- You like kids and want to help. You know education is important!
- You get trained as an education advocate.
- You are appointed to a child for whom you help make educational decisions.
Who is Eligible for an Education Advocate?
Students, ages 2—21, who are in the custody of either the Department for Children and Families
(DCF) or the Kansas Department of Corrections (DOC) Juvenile Services
AND
are receiving special education services or who need an initial evaluation to determine eligibility
AND
whose parents are unknown or unavailable or whose parental rights have been terminated
OR
children who are identified as homeless and unaccompanied.
What does an Education Advocate do?
Education advocates are volunteers assigned to step into the role of a parent in the special education process. Education advocates should:
- become acquainted with the child and his or her school program;
- give input and be an active member of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team;
- agree or disagree with proposed actions; attend disciplinary hearings if necessary;
- communicate with teachers to track the student’s progress; and,
- most importantly, advocate for the interests of the child at all times.
How much time does it take?
Much communication can be done electronically or by phone. It’s important that you attend eligibility meetings and annual IEP reviews regarding your appointed child. These meetings will be scheduled at mutually agreeable times. When possible, you will be appointed to a child in your county of residence to make it easier for you to appropriately represent the child.
