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HomeCertification
Self-paced online certification

Become an IEP Advocate

Where parents, advocates and teachers educate themselves to help children flourish. Learn the fundamentals, build real confidence, and never be afraid to go into an IEP meeting again.

📚 11 in-depth modules 🎓 Certificate of completion ⏱️ 12 months access
Who it's for

This course is for you.

👪

Parents & caregivers

Navigating the school system or trying to get your child an IEP or 504? Understand how the system really works and how to use it for your child, with far less aggravation. Most parents don't realize how much power they have.

🤝

Professional advocates

An advocate, or aspiring to be one, who wants to help parents navigate the system, and build a livelihood doing work you love.

🍎

Educators

A teacher or administrator seeking to understand how to support students who need an IEP or 504, while keeping your school in compliance.

A woman studying the online IEP advocate course at home, taking notes by her laptop
🎥

11 pre-recorded modules

Around two hours each. Go at your own pace, as fast or slow as you need, with access to the material for a full year.

💬

Pam answers your questions

Study each module, share your thoughts, get your questions answered and pick up extra tips directly from your instructor.

📎

Handouts you can actually use

Articles on specific topics, checklists and real forms, ready to put to work in your own meetings.

🏆

A certificate to be proud of

Finish the course and receive a personalized certificate of completion, suitable for framing.

Course outline

Eleven modules, everything you need.

Session 1

IEP vs 504 Plans

The difference between IEPs and 504 Plans: when to use which, and why.

Session 2

IEP eligibility

What you need to know so the school won't mislead you into believing your child doesn't need additional support.

Session 3

Free evaluations

How to get free evaluations from the district, which type to choose, and how to challenge the results.

Session 4

IEP meeting strategies

How to prepare properly, participate with confidence, and follow up for better results.

Session 5

Procedural safeguards

Holding the school accountable: your rights, the school's legal obligations, and which documents to request and review.

Session 6

Support beyond academics

What other kinds of support to ask for, so your child has the best shot at thriving at school.

Session 7

Writing a successful IEP — Part 1

Structure: which sections to include, and in what order.

Session 8

Writing a successful IEP — Part 2

Wording: how to write the IEP so it holds the school accountable and truly helps your child.

Session 9

Behavior assessment & intervention

What to do about behavior challenges: how to create, request and review a positive behavior intervention plan.

Session 10

Mediation, complaints & due process

What to do when you disagree with the school, and how to choose the best path to get cooperation.

Session 11

ESY, access points & transition

Extended school year eligibility, using access points, and the post-high-school transition skills the school should help develop.

Finish

Your certificate

On successful completion you'll receive a frame-worthy certificate, and keep access to your portal for one year from the start of your course.

Enroll today

Choose the option that fits you.

Advocacy is more essential now than ever before.

Save $100

Pay in full

$1,300$1,200
  • Instant $100 discount
  • Immediate, full access to everything
  • All 11 modules + handouts + certificate
  • 12 months of portal access
Enroll now

Payment plan

$1,300 in two payments
  • $650 now, $650 in four weeks
  • Access to your first month right away
  • Full access once payment is complete
  • Same 12 months of portal access
Get started

Once you enroll, you'll receive prompt instructions on how to access your portal, whichever option you choose.

Pam Lindemann, your instructor and founder of The IEP Advocate
Meet your instructor

Pam Lindemann

"Hi, I'm Pam Lindemann, founder of The IEP Advocate and your instructor. I've been advocating for children's special education rights for 27 years, first for my own daughter, who was born with cerebral palsy, and then for thousands of other families."

In 2009 Pam founded The IEP Advocate, the first-ever organization of IEP advocates in Florida, and she has personally attended well over 3,000 IEP meetings. Now she teaches everything she's learned, so you can do it too.

Ready to become an advocate?

Have a question about the course before you enroll? We're happy to help.

Talk to us first