Child Advocate Services

A Child Advocate will ensure that children with disabilities receive the educational benefits promised to them by state and federal laws.

A Child Advocate can help the parents/guardian develop the skills and knowledge necessary to build a solid support team for the child.

A Child Advocate is experienced in locating appropriate services for your child by working closely with other agencies. By becoming a member of your child's IEP or 504 "team", our Child Advocate will provide helpful suggestions for inclusion, behavior intervention plans, accessibility to all classes & activities, modifying or adapting for success.

What Information

A child's file should include ALL school, medical and mental health records along with any other important information. Organizing this information and having it available is critical in setting up and following an appropriate Education Plan for children with disabilities. 

What is an IEP?

If you child has been evaluated or reevaluated and is identified as a child in need of special education services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed. The IEP is a written document describing your child's educational program. This is an Individualized Program, meaning that this plan is written for your child, not a group or class of children. The IEP will focus on your child's learning needs and written as one document; this is not a lesson plan, but an overall view of instruction and services your child will receive throughout the year. 

IEPs must be reviewed and revised at least once a year, however you may request an IEP meeting during the year if needed. 

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is a legal document falling under the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is designed to plan a program of instructional services to assist students with special needs who are in a regular education. 

Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibilities)

Show-Me-Careers Project

We are seeking to help anyone from ages 16-30 with a disability of any kind to help gain employment skills and open up job opportunities!

Show-Me-Careers can help build your resume for college or employment! We offer employment skills classes for youth/adults. A few examples of these classes:  hygiene, good employee traits, goal setting, building a resume and cover letter, leadership, employment, self-determination, etc. Also, we provide On the Job Training!