Search Results

About me The Basics I am a mom of two amazing daughters in their 20s and I can definitely say that worrying about your child doesn't end when they turn 18. I know the trials and tribulations of raising a child to adulthood and the stress that school struggles can cause in a family. I also know that there is hope. I have been an advocate since my daughters started school and I became a teacher, which happened simultaneously. I have now been an educator and advocate for more than 18 years. I possess a Master's Degree in special education with an emphasis on severe disabilities and am a Board Certified Advocate for Special Education. I have worked with children and families that have experienced learning differences, attention and impulsivity difficulties, cognitive impairments, neurodivergence, speech and language impairments, and countless other concerns that can make school more difficult for children. My approach to advocacy is student centered and strength based. Backstory So many factors lead me to where I am today. As a very young child, I loved school. I admired my teachers and spent many summers playing school with my little sisters. I always knew that I would be an educator. I loved learning so much that my dad installed a full sized chalkboard in my bedroom when I turned 10. Becoming a teacher was an easy choice. My goal was always to make my classroom a place where all children could thrive and find the same passion for learning that I had. I decided that I could reach more types of learners if I got dual credentials (general and special education). During student teaching, I was placed in a full inclusion school that was the model in my state. My passion for inclusion grew and I was eventually employed at that school for 7 years. I was able to try different inclusion models and learned from some of the best colleagues. Quickly, I became the teacher that had the most challenging students and was seeing great progress. I saw the need to help parents become more informed and aware of the IEP process so I started parent advocacy events for families. I supported parents during transitions to middle school and helped them push for more inclusive classes after they left elementary. This is where my family advocacy journey took root. Fast forward several years, and I found myself with an opportunity to become a principal. I knew I would miss the classroom, but felt I could make a bigger impact as a leader. Special education teachers are traditionally given much less support and professional development opportunities within the school building than their general education counterparts. I vowed to do better. I was able to support, coach, and provide meaningful opportunities to special education teachers, but I needed to go a step further. I started training general education teachers about inclusive practices and encouraged more collaboration with special education teachers. I also learned about the inner workings of school districts, funding, staffing, and the processes and systems that weren't always in the best interests of students. This has always been a source of frustration, but now I have a deeper understanding of why it happens, and how to change it. Why Choose Me? I have a unique perspective about education. I am a parent. I have been a teacher and administrator in public schools. Not only do I understand the school system and special education from the inside, but I get kids. I have worked with children my entire adult life and know what they need to succeed. Whether it is a learning disability, ADHD, autism,or a language disorder that is impacting a child's ability to learn, I have the skills and experience to know how to meet their needs. My expertise as both a general education teacher and special education teacher gives me an advantage in IEP meetings. I have an arsenal of strategies, techniques, training, and knowledge about educating diverse learners. ​ I am passionate about giving every single child the opportunity to learn in a way that works for them. I fully believe that all children can learn when high expectations are combined with excellent teaching strategies. I strive to push schools and educators to do more for students and to remember who they are there to serve. Because I know what success in school looks like, I can help you navigate to that path for your child. I can use my skills help you fight for what is right for your child.​ Finally, I am a relationship builder. I can build bridges between families and schools so that you can have a positive working relationship with your child's school. I know the importance of relationships in a child's education and how a great relationship can be a game changer for a child. My goal is to also have a positive relationship with your family so we can support your child together.

Resources and Tips Common Abbreviations and Acronyms in Special Education ​ Exceptional Family Resource Center ​ Flourishing Families Resource Guide ​ Disability Rights California ​ MCCS Camp Pendleton Exceptional Family Member Program ​ San Diego County Regional Center ​ Autism Society San Diego ​ Deaf Community Resources of San Diego ​ Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County ​ San Diego Down Syndrome Association ​ United Cerebral Palsy Association ​ Parent 2 Parent ​ National Inclusion Project ​ Special Education Rights and Responsibilities (SERR) ​ ​ Files & Folders + File Item name Last updated Views Favorites Contributors IEP Tips 2 items can access Jul 21, 2022 2 Suzy Palmer Item Parent Resources and Information 6 items can access Aug 17, 2022 2 Suzy Palmer Item

How Can I Help? There are many ways a special education advocate can support you. To hear more about my services, let's set up a free consultation. Now accepting new clients! Contact me for a free 30 minute consultation today. Understand Explain the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process Decode jargon that is rarely explained to parents Explain school evaluations and procedures Breakdown reports Review IEPs and documents before signing Review parental rights and protections Advise parents about services, programs, and accommodations to support the child in school Organize Listen to your concerns and help clarify priorities Review and organize all documentation Document discussions and concerns Follow up on action items from meetings Check documents for accuracy and completion Suggest teaching methods or strategies to implement Prepare Devise advocacy strategies Prepare parents for school meetings Debrief with parents before and after meetings Draft written communications to school officials Empower parents to advocate for their child Work with educators to develop appropriate goals Support Facilitate discussions and meetings Attend meetings with parents Help keep focus on the child during meetings Connect with school staff and officials on parents' behalf Ease stress by taking care of the details for parents Conduct classroom observations

Helping San Diego Families Navigate Special Education Students First Advocacy book a free consultation My Journey Find out how I got here and why we might be a great team. More Info How Can I Help? Learn more about the services and support I can offer your family. More Info Let's Connect Have more questions? Want to talk to someone who can help? More Info Why Hire a Special Education Advocate? Being a parent is stressful and being a parent of a child with special needs can be overwhelming. Have you ever wondered how to get more help for your child? Do you have a sense that things aren't working very well in school? Does the thought of attending a school meeting fill you with anxiety and worry? ​ It might be time to get some help. An advocate can guide you through the world of special education and empower you with the tools to help your child be happier and more successful in school. My job is to be a source of information, support, and a liaison between families and schools. How Can I Help?

Let's Connect Would you like to learn more about how my services could help your family navigation the world of special education? Fill in the form below to set up a free 30 minute phone consultation. During the call I can get the basics of your situation, see if we are a good fit for each other, and discuss pricing. Contact Details Suzanne Palmer Carlsbad, CA suzanne@studentsfirstadvocacy.com Parent/Guardian Name(s) Phone Email Briefly tell me about your family and concerns Child's School/District Best way to reach you Send Thank you! I will contact you as soon as possible to set up a consultation. How did you hear about me? Referral from friend Referral from another advocate Referral from specialist Google Search From an event Other