Free Virtual Parent Training Sessions
2025-2026
"Thank you McGowan Advocacy for everything you do for the children and their families! Your professional support and care make a huge impact on the future of our students!" - Ann
High School— Transition to Adulthood
Does your teenage child's IEP have a transition plan? Why is this essential to their future success? All those years of endless IEP meetings are coming to an end. Now you need to make sure that your child is ready for adulthood. How do you use the accommodations in the IEP to support them in college and the workplace?
IEP Supports & Services: A Parent’s Guide
Empower Yourself. Advocate Effectively. Gain practical advocacy tools. Learn how to protect and promote your child’s rights. Receive resource packets with checklists, templates, and guides.
Learn how to ensure your child receives the educational supports and services they need to thrive.
You’ll Learn:
· What supports & services are under IDEA & CA law
· How to connect evaluations to services
· Common services: speech, OT, PT, behavioral supports, assistive tech
· How to write clear, measurable service statements
· Advocacy strategies to address disagreements
IEP Supports & Services: A Parent’s Guide
Empower Yourself. Advocate Effectively. Gain practical advocacy tools. Learn how to protect and promote your child’s rights. Receive resource packets with checklists, templates, and guides.
Learn how to ensure your child receives the educational supports and services they need to thrive.
You’ll Learn:
· What supports & services are under IDEA & CA law
· How to connect evaluations to services
· Common services: speech, OT, PT, behavioral supports, assistive tech
· How to write clear, measurable service statements
· Advocacy strategies to address disagreements
Applying for IHSS (Chelley Welsh and Michelle McGowan)
Over 90% of first time applicants are denied IHSS. This training session will assist you in getting all of the information that you need in order for your initial home visit and help you understand the purpose of IHSS and Protective Supervision.
Applying for Regional Center (Karina Castillo)
Regional Center Services are available for all children under the age of 3 if they have severe deficits in speech, social/emotional areas, and fine and gross motor skills - but only for certain children over the age of 3. This training session will help you to understand who is eligible and what the process is to get your child Regional Center services.
Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Autism, ADHD, & Dyslexia
Building Inclusive Learning Environments.
Discover how neurodiverse learners experience the classroom and how to advocate for their needs.
You’ll Learn:
· Strengths-based approaches to Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia
· Common classroom challenges & effective supports
· Collaborating with teachers for individualized accommodations
· Encouraging self-advocacy in students
Resources for parents and educators.
Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Autism, ADHD, & Dyslexia
Building Inclusive Learning Environments.
Discover how neurodiverse learners experience the classroom and how to advocate for their needs.
You’ll Learn:
· Strengths-based approaches to Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia
· Common classroom challenges & effective supports
· Collaborating with teachers for individualized accommodations
· Encouraging self-advocacy in students
Resources for parents and educators.
School Discipline & Your Child’s Rights
Protecting Students in the Discipline Process.
Understand how school discipline policies intersect with special education rights.
You’ll Learn:
· Federal & CA protections for students with disabilities
· Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) and how they work
· Suspension, expulsion, and alternatives
· Advocacy steps to prevent discrimination
· How to work with schools to create positive behavior plans
School Discipline & Your Child’s Rights
Protecting Students in the Discipline Process.
Understand how school discipline policies intersect with special education rights.
You’ll Learn:
· Federal & CA protections for students with disabilities
· Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) and how they work
· Suspension, expulsion, and alternatives
· Advocacy steps to prevent discrimination
· How to work with schools to create positive behavior plans
Q & A with an Advocate (Michelle McGowan, Chelley Welsh, & Karina Castillo)
Bring your questions and get advice from our advocate about your child's IEP, IHSS, Regional Center services and how they all work together to ensure that all of your child's needs are being met.