Building Your Advocacy Confidence Before Fall Back To School
I was grabbing my iced coffee at Starbucks the other morning when a mom I know came up to me, looking both determined and exhausted.
“Michelle, school’s coming up fast, and I’m already getting that pit in my stomach. I know the IEP meetings are coming, and I don’t want to walk in unprepared again.”
If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. For parents of children with IEPs or 504 Plans, back-to-school season can bring more than just supply lists—it brings that quiet (or not-so-quiet) worry about whether your child’s needs will actually be supported.
Here’s what I told her:
Preparation Prevents Overwhelm
You do not need to walk into meetings bracing for conflict or feeling like you have to “gear up” for a battle.
You just need to prepare well so you can collaborate effectively.
Review your child’s IEP now. Are the goals current? Are accommodations practical for the new classroom environment?
Check service minutes and providers. Clarify before school starts to prevent confusion later.
Write down what is working at home so you can share insights with the team.
List your priorities and concerns in advance so you can speak clearly during meetings.
A Parent’s “Lightbulb Moment”
At that Starbucks table, I pulled out “The Confident Parent’s IEP Workbook” and walked her through it. As we flipped through the pages, she paused and said:
“Oh, so this is what advocates mean when they say ‘take notes’! I always thought I was supposed to just sit and listen, but now I see how writing things down overtime can help me feel more in control.”
She smiled, relief washing over her.
For the first time, she felt like she had permission to actively participate and a simple way to organize the chaos of meetings and those pickup conversations with teachers.
Collaboration Makes a Difference
The parent at Starbucks told me, “I don’t want another year of feeling like I’m alone in this.”
I get it. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to do this alone.
You do not need to memorize every policy or law to support your child. You do not need to walk into meetings unsure of what to say.
Having an advocate does not mean bringing conflict into the room. It means bringing clarity, strategy, and support so you can participate in meetings with confidence and calm.
A Tool to Help You Prepare
At that Starbucks table, I shared a resource that has helped many parents I work with: “The Confident Parent’s IEP Workbook.”
I created it to help parents walk into meetings prepared, organized, and steady.
What’s Inside:
✔️ Parent Concerns Log – to organize your thoughts before meetings
✔️ Teacher Concerns Tracker – to document school updates clearly
✔️ IEP Meeting Prep Sheet – to help you walk in with a clear plan
✔️ Behavior Notes Journal – to track patterns and discussions
This workbook is $25 if purchased separately and is included for free in all of my coaching packages.
Let’s Make This Year Feel Different
If you feel that tightness in your chest as school approaches, let’s get ahead of it together:
Download “The Confident Parent’s IEP Workbook” for $25 here to start preparing with confidence.
Or book a consultation with me, and receive the workbook free while we prepare your personalized plan.
🔗 Get Your Confident Parent’s IEP Workbook Here
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Let’s walk this path together. Your child deserves support, and so do you.
