Prepared Parent Advocate home page
Let's clear up the confusion. If you're wondering about the next steps, scheduling, or if advocacy is right for you, start here.

What Makes Prepared Parent Advocate Unique?

Why is working with you different than hiring another advocate or going it alone?

Think of me as having the same expertise as the School Psychologist on your child's IEP team…. the difference is, I'm here to work for you. 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. As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, I understand how to interpret data, the assessment tools the school team uses, how to ask the right questions, and how to bring it all together. 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.

Why should I hire a License Educational Psychologist as a Parent Advocate?

As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, I have the same expertise as the School Psychologist on your child's IEP team - the difference is, I'm here to work for you. 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.

I can just Google everything I need or ask in Facebook groups - it's all free.

While social media groups and Google can offer general advice, they can't provide personalized, strategic, and legally sound support. I am a trained advocate - my licensure as a Licensed Educational Psychologist is the equivalent to the School Psychologist on your child's IEP school team - who understands federal and California state laws, local school district practices, and how to interpret evaluations. I provide value that crowd-sourced advice rarely does accurately. Misinformation can actually hurt your child's case.

If 1:1 parent advocacy cost is a factor for your budget, consider listening to my podcast ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parent, and subscribing to my newsletter for free handouts and tips. If your family is enrolled in Self-Determination Program (SDP), the cost of 1:1 advocacy services with Prepared Parent Advocate may also help (please reach out to your Independent Facilitator).

Are there other special education podcasts or courses out there?

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. ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents are quick, impactful 10 minute weekly episodes that provides my perspective as a School Psychologist and as a mother of a child with an IEP. Each alphabetical episode comes with a free companion handout with reflection questions and next steps so you can effectively advocate for your child's unique needs.

What if I need more help beyond the podcast?

You’re not alone! If at any point you feel stuck or need personalized support, you can book a 1:1 Parent Advocacy session consultation call 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're local to Walnut Creek, CA, I also offer parent talks and courses in-person throughout the year. Follow me on @preparedparentadvocate to stay in the loop.

Can I leave a review about my experiences?

I’d love to hear feedback and 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 respond to public reviews. This helps ensure your privacy, preserves professional boundaries, and keeps our work grounded in trust.

If you see a review from someone, please know it was shared voluntarily and without compensation or pressure. All reviews and testimonies on my website came from Google Reviews and shared with permission.

Not sure where to start?
Fill out the Intake Form and Book a free 15-minute consultation call about how my advocacy services a support you and your family.

The Process

I think I have a strong school team. Do I still need a Parent Advocate?

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.

What does the parent advocacy support service look like?

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. My advocacy services is a THREE STEP package:

Step 1: Free 15-Minute Consultation

Step 2: IEP Strategy Consultation

Step 3: Meeting Strategy and Support Package

Together we’ll break down the special education process, review your child’s IEP paperwork, and/or discuss strategies for advocating effectively. My ultimate 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. Learn more on my Advocacy page.

Advocacy services are done virtually.

Reach out today to start building your advocacy skills and ensure your child’s educational needs are met.

Do you attend IEP meetings?

Short answer: Yes I do.

Long answer:

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.

With that said, I recognize that going to a meeting surrounded by other professionals can feel intimidating and having a trusted support person sitting next to you, to help ensure nothing is being missed or misinterpreted, can be empowering. If you are looking for that extra guidance, I also have an option for my attendance virtually at the IEP meeting.

Do you work with families outside of California?

I am 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.

What are your business hours?

During the regular school year, my hours for consultation and IEP meetings are 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. I also offer appointments on Saturdays by request. Please note that during long school breaks, such as Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Break, my hours may be extended to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays to accommodate client needs.

What ages/grade levels do you support as an advocate?

I currently support families with children from preschool through high school - typically 2.6 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.

Which districts are you familiar with?

My practice is virtual and I serve families across California. I grew up and am currently still located in Northern California and am familiar with districts in the Bay Area and beyond. Please reach out regarding your specific district.

