Serving families and caregivers who have an educational concern for their child and seek advocacy training, support, and hands-on advocacy services.
Sometimes, families need educational guidance after their child recently received a diagnosis. Other times, a student is recently found eligible for an individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 plan, and the family is looking to work with an IEP advocate to address educational and social-emotional concerns. In contrast, other families were dumbfounded that their child was not eligible for an IEP or 504 plan, so they sought guidance from a special education advocate. As a parent with children who have disabilities, I have walked this path and understand entirely.
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Whether you're just starting your educational journey or are well into the process, when you have an educational concern, I'm here to help. I will provide direct advocacy services as needed. I will also provide the training you need to empower yourself and become a strong advocate for your child. I will be by your side, offering support and guidance, and when necessary, I will help you prepare your case for an attorney.
Families seek the support of an experienced and compassionate special education advocate or education advocate for various reasons. Here are some examples of areas I can support you in:
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Developing a strong, well calculated, comprehensive IEP suited to your child's unique needs.
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Assisting families with getting their child's mental health concerns appropriately addressed
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Learning how to become a powerful and effective parent advocate for your child
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Helping your child find placement in the least restrictive environment
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Increasing opportunities for inclusion throughout the school day
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Seeking out-of-district placement
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Pursuing a structured literacy program
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Increasing or adding additional school-based therapy or support services
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Addressing concerns about your child not making sufficient progress
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Evaluating the appropriateness of IEP goals and advocating for changes
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Clarifying questions the family has about the school district's evaluation
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Responding to the situation where a child is not found eligible for an IEP
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Addressing concerns that a 504 plan is not sufficient
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Challenging the district's denial of a child study team evaluation
Special Education Advocacy, Consulting, Family Coaching, & Presentations
Special Education Advocacy Services
Strategic planning, meeting participation, written correspondence, and help from an advocate to support your position and achieve your goals.
Families will most often retain me through my affiliated law firm when looking for direct advocacy services. Families typically seek support from an educational advocate when needing support with written communications or someone to participate in IEP, 504, or other meetings. Some examples of direct special education advocacy services include:
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Help to obtaining your child's records.
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I will attend and participate in meetings (e.g., Identification and Eligibility, Evaluation and Triannual Evaluations, IEP, 504 conferences, Team meetings, Mediation, etc.)
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In collaboration with you, I will draft formal written communications, including letters, responses, requests, state complaints, etc.
Consultation Services
Guidance and support from an educational advocate, recommendations and answers to your questions.
Families will typically ask for consultation services when they want help from an educational advocate but they want to keep the advocate's involvement private and do not wish to share this with the school district. This type of service is often referred to as "ghost advocacy." This typically includes:
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Getting answers to your questions
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An in-depth review of your child's records
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Providing you with a case summary and analysis which includes options for moving your case forward
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Referral to independent assessors, experts, and attorneys as needed.
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Learning about educational rights in the state of NJ
Parent Training
Hands-on training specific to your situation and child's needs so that you become the most effective advocate in the room.
Often, parents want to BE the advocate. As a parent myself, I believe the best thing I can do is teach others how to become their own best advocates. With the delivery of this service, we will assess the situation, learn about issue spotting, critically analyze data and evaluations, and sharpen communication skills. I will be with you every step of the way, helping to empower you as you become a strong and effective advocate for your child.
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Learn how to analyze your child's evaluations
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Critically evaluate your child's IEP
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Learn about issue-spotting
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Get help gathering and organizing records
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Become a powerful and effective communicator
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Be the advocate that gets results for your child
Customized Speaking Engagements &
Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) Engagement
As a non-attorney special education advocate and parent myself, I offer presentations and workshops tailored to suit your group's unique needs. These sessions cover a range of common topics, such as managing an IEP meeting, Spotting Issues, Understanding Educational Rights, IEPs vs. 504 Plans, and Understanding Your Child's Evaluations.
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These workshops are ideally suited for family support groups or parent-led groups eager to gain a deeper understanding of their rights, learn about their child's educational rights, and navigate the educational system effectively. My goal is to empower the community with the knowledge and insight needed to effectively address each child's unique circumstances, enabling them to achieve meaningful progress.
Amanda Villamar, MSW, LSW
Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate
Certified School Social Worker
Welcome. I am Amanda J Villamar, a professional Non-Attorney Education Advocate serving families throughout New Jersey.
I work under the principles of collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution. My philosophy is that students are best served within a framework of positive working relationships and partnership. My services include direct special education advocacy services, ongoing consultation services, parent training, and customized presentations for groups. When needed, I will prepare your case for an attorney and refer you to expert evaluators.
Ready to get started?
In-person and online support is available anywhere in New Jersey.
Book a Free 20-minute call
During the call, I will listen and gain a general understanding of your concerns goals. I will also explain the services available to you. Together, we will determine if our partnership is a good fit. If so, you will have the option to book an initial intake meeting with me.
Initial Consultation Session Via Zoom or In-Person
During your initial intake session, I will gather a detailed history, briefly look over any documents you share, and discuss recommendations to help move your case forward. Following this session a proposed retainer agreement will be offered based on your needs and goals. All services must be paid for in advance.
Advocacy and Support to Achieve Your Goals
After your initial intake, and once you have retained my services. I will get to work carrying out all the agreed-upon services aimed at securing an appropriate and meaningful education for your child.
"Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way."
~ George Evans
Contact Amanda Villamar, Educational Advocate
Special Education Advocacy, Consulting, Family Coaching, & Speaking Engagements
Based in Bernardsville, Located in Somerset County and serving all of New Jersey.
Phone:
You can also contact us by using this form: