Larry martin davis
Founder of Special Education Advocacy
There is no “maybe later” when addressing your child’s education through advocacy support … it’s a matter of NOW. Let’s talk.
Advocacy Support: Parents
When you realize the complexity of the IEP, 504 Plan, or Evaluation process requires expertise beyond your experience: I am here for you with over twenty five years of advocacy experience.
Advocacy Coaching & Training
When you realize your next career move is to serve families as an educational advocate; I am here to assure your passion becomes a game-changer for others.
ADVOCACY PACKAGES
Consultation or Direct Advocacy; “Never go it alone”
COACHING
Supporting Advocates as you work with parents
BOOKS
Special Education resources for Parents and Teachers
BLOG
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY
Inspire change one child at a time
You are not alone …
I have been supporting parents like you through education advocacy; navigating special education, gifted, and behavior issues, with intuitive – insightful consultation, and direct special education advocacy, since 1998.
In fact, it’s more like a calling to work with parents for over 25 years as one of the leading education advocates with expertise in Autism, ADHD/ADD, specific learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges.
Just call or write; you will feel great relief by doing so for I am here to help you whether we work together thru advocacy or you simply need someone to listen.
Beyond the 15 second “elevator speech” ….
It is my intention from the beginning of our connection to put your mind at ease and assure you that in-depth knowledge, experience, and insight will make a difference as you consider moving forward with advocacy support. Anything less is unacceptable. And now is the time to do something.
A unique level of partnership and collaboration develops due to my understanding of the special education laws, policies, instruction, and most notably, the school climate and culture.
As a former Special Education Director, Behavior Specialist, Principal, Highly Capable Coordinator, Social Emotional Learning trainer, as well as a K-8 teacher, I not only support you, but I also serve as a valued member of the school intervention team: An extensive background and experience allows me to truly understand a wide range of perspectives, which supports the development of mutual understanding between clients and staff: An important part of the process that unfolds as we work together!
This is essential when selecting an advocate. For a traditional advocacy approach often creates an adversarial relationship and establishes or reinforces division and separation between the stakeholders across the table. I work from a different lens: For our intent is to support each child through solutions, creativity, and partnership. However, I won’t back-down when it comes to your parental rights and appropriate services for your child! Trust me on this.
I look forward to speaking with you:
(206) 914-0975 / (888) 881-5904
*Free Consultation available for families eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch or facing a “bump in the road”
Advocacy Packages
Consultation Package A
For parents who are self-advocating their child’s IEP but are seeking comprehensive “insider” support:
Direct Advocacy Package B
For parents who are seeking extensive support before, during, and after meeting with school personnel.
Coaching / Training Package
For prospective advocates seeking an intensive mentorship to get your own advocacy practice up and running.
Why an Advocate?
There are life’s moments when one seeks the guidance and expertise of a skilled and experienced professional: Your child’s education is one of those times.
Consider the following: When one faces legal questions, an attorney is often the best resource to seek. If medical concerns develop, a physician or specialist may serve you best. And when you have issues with your automobile, you often seek a skilled mechanic: It’s often best to seek the advice of an expert.
So when you are facing questions or concerns related to your child’s IEP, 504 Plan, or an impending Evaluation, an experienced advocate with extensive insight will serve you and your family best. Again, there are somethings you can go the DIY route; but then again, are you really comfortable making life-changing educational decisions within a process that continues to feel uncertain or confusing?
Never go it alone!
Our initial conversation, around 30 minutes, is free. And it will be very informative and helpful. At that time, we will explore your situation and see if education advocacy is your best option moving forward.
We also will discuss the costs of this process and determine a price-point which will align with your financial position. Our goal is to serve everyone and assure that pricing does not get in the way of your decision to secure services!
Since we all come to the table with varied experiences, economic resources, and circumstances, I want to assure you that I am committed to serving everyone; no one should ever think twice about seeking our services.
What are you waiting for?
Our philosophy is to serve everyone
At the core, special education is founded upon “free and appropriate education” to the extent where services and resources are inclusive and guided by each child’s individual needs.
I believe every child is a gift. And our educational system needs to work from this understanding rather than from an “institutional” perspective. This the reason why parents, like you, need the support of an experienced advocate for the system has taken on a formulaic – institutional approach in contrast to an individualized perspective.
As a result, our advocacy services are guided by understanding, transparency, and knowing that not everyone walks a similar social, emotional, or financial path; each one of us has a different story.
So during our initial consultation, we will spend extensive time together, so you can tell your story. And by doing so, we will develop an individualized program as well as a sliding fee schedule which will work for you and your situation.
We support parents through two services:
Consultation:
Providing you the “insider’s” understanding of the process so you can navigate successfully as an “I.E.P.” Parent:
Informed
Empowered
Pro-Active
Through a consultation partnership, we work before and after each meeting in support of your self-advocacy. Our clients consistently share how this level of service provides the necessary guidance which leads to agency and confidence for both parents and students who prefer to work directly with the school and team members.
Over the years, most clients who select “Package A”, keep in touch and drop in for consultation whenever they feel over-whelmed or a bit lost within the education process. It happens to the best of us. And I truly appreciate these long-term relationships!
Direct Advocacy:
Due to complex nature of Special Education, Behavior, or Highly Capable services, the majority of my clients select “Package B”; which brings us together during the meetings through direct advocacy.
By doing so, you will have a level of expertise and insight working on your behalf which can serve as a calming force within a very challenging process.
About Me
Since 1998, I have been helping parents all across the country navigate the school system, negotiating IEP & 504 Plan intervention, and consulting in complex casework, including behavior and Gifted Education. My practice is grounded upon an “insiders perspective” as an educator for over 40 years, where I have worn many hats: Special Education Director, Behavior Specialist, Principal, gifted coordinator, and K-8 teacher.
My working philosophy is founded upon mutual understanding and a collaborative framework rather than conflict and adversarial relations. As a result, insight, wisdom, and guidance through in-depth experience serves as the platform to serve others on this path.
It is an honor to be able to work with parents, staff, and community members as we reinvent education one child at a time! Again, what are you waiting for? Give a call or contact me below:
“This is my first year working in the school district and you have been the first parent advocate that I have worked with. I instantly felt comfortable as you introduced yourself and presented the parent’s concerns. You were dynamic with your thought process which demonstrated that you were actively listening to everybody’s concerns. You reviewed what was said and made sure that everybody understood what was being said. My only hope is that your colleagues do their job as professionally as you do. You’ve set the bar very high in that regard.” DC, PT, Tacoma
“I have had the pleasure of working with Larry on a number of cases and have always appreciated his style and commitment even as the person on the “other” side of the table. Larry has a keen interest in supporting children and their families to navigate the often murky and confusing world of special education and has provided a much needed service in this area. His passion to see children receive quality education and programming is evident in his work. Larry is one of few advocacy professionals with the background in education to understand both sides of the issues at hand. This leads to discussions that are realistic, fair and open-minded. Working with him never feels adversarial but always feels like we have a shared understanding of the responsibilities borne by a school district. Larry possesses unique knowledge and experience which makes him an invaluable asset. I am always glad to see him supporting families because he is truly partnering with everyone at the table.”
~VT, Professor, former Education Specialist-Autism, Seattle
“His excellent skills [include]: conflict resolution, an ability to identify and focus upon areas of need and concern, facilitation, and a fierce commitment to children …”. TM, Superintendent, King County