Beyond the IEP and 504 Plan:
A Parent’s Guide to Advocacy and Action

This webinar gives parents a practical guide to understanding their child’s development and getting the right support at school and beyond. We’ll start with an overview of childhood developmental milestones, including communication, motor skills, social development, literacy, math, and writing, so you can better understand what typical development looks like and when differences may benefit from extra support. We’ll walk through common neurodevelopmental differences parents notice at home or hear about from teachers, and demystify the two main paths to getting help: through your child’s school and through the regional center.

From there, we’ll offer a practical refresher on your rights under the IEP and 504 process. We’ll cover how to read and understand your child’s educational plan, how to identify when goals or services need to be revisited, what to do when a plan isn’t working or isn’t enough, and strategies for advocating effectively at team meetings. Whether you’re just starting to wonder about your child’s development or have been navigating special education for years, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of what’s typical, where to turn next, and concrete tools to help your child get the most out of their educational plan.

• 90-minute webinar (presentation + Q&A)
• Presentation slides
• Digital handouts