Advocacy Support Service
1:1 Parent Advocacy for Special Education | California-Based Support
Clarity. Confidence. Support that lasts longer than the meeting.
Not sure what to ask for, or how to speak up without burning bridges?
Whether you’re brand new to the IEP process or feeling burned out from years of navigating it, you don’t have to do this alone. I help parents understand their options, clarify their priorities, and move forward with a clear plan—so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start advocating with confidence.
Not just help for this meeting. Skills that last.
My advocacy support is individualized, strength-based, and rooted in real-world experience—as both a Licensed Educational Psychologist and a parent who’s sat in your chair.
Yes, we’ll talk about timelines, documentation, legal rights, and what the school can (and can’t) do.
But you’ll also gain something more lasting:
Clarity about what your child actually needs
Tools to communicate more effectively with your IEP team
Confidence to trust your gut and speak up without second-guessing
A stronger, more grounded presence as your child’s advocate—now and in the years ahead
What if you could slow down just enough to get it right?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or under pressure, you’re not alone. Many families come to me in moments of urgency—worried about an upcoming meeting, a decision that doesn’t sit right, or whether they’re missing something important.
That’s exactly why my process is intentional—not slow for the sake of slow, but strategic. Grounded. Focused on what really matters.
We’ll take just enough space to breathe, get clear, and build a plan that actually works—for your child and your peace of mind.
Because rushing without clarity leads to burnout and regrets.
But with calm, focused support, you can move forward in a way that feels steady, empowered, and effective.
What Makes This Different?
You might have seen other advocates or IEP consultants who offer to join meetings, draft scripts, or push for specific services. And for some families, that works.
But what I offer is something more intentional—and more lasting.
As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, I don’t just help you prepare for this meeting. I help you grow the skills, insight, and clarity to advocate for your child at every stage.
I stay behind the scenes on purpose—because my goal is to strengthen your voice, not speak over it.
This is advocacy that centers your values, honors your intuition, and builds your long-term capacity—not just your case file.
It’s grounded in:
Clinical insight into how kids grow, learn, and communicate
A deep respect for your lived experience as a parent
A calm, steady space to sort through decisions without panic
The belief that you already know your child best—I’m just here to help you speak that truth clearly
More than Just a Checklist
IEP meetings come with a lot of paperwork, timelines, and procedures - and while those matter, they don't tell the whole story. I don't just check boxes. I help families uncover and address substantive gaps - the places where a plan might technically follow the rules but still fall short of truly supporting your child.
Maybe the goals don't reflect your child's strengths.
Maybe the service don't match what the data shows.
Maybe things look "fine" on paper, but your child isn't making meaningful progress.
That's where I come in.
Need help with IEPs or school communication? Work with Monica Trost at Prepared Parent Advocate for hands-on support tailored to your child’s needs and your rights as a parent in California.
Why I Don't Attend IEP Meetings - And What I Do Instead
Many families expect an advocate to attend school meetings and speak on their behalf. That’s one model of advocacy—but not the only one.
My approach is different by design. My services focus on advocacy skill building: helping you prepare, plan, and show up with clarity and confidence, so you feel ready to speak up on behalf of your child - again and again.
I work closely with you behind the scenes to review documents, clarify your priorities, and prepare you to walk into the meeting clear, calm, and confident. I don’t attend meetings because my focus is on helping you show up as your child’s strongest advocate, not replacing your voice.
This kind of behind-the-scenes advocacy isn’t new—it’s just less visible. But it’s powerful. And for many families, it leads to stronger relationships with school teams, better outcomes, and a deep sense of ownership over the process.
I’m not just guiding you. I’m helping you reclaim your role.
Because advocacy doesn’t have to mean being loud. Sometimes, it means being ready.
Is This the Right Kind of Support for You?
Not every family needs someone to sit in the IEP meeting and speak for them. And not every advocate needs to be at the table to make a meaningful impact.
If you’re looking for someone to:
Help you prep and plan behind the scenes
Build your advocacy skills
Keep you grounded and clear
And empower you to lead your child’s support journey...
Then this model might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
It’s not the most common approach—but for many families, it’s the most sustainable.
This Isn’t Therapy—But It Is a Transformation
No, I’m not your counselor. But what I offer is something just as meaningful: a space to slow down, get clear, and feel steady before you walk into a meeting that really matters.
Because advocacy isn’t just about paperwork and policies.
It’s also about you.
Your nervous system. Your voice. Your ability to hold your ground when things feel hard.
When we work together, I help you:
Build emotional stamina before tough conversations
Clarify what matters most—so you can speak with purpose
Untangle grief, guilt, and uncertainty (without getting stuck there)
Show up as a more grounded, confident version of yourself
It’s not therapy.
But it’s still personal.
And it’s built to help you lead—with clarity, conviction, and calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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 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.
Fees are subject to change; all costs are confirmed before services begin. You can see the fee linked here.
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.
Advocacy Packages Visual and Pricing
IEP Prep with a Long Game: Advocacy Skill Building for Sustainable Support.
Want to see what advocacy looks like in real life?
