The Arc of Somerset County’s
Education Advocacy Program

FEATURES
Experience. Personalized. Supportive.

• Assistance in the development and maintenance of Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Customized educational plan based on in-person, face-to-face communications
• Team approach
• Toolkits for parents and caregivers
• Transition packets
• Easy access via the web for online files
• A unique program to facilitate a smooth process throughout the educational system

BENEFITS
Accessible. Affordable. Caring.

• Experienced hands-on working relationships with local school districts
• Familiarity with histories of school districts and social services funding agencies
• Knowledgeable and caring staff
• Proven skills and positive reputation in an established advocacy network
• High customer satisfaction
• Information, education and referral services
• Life-long commitment and long-term assistance to the families from The Arc of Somerset
• Expert grassroots assistance without the high legal fees
• Easy payment method

WHAT IS EDUCATION ADVOCACY ?

The State of New Jersey has laws that govern what the school districts are required to do that will ensure your child receives an appropriate education. The New Jersey Administrative Code for Special Education (N.J.A.C. 6A:14) and the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are laws that ensure children with disabilities a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. An important part of these laws provides parents with the right to participate in their children’s education until age 21. You and representatives of your school district need to become partners who are responsible for developing an appropriate education program for your child. Documents are available that will describe the state and federal laws affecting the provision of special education to help you understand your rights in the process. With this knowledge, you will begin to be prepared to take an active role in your child’s special education needs. For more information, you may go to a special 36-page document that is available at:

http://www.state.nj.us/njded/parights/prise.pdf

WHY YOU MAY NEED AN EDUCATION ADVOCATE

Somerset County offers little choice of services for parents seeking to maneuver through the complex special education system. Parents are either acting as their own advocate, or working with other parents and advocates. The only other options were using the services of high paid consultants or an attorney. It was “no charge” or “high fees”… until now. In response to many requests for help from families, many just like you, we created this program. Based on more than half a century of advocating for individuals and offering education services, The Arc brings a lot of experience working with and through the education system in your school district. Education Advocacy is a program designed specifically to assist your family with your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Trained specialists will meet with your family to develop and maintain the IEP. The Arc of Somerset County is pleased to announce the launch of the Education Advocacy Program.

WHAT AN EDUCATION ADVOCATE DOES

The Education Advocate will assist you in developing strong working relationships with school districts based on The Arc’s knowledge and experience on behalf of individuals with special needs. The Education Advocacy program is designed to promote a supportive environment for both families and school systems while keeping the special needs of each child first.

The customized Education Advocacy Program at The Arc of Somerset provides:

• Assistance in formulating an advocacy strategy for IEP review
• Participation at IEP and other education meetings
• Attendance as an advocate at mediation hearings for parents and family members of students with disabilities.
• Telephone consultation
• Letter writing

HOW AN EDUCATION ADVOCATE HELPS

This fee-for-service program will prepare you for education planning meetings with your schools as your child advances through the grade levels. (ages 3 through 21) As part of this program, you will be expected to do your part by following through on the advocacy plan that will be developed and outlined in the service. The goal of the service is for you, the parent, to be an informed activist on behalf of your child. It is NOT for the Education Advocate to act on your behalf. The Education Advocate will help you to seek and ideally receive the necessary support for your child from the public education system as allowed by law.

For more information, you can contact the Arc of Somerset County at 908-725-8544 x 626, send email to edadvocate@thearcofsomerset.org or use the Information Request form below.