rating Scales - $1,250
Includes one-on-one testing sessions with your child using standardized cognitive, academic, and/or processing measures. This stage also includes parent and teacher behavioral rating scales to gather additional insights (for example, attention, executive functioning, social-emotional, autism, or/and adaptive skills).
$1,250 is due at the time this stage is scheduled. Rating scales must be completed by caregivers and teachers before the evaluation can move forward. This helps ensure accurate results and personalized recommendations.
Report Writing and Feedback Session - $500
Includes detailed scoring and analysis, a comprehensive written report with individualized recommendations, and a 60-minute virtual feedback meeting to walk through the results and next steps.
$500 is due at the time the feedback session is scheduled. The written report is provided at the time of the feedback meeting.
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) - $5,000
Assessment includes Cognitive, Social/Emotional, Behavior, Academic, Adaptive (if relevant), observations, comprehensive record review, interviews, report, recommendations and summary meeting with parent and with IEP team. *Will comply with district requirements.
You can view my full fee schedule here or at the end of the FAQ page. Fees are subject to change; all costs are confirmed before services begin.
Great question! Psychological educational evaluations are typically not covered by insurance, regardless of the provider. I am a private-pay provider and am not in-network with any insurance plans. For certain assessment services, I can provide a superbill upon request. Please note that educational advocacy and consultation services are typically not eligible for reimbursement. If you'd like to explore reimbursement options for an evaluation, I recommend contacting your insurance provider in advance to ask about coverage for out-of-network psychological assessment. Prepared Parent Advocate cannot guarantee reimbursement for any services, even when a superbill is provided.
Unlike many advocates, I’m a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4660) who’s worked within public schools...and I’m also a parent who’s been through the IEP process myself.
That means I understand not just the legal requirements, but how teams think, what they look for in evaluations, and how to prepare parents for a collaborative (not combative) meeting. My guidance combines deep knowledge of Ed Code, assessments, and team dynamics—so you can walk in prepared and confident, without having to learn the whole system yourself.
You shouldn't have to be a lawyer, therapist, and educator to get your child the support they need. Prepared Parent Advocate is here to help you advocate smarter, not harder. Let's talk about where things stand - and where we can go from here.
I speak the language schools use, knowledgeable of psych-educational assessments, and can ask the right questions - giving you a strategic edge that most parents (and even some advocates) miss. I help you build airtight arguments using your child's assessments, progress reports, and documentation to hold schools accountable with evidence - and not just emotions.
A wonderful school team that communicates and supports your child is a dream - but also replaceable. New school teams are formed, and there is no guarantee that your team will stay the same as your child moves up a grade. Also, while a school team may have the best of intentions, sometimes they need support finding creative solutions so that your child is able to access the supports they need.
Navigating the special education process and understanding your child’s IEP can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I offer personalized support to help you feel confident and prepared at every step. Together we’ll break down the special education process, review your child’s IEP paperwork, and/or discuss strategies for advocating effectively. I offer consultation and role-playing opportunities, so you’re fully equipped to communicate with your child’s school team with clarity and confidence.
While I don't attend IEP meetings with you, my goal is to empower you with the skills and knowledge you need to advocate for your child, no matter what challenges may come up. You’ll feel more prepared and confident in each conversation, knowing you have the tools to ensure your child gets the support they deserve.
Advocacy services can be conducted online or in-person at my business location.
Reach out today to start building your advocacy skills and ensure your child’s educational needs are met.
A skilled advocate can prepare a parent before the meeting by reviewing IEP documents, drafting questions, helping identify gaps, and organizing data to bring to the team. That preparation can empower a parent to be more assertive and effective - even without the advocate in the room. Also, not attending meetings is a strategic choice - some districts become more defensive when advocates attend. In these cases, advocates empower parents to lead the meeting while staying in the background to preserve collaboration. Many parents have secured services and placement changes based purely on strong prep.
While social media groups and Google can offer general advice, they can't provide personalized, strategic, and legally sound support. Monica Trost is a trained advocate who understands federal and California state laws, local school district practices, and how to interpret evaluations - something crowd-sourced advice rarely does accurately. Misinformation can actually hurt your child's case.