Do you or would you ever refer out to an attorney? In what circumstances?

I would refer out when a case has moved beyond the scope of non-attorney advocacy and requires formal legal counsel (e.g., during or leading up to Due Process proceedings).

Are there any types of cases you do not take (ex: adult transition, regional center cases, etc)?

I focus solely on educational advocacy (IEP/504) within the public school system. I typically do not take cases that fall outside that scope, such as those strictly related to adult transition services, Regional Center matters, or issues involving SSI/Social Security. With that stated, if a family is enrolled in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) with Regional Center, my service under code 371 might be covered (I cannot guarantee funding). The family should confirm with their Independent Facilitator (IF) and their Financial Management Service (FMS) will handle the payment directly. 

Are there certain populations you specialize in (age, disability, etc)?

My background as an LEP allows me to specialize in interpreting complex evaluations and supporting families whose children struggle with behavior, sensory needs, language, or learning. I have particular expertise in Preschool evaluations and IEPs, as well as Autism spectrum support.

Loved the insights from the podcast episodes? If you're ready to take the next step, I also offer individualized 1:1 parent advocacy support services to work with you directly.

Fees

Is it worth the cost to hire you as an advocate?

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.

I help families build the advocacy skills they need to continuously support their child, anywhere they may go.

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?

Contact me now to learn more how I can support your family.

How much does the 1:1 parent advocacy cost?

The investment depends on the level of support you need. We offer structured packages designed to give you clarity and confidence at every stage of the IEP process, rather than confusing hourly rates.

  1. 1. Start Here: FREE 15-Minute Consultation: Your journey starts with a brief, no-obligation call to cut through the confusion and determine if my personalized strategy is the right fit for your family.

    2. IEP Strategy Consultation Package: $975 (A foundational investment for case clarity and strategic planning.)

  2. 3. Meeting Strategy and Support Package: $1,200 (Comprehensive support before, during, and after your child's IEP or 504 meeting.)

  3. Learn more about what each package entails here.

Ready to explore your options? Book your free 15-minute consultation to begin.

Can advocacy services be reimbursed by insurance?

No. Advocacy services, including IEP and 504 plan support or parent coaching/training, 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. If your child is a client of regional center, it may be possible for my services to be paid for under Self-Determination Program.

Can the Self-Determination Program (SDP) cover the cost of your Parent Advocacy/Training Services?

The cost of Prepared Parent Advocacy services may be covered. Our service aligns with the SDP category of Training and Counseling Services for Unpaid Caregivers (Service Code 371). To utilize your SDP budget for our services, they must be included and approved in the participant's Individual Program Plan (IPP) and their final Spending Plan. Please connect with your Independent Facilitator (IF) or your Financial Management Service (FMS) to discuss incorporating our services into your approved plan and budget.

Note that we provide the training/advocacy (Code 371) and do not serve as the participant's Independent Facilitator (code 340), as these are separate roles.

You must complete the funding approval process before you can schedule services with us. We will hold your information but do not schedule the first session yet. Once our Parent Advocacy services are approved and included in the participant's official Spending Plan, we will be paid directly by their FMS. Once we receive the official Purchase Offer or Service Authorization from the FMS or IF, we will contact you and schedule our first session. This would be your secure booking confirmation.

If anything in the podcast episodes resonated and you're wondering if you need more than just information, skip the research and book your free 15-minute Clarity Call. We can figure out your child's next step together.

Review: She understands the complexity of working in school as school psychologist and HOW to navigate both IEPs and 504 Plans. Highly recommend Monica and Prepared Parent Advocate!! from April Rehrig

Conflict of Interest Notice

I am unable to provide services to families currently within my school district due to conflict of interest rules. If you reside in or receive services from my district, please disclose this before accessing any resources or booking services. If it is later discovered that you participated without disclosure, your participation will be considered unintentional.

Monica Trost

Prepared Parent Advocate

Licensed Educational Psychologist #4660

1460 Maria Ln #300, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

(707) 435-3798