Amarillo Special Education Advocates specializes in proactive, preventative care for your child’s education.
Your child’s education shapes their lifelong success—it’s far too important to leave to chance. The complex world of special education can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and confusing. That’s why partnering with a dedicated advocate isn’t just affordable—it’s essential.
We help you confidently navigate the system, prevent problems before they start, and secure the services your child needs to thrive. From the very beginning, we work to ensure your child not only receives appropriate support but has every opportunity to accelerate forward.
If you’re facing an educational emergency right now, we are experts in urgent intervention and are ready to assist with our Emergency Response Package. For families dealing with deeper, systemic issues that require more formal action, we also offer our Restorative Care Package to help you address and resolve long-standing problems.
Each of our packages is designed to be affordable—especially considering the difference they can make in your child’s education and future success.
Think of advocacy as insurance for your child’s education: it protects their rights, ensures a truly individualized plan, and gives you peace of mind that nothing is left to chance.
Empowering families to safeguard their child’s education—before, during, and after challenges arise.
Services
Preventative Care Advocacy Package
One-time payment: $175
(or $50 add-on fee if purchased after the Emergency Response Package)
Start any time during the school year—support continues through the end of that school year.
Regular and ongoing IEP Wellness Checks to ensure your child’s educational plan is healthy, compliant, and effective.
Just like preventative health care keeps your family thriving, this package is designed to catch issues early, prevent problems, and ensure your child’s supports stay strong all year.
Your Preventative Care Package includes:
Comprehensive review of your child’s IEP and educational evaluations
Detailed suggestions report with a clear plan of action
One-on-one phone meeting to discuss recommendations and next steps
Attendance at one ARD meeting to advocate for your child’s needs
Progress monitoring reports every six weeks to track services and progress
Emergency Response Advocacy Package
One-time payment: $250
When your child is in crisis, you don’t have time to wait weeks for help. Our Emergency Response Advocacy Package is like the ER for your child’s education—providing immediate, intensive support when serious issues arise.
This package is designed for urgent situations such as:
A Manifestation Determination Review after a suspension
Arrest or law enforcement involvement on campus
Sudden failing grades or significant regression
Frequent use of restraints or seclusion
Denial of essential services or proper placement
Your Emergency Response Package includes:
Priority paperwork review—we assess your documents first
Emergency consultation and strategy session to build your plan of action fast
Attendance at one ARD meeting to advocate on your behalf
Follow-up consultation to adjust strategies as needed
Unlimited emails and phone calls related to the emergency matter
Direct advocacy with the school to de-escalate and resolve urgent issues
Please note: This package does not include filing formal complaints or pursuing TEA conflict resolution processes.
When your child’s education is on the line, you deserve experienced guidance and immediate action. We are here to protect your child’s rights and help you navigate every step—without delay.
Call or Text (806)206-8241
Restorative Care Advocacy Package
One-time payment: $1200 (monthly payments available)
When your child’s education has been harmed by ongoing issues—like denied services, repeated violations, or chronic noncompliance—restorative care is essential. This package provides intensive, expert support to formally address and correct long-standing problems.
We guide you step by step through filing Texas Education Agency complaints, due process hearing requests, or the mediation process through TEA to restore your child’s rights and secure the support they deserve.
All paperwork review
Plan of action report
Unlimited calls and emails
Attend all ARD meetings
Complete all paperwork necessary for complaint, due process, and/or mediation
Attend mediation if this route is chosen
Follow up for the remainder of the school year.
Just as extended health issues require a comprehensive treatment plan, our restorative advocacy works to repair the damage, recover lost services, and ensure your child’s educational path is back on track.
Special Education Advocate in Amarillo
Helpful Tips for Parent Advocacy
As a parent, you are an equal and essential member of your child’s ARD committee. Here are some important reminders and tips to help you feel confident and prepared:
■ Your Participation Matters
You are a valued member of the ARD meeting, and your agreement is needed for consensus. If consensus isn’t reached, the committee must pause, take a short break, and reconvene to try to find solutions everyone can agree on. Always speak up about your concerns and ask questions.
■ Don’t Be Intimidated
The ARD committee is made up of professionals who work with many students and classrooms. While they mean well, they may unintentionally overlook specific needs or early warning signs. Remember, they look out for the group—you look out for your child. Your perspective is critical to making sure your child’s unique needs are addressed.
■ Keep Thorough Documentation
Always keep copies of any and all communication with the school. Try to avoid important discussions that aren’t in writing.
Request that ARD meetings be recorded whenever possible.
Save emails, letters, and reports.
Keep a dedicated binder or digital folder for all documents.
If a problem arises, the burden of proof is on you as the parent to show what occurred. If it can’t be proven, it often isn’t recognized.
■ Request ARD Meetings Anytime
You don’t have to wait for the annual ARD to bring up concerns. You have the right to request a meeting at any time if you believe your child’s educational needs aren’t being met.
■ Bring Support
Consider bringing a trusted advocate, family member, or friend to take notes and help you stay focused. Meetings can be overwhelming, and having someone with you can make a big difference. An advocate can also help you understand the specialized language and terminology used during ARD meetings and will know what questions to ask and how to respond to proposals from the school.
■ Take Your Time
You don’t have to agree to anything on the spot. After the ARD meeting, you have the right to a 5-day waiting period to review all proposed changes before they go into effect. During this time, you can think about the recommendations, ask questions, and decide whether you want to request any adjustments.
If you choose, you can call the school back within those five days to ask for changes or clarification. If you feel comfortable and ready to move forward sooner, you can also waive the 5-day waiting period and have the Individualized Education Program (IEP) implemented immediately.
Remember: You know your child best. Your voice is powerful, and your advocacy is essential to securing the services and supports your child deserves.
Need help preparing for an ARD meeting?
Call or text me today at 806-206-8241 for guidance and support.
April Gonnering, Advocate
With 11 years of experience in education, I have served as a general education teacher, special education resource teacher, and educational diagnostician. I hold a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from West Texas A&M University, along with a post-graduate certificate in Educational Diagnostician from Stephen F. Austin University. My passion for advocacy is both professional and personal—I am also a mother to a son on the autism spectrum and have navigated the special education system firsthand. I understand the challenges families face and the importance of ensuring children receive the services, accommodations, and support they need to thrive. With my knowledge of special education law, the ARD process, and school systems, I am committed to empowering parents and students by guiding them through the complexities of the special education process. My mission is to help families advocate effectively so that every child can achieve success and reach their full potential.
Contact Us
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Call or Text (806) 206-8241