From Confused to Confident: A Parent's Guide to School Advocacy
Practical Tools and Strategies for Confident School Advocacy
Navigating school support for a child with learning differences can feel overwhelming - but you don’t have to do it alone. This workshop led by educators who are also parents, helped attendees gain practical strategies, insider perspectives, and supportive guidance to help them advocate effectively for their child. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with other parents, learn how to collaborate with teachers, and left feeling empowered to make a difference in their child’s school experience.
Parenting a child with a learning disability, ADHD, or other diagnoses can be both rewarding and overwhelming - especially when you’re trying to ensure your child’s needs are met at school. This workshop was led by educators who are also parents walking the same path. Together, they shared practical tools, insider perspectives, and empowering strategies to help you advocate effectively for your child.
Attendees Gained:
Insight into how schools approach learning support, how to communicate with teachers and administrators, and how to build collaborative partnerships that center their child’s strengths. Through guided discussion and real-life examples, this workshop explored topics like understanding evaluations and IPP processes, preparing for meetings, and balancing advocacy with self-care.
Whether you’re new to this journey or looking to refine your approach, this session offered a supportive, judgment-free space to connect, learn, and leave feeling confident about advocating for your child at school.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand your child’s learning profile and rights within the school system
- Learn effective communication strategies for advocating in school settings
- Hear teacher–parent perspectives on what collaboration looks like when it works
- Connect with other parents who understand and share your experiences
Additional Information:
- Open to parents of children of all ages
- Open to the wider community
- Free parking available
- Accessible seating provided
Kathleen (Kat) Phelan is the Vice Principal of Elementary at Foothills Academy. Kat has a passion for STEM-based and project-learning. With over ten years of experience working with students with learning disabilities, Kat is a dedicated educator who understands the value of a growth mindset. She loves doing improv, art, and watching her feathered friends when she is not busy at school.
Meghan has worked in the special needs field for over 25 years, supporting children, teens, and adults with a wide range of learning and developmental differences. As both a professional and a parent of teens with complex diagnoses, she brings a unique, compassionate perspective to her work. Meghan is deeply committed to helping families navigate the school system and empowering parents to advocate effectively for their children. She is dedicated to supporting neurodiverse students to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—so they can reach their fullest potential. A lifelong learner, Meghan finds great joy in her work and in being part of the Foothills community.
Lindsey Bingley is the Literacy and Numeracy Strategist at Foothills Academy, where she supports students and teachers. With fifteen years of experience teaching diverse learners, she strives to help all students discover and achieve their best. Lindsey is a lifelong