Monica Trost is licensed and practices as an Educational Psychologist within the state of California. Information shared is based on federal and California laws and practices. Because other states may have different laws pertaining to special education, it would be best for those outside of California to seek support within the state your child is attending school.
I currently support families with children from preschool through high school - typically 2.5 years old to 17 years old. That includes early intervention transitions, preschool special education, elementary, middle, and high school support.
If you have questions about whether your situation falls within that range, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to point you in the right direction, even if I'm not the right fit.
I believe in being upfront about costs, so you can make an informed decision before scheduling a consultation. My services are designed to provide clarity, peace of mind, and guidance that can save families significant time, stress, and uncertainty during the special education process.
Current Fees:
IEP Advocacy Support Package: $750
Comprehensive, one-on-one support to help you feel prepared and empowered through the IEP process - without needing a full-time advocate at the meeting (virtual or in person at Walnut Creek office, as agreed). Includes:
Thorough review of your child’s IEP or assessment documents
Written summary of key concerns + specific, actionable recommendations
One 60-minute parent coaching session before the IEP meeting to clarify goals, questions, and talking points
One 60-minute debrief/coaching session after the meeting to process outcomes and plan next steps
This package includes approximately 3 hours of support at a discounted rate of $250/hr. My standard rate is $275. Packages are based on estimated time and may be adjusted with notice if more support is needed.
Mini Parent Coaching Session: $300
A 1-hour meeting (virtual or in person at Walnut Creek office, as agreed) to review your concerns, clarify your next steps, and determine whether advocacy supports and/or a child evaluation is needed.
Includes:
Review your top concerns
Answer questions about the IEP process
Help you decide next steps
Ideal for first-time IEP questions or quick parent check-ins
If you choose to move forward with a full advocacy package or child evaluation within 30 days, the $300 fee will be applied toward your next invoice.
Advocacy Retainer - Annual Support: $1,800 (August-June)
For families who want ongoing access to steady support without needing to schedule a full session each time something comes up.
Includes:
• Two 30-minute parent coaching sessions (Zoom or in person, as agreed)
• Priority access to schedule additional services
• Light review of up to four documents per year (e.g., IEP drafts, assessment plans, school emails)
• Occasional check-ins via email or secure message for quick questions or brief updates.*
“Within reason” means you’re welcome to reach out occasionally with focused questions — like help wording an email, deciding whether to request a meeting, or getting clarity on what to ask for. If your concern needs more time, review, or support than what’s included, I’ll let you know and we can schedule a session at my standard rate.
*Services are available on a limited basis; early scheduling is recommended.
*Payment is due at time of booking unless other arrangements are made.
*Note: My hourly rate will increase to $375 in January 2026 and $400 in July 2026. Annual retainer pricing will be updated at that time.
Many families find that an investment in advocacy services can help them:
-Understand their child's needs sooner
-Feel more prepared during school meetings
-Avoid delays or confusion in the eligibility process
-Advocate more effectively with confidence and clarity
If you'd like to learn more, I offer a free 15-minute consultation with no pressure or obligation.
You can view my full fee schedule here or at the end of the FAQ page. Fees are subject to change; all costs are confirmed before services begin.
Yes—it absolutely is. My rate reflects the specialized expertise I bring as a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4660) who’s worked on school teams, conducted assessments, and supported families like yours for over a decade.
Families are often surprised by how much they accomplish in just one session. We cut through months of confusion, prepare strong input for school teams, and often avoid the need for costly outside interventions or legal escalation.
While I don’t bill insurance, many families have told me that a single IEP meeting—prepared well—made more impact than months of generalized advice or tutoring.
If you're weighing whether it’s worth it, consider this: what is clarity, confidence, and the right services for your child now worth to your family?
No. Advocacy services, including IEP and 504 plan support or parent coaching, are not considered medical services and cannot be billed to insurance. Because of this, I cannot provide a superbill for advocacy work.
However, families often find that advocacy support can save time, reduce stress, and help secure appropriate school services - even though it's not reimbursable through insurance. Despite no insurance billing, clients tell me the time saved and improved educational outcomes pay for the investment in just one school year.
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Fees and Packages
No surprises. Just clear, flat-rate support.
