Meet your Advocates
I grew up in Channelview, I am a mother of 6 and grandmother of 17. I became involved in Special Ed in 1998 before many of our current Special Ed programs were even thought of. My youngest son was diagnosed with PDD/NOS for speech delay which fell under the Autism umbrella. My first exposure to the ARD process left me feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and completely lost. So it was at this time that I made a promise that I would seek out all I could learn about Special Ed and the ARD process. Over the years I was able to successfully advocate for my son and other families while earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology and completing an Alternative Teaching program. I became a Texas Special Ed teacher certified to teach Early Childhood through 12th grade. I spent 5 years as an Inclusion Specialist for 9th – 12th grade. During this time, I learned the ARD process from the school’s perspective. I also spent 1 year as a teacher at a middle school SLL (Autistic) class and 1 year as a middle school teacher of a BSC (Behavioral) class. I received extensive training on the ARD process as well as conducted well over 100 ARDs. Empowering parents to become their child’s biggest advocate has become my passion. Parents should feel that they are a key person in helping to develop their child’s educational plan. It is my dream to help parents learn this process and to help them get their voices heard.
Channelview born and raised, I am a mother and grandmother with firsthand experience learning about and living amongst Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Eating Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities. The special education program is not easy to understand and will often leave the parents feeling helpless. Some parents don’t know their rights and the state laws regarding the school system. I don’t claim to know all of it, but I am learning every day. My goal is that my grandchildren, along with all other children get the education they deserve. I started as a guardian attending ARDs for my granddaughter and over the years, have learned to advocate for her. It’s not an easy process and we don’t always get what we want or think that our child needs right away, we continue to fight for them. Patience, Perseverance and Passion are fundamental traits that are essential in our in our pursuit of progress and success.
Getting Started
During this period, you will need to begin your documentation process it is critical that you start out documenting in detail every step that you take toward your child’s process in special education. We would be happy to help you begin your journey into learning how to navigate this process. We can help assist you in writing the letters to begin requesting help.
FIE
Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIE) This is the initial evaluation that takes place when your child is first referred for special education services. During this process, the uses a variety of assessment tools and strategies to determine if your child meets the IDEA definition of a “student with a disability” and is eligible to receive special education and related services. It also helps the ARD Committee develop an IEP based on your child’s individual needs.
3 Year Evaluation
A reevaluation must occur at least once every three years. The exception would be if the parent and school agree that a reevaluation is unnecessary. Parents should understand that it is within your rights to disagree with a school’s decision to waive the three year evaluation if you feel a reevaluation is appropriate for your child. It is important to know that a reevaluation is required before any change of placement.
STATE Regulated Timelines
15-45-30
Within 15 School Days of the parents written request for your child to be evaluated to determine special eligibility. The parent should receive Consent and Notice of Evaluation or Prior Notice given to the Parent.
Within 45 School Days of receipt of written signed consent a Full Initial Individual Evaluation (FIIE) must be completed
Within 30 Calendar days a notice of ARD Meeting should be provided to the parent at least 5 days prior to the ARD meeting. The ARD Meeting and Consent for Initial Placement is to determine eligibility for special education, development of IEP and determine placement.
ARDs
Admission, Review, and Dismissal. An ARD meeting is a meeting of a group of people who help to determine whether or not a student is eligible for special education and develops the Individual Education Program (IEP) for eligible students.
Once your child is in the special education program an ARD meeting must be held at least annually on or before the anniversary date for each special education student to review progress toward mastery of the IEP and to plan an appropriate program for the coming year.
An ARD meeting may be called at any time at the request of either parent or district staff. At no time should a request for an ARD be denied to either the parent or a staff member who works with the student and who has concerns about the student’s progress.
Documentation
Documentation is one of the most important tools you will need to ensure your child has the best chance of SUCCESS. It is important that you keep a note book dedicated for your child’s special education program. In this keep specific notes about every issue pertaining to your child. When you make or receive a phone call log the date, the time, the person you spoke with and summarize the conversation. Make sure to document the details even if you just left a message. This will give you backup if no one responds and you have to go to the next person in charge. I always follow up with an email to the person I spoke with and summarize just in case there is a dispute on what was said in the phone conversation it can be verified by your email. Make a separate sub folder for all email and save them all together. The same with text messages find a way yo save and store them. It may seem tedious and redundant but I promise if things ever go terribly wrong with your child nobody can argue with such detailed and specific documentation.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answers you’re looking for? Let’s talk.
Hot Topics!
01
FIE
A Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIE) is a collection of information about your child’s special learning needs,strengths, interests and challenges. It will tell you and the school if your child has a disability. It will also tell you about the special services your child may need to do better in school.
02
ARD
Admission, Review, and Dismissal. An ARD meeting is a meeting of a group of people who help determine whether or not a student is eligible for special education and develops the Individual Education Program (IEP) for eligible students.
03
IEP
The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or a secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.
04
BIP
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a written improvement plan created for a student based on the outcome of the functional behavior assessment (FBA)
05
FBA
Functional behavior assessment (FBA) should identify what is maintaining or causing a challenging behavior, and the BIP specifies the actions to take to improve or replace the behavior.
06
504
A 504 Plan is a way for schools to provide support for students with a disability so that they can learn in a regular classroom. The name 504 plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
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I am so grateful for these ladies right here!! It just a short time they have helped me get the ball rolling with this school district and holding them accountable for their shortcomings!!! We have a ways to go but wow!!!! Just today we have had over the phone conversation, set up in person meeting and have investigations happen!!! I’m so happy to have the help and the support and not having to try by myself anymore!!!!!!!
Danielle Rollins
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Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the PALs process started?
Well you have taken the first step by visiting our website! Thank you and Welcome!! Now feel free to either call, text, or email Sandra Weaver or Theresa Flores. If you email or text you could send the message to us in a group chat. I promise one of us will respond and if it is done in a group we will both have all the information and nothing will have to be repeated. We will discuss your issues and see the best way to work towards a positive solution for you and most importantly your child.
How much does it cost to have a PALs advocate?
At this time we accept donations. We aren’t here to make a profit our goal is to help empower parents to become their child’s greatest advocate. Hiring an advocate in Texas costs can start at $2500 as a retainer and $200-$300 an hour past the retainer. Theresa and I want to give every parent a chance to have someone help them through this stressful process. We volunteer many hours helping people who don’t have the means to hire expensive advocates. We spend countless hours researching laws, rules, regulations and guidelines. We use our own money to pay for the office supplies that are needed to keep current and meticulous files on each of our clients. We use our own money to pay for the gas it takes to travel the miles to our clients ARDs and other meetings. We do this because we believe so strongly in what we do. It is our mission to try and help all those that seek us out. We have been blessed to have some of our clients donate some office supplies in the past. Sadly it takes money to make a difference. We know we will never become rich doing what we love but we hope to at least make enough so that we can continue helping as many clients as possible.
Does my school allow advocates?
Yes, parents are allowed to bring an Advocate they just need to notify the school ahead of time.
What should I expect from having a PALs advocate?
You will have someone to be there to support you through whatever issues you are having. Your PALs will be available to help answer your questions and to help you learn to navigate the ARD process. Your PALs will be there even if you just need someone to listen and acknowledge all your concerns.
Will having a PALs advocate even make a difference?
Yes, Because we know it can be difficult for parents of children with special educational needs to advocate calmly and objectively for their children educational needs. This is where PALs can come in an help bring calmness, objectivity, and the most important quality of patience for the long haul. This can help the parents get’ through a complex and often frustrating process. We will be there to offer you support through this entire process.
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