Get the Support You Need to Advocate for Your Child Today.

Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to understand IEPs, feeling unheard in school meetings, or unsure how to ensure your child gets the support they deserve—you are not alone.

At Springdale Child Advocacy & Empowerment (SCAE), we help moms like you take control of your child’s education by guiding you through the IEP and 504 process, advocating on your behalf, and making sure your child’s needs aren’t overlooked.

Why You Need an Advocate (Not an Attorney)

You might believe that you need an educational attorney to fight for your child’s rights, but in most cases, what you actually need is an education advocate.

  • An attorney focuses on legal disputes. You may spend thousands before making any progress.

  • An advocate focuses on solutions. I help you work with the school, navigate the system, and secure the right support without escalating to legal action.

Hiring an attorney can cost thousands in legal fees. With an education advocate, you get personalized, hands-on support at a fraction of the cost—so you can focus on helping your child succeed.

Your Child Deserves the Best—Here’s How We Help

Every child is unique. That’s why we offer flexible ways to work with us—whether you need ongoing guidance or targeted help with a specific challenge.

Records review ($99)

  • We carefully examine every relevant document to understand your child’s situation and identify any gaps or red flags.

  • We compare what’s written in the plan with the goals you have for your child’s growth, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

  • You’ll receive a concise report outlining suggestions, improvements, or concerns, giving you actionable insights for next steps.

  • We’ll talk through your child’s IEP and the feedback provided, answering any questions and clarifying solutions.

Ideal For: Parents wanting a professional opinion and clear next steps before an upcoming meeting or decision.

IEP/MDT Prep Package – $150

  • Includes everything above to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge.

  • We’re available for quick questions or reassurance, so you never feel stuck or overwhelmed.

  • You’ll receive a step-by-step outline detailing recommended actions and strategies for your child’s IEP or MDT meeting.

  • We’ll go over the meeting agenda in detail, highlighting key issues to address and suggesting persuasive talking points.

  • After your IEP or MDT session, we’ll discuss what happened, celebrate wins, and refine any remaining concerns to keep your momentum going.

Ideal For: Parents wanting thorough preparation, clear guidance, and post-meeting support for IEPs or MDTs.

IEP Meeting Attendance – $250

  • Includes records review, comprehensive plan, and ongoing text and phone support.

  • We offer even more availability, ensuring you can reach us for real-time help or last-minute clarifications.

  • You won’t be alone at the table; we’ll be right there, representing your child’s interests, asking the right questions, and ensuring the team respects your input.

Ideal For: Moms who need a knowledgeable ally by their side during critical school meetings, boosting confidence and ensuring their child’s rights are upheld.

Services by the Hour – $85/hr

  • If a meeting runs longer than planned, we’ll stay until every detail is addressed.

  • Get professionally written communications that articulate your child’s needs clearly and effectively.

  • From requesting evaluations to navigating independent educational evaluations, we simplify the process for you.

  • We offer guidance on suspension, expulsion, and ensuring proper due process for your child.

  • We help you address academic barriers so your child stays on track toward graduation.

  • If you encounter a challenge not listed here, we’ll step in with tailored support to help your child succeed.

Ideal For: Families who need flexible, task-specific assistance and want to pay only for the exact services they require.

Why Special Education Advocacy Matters for Your Child

You want what’s best for your child—and the right advocacy can make all the difference.

Studies Show That:

Support = Progress

Children who receive timely, personalized support through advocacy make greater academic progress.

Long-Term Success

Parent involvement leads to higher self-advocacy skills, confidence, and long-term success.

Smooth Life Transition

Students with strong education plans transition more smoothly into higher grade levels, career paths, and independent life.

We Advocate for More Than Just Special Education

Most education advocates only focus on IEPs, but we know that your child’s needs go beyond a single document.

At SCAE, we support moms with:
✔ IEPs and special education concerns
✔ Requests for evaluations
✔ Behavior plans
✔ 504 plans
✔ Manifestation determinations
✔ Suspension, expulsion, and discipline issues
✔ Academic struggles (too hard, too easy, grading issues)
✔ Social concerns (bullying, teacher-student relationships)

Your child deserves the right support. Let’s make sure they get it.

Why Moms Trust SCAE

You don’t just need an advocate. You need someone who understands what you’re going through—someone who’s walked this path before.

Meet Shivaun—Your Advocate and Fellow Mom

✔ Former principal, teacher, and school administrator with over 30 years in education
✔ Parent of a child with special needs with firsthand experience navigating the system
✔ Certified Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), trained to support families in complex education cases
✔ Passionate about empowering moms—helping you ensure your voice is heard

Your Child Deserves the Right Support—You Deserve Peace of Mind

You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. With SCAE, you’ll have a trusted partner guiding you every step of the way—so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s success.

Let’s get your child the education and support they deserve. From one mom to another, I’m with you.

 FAQs

  • An education advocate works with you and your child to ensure the school recognizes and addresses your child’s unique needs. Instead of just advising from the sidelines, an advocate attends meetings, reviews documents, and collaborates with teachers and administrators. For you, this means feeling more confident, prepared, and supported—so you can focus on watching your child succeed rather than worrying if their needs are being overlooked.

  • Attorneys focus on legal disputes and can be extremely costly. An education advocate, on the other hand, concentrates on problem-solving within the school system before issues escalate. By choosing an advocate, you gain a partner who helps you communicate effectively with the school, avoid legal battles when possible, and resolve concerns more quickly—giving you peace of mind and saving you both time and money.

  • Absolutely. Early advocacy can be critical, especially if you’re waiting on evaluations or just starting to notice learning or behavioral challenges. We’ll help you request the right assessments and guide you through the process of gathering evidence and communicating with the school. This way, you can ensure your child gets the help they need sooner, setting them on a path to success rather than playing catch-up later.

  • We understand how discouraging that can be. An advocate reviews your child’s records and the reasons for the school’s decision, then works with you to gather additional evidence or request further evaluations. Having a knowledgeable partner by your side can reopen conversations with the school and help you secure the resources your child truly needs, restoring hope and momentum in their educational journey.

  • If you’re experiencing repeated challenges—like ongoing confusion about IEPs or frequent school disagreements—monthly support offers consistent guidance and keeps you from feeling isolated. On the other hand, if you have a specific concern (like preparing for an upcoming meeting or reviewing an existing plan), a one-time consultation may be enough. We’ll discuss your situation and find the approach that fits best so you can feel confident and equipped to move forward.

  • Yes. Much of advocacy work can be done virtually, and special education laws (like IDEA) apply nationwide. We can attend meetings remotely, review documents online, and coach you through specific state or district policies. Our focus is always on ensuring you have the right tools and support, no matter where your child goes to school.

  • Every family’s journey is unique, but many parents notice a positive shift in communication with the school after just a few meetings or consultations. With consistent advocacy, you’ll see progress in how the school addresses your child’s needs, which often leads to a happier, more successful educational experience for your child—and greater peace of mind for you.

  • Yes. Children evolve, and so should their educational plans. We’ll work with you to reassess and adjust strategies, ensuring your child’s accommodations and goals remain relevant. When you partner with an advocate who truly understands your family’s situation, you’ll always have the flexibility to update and refine the plan as your child grows and their needs change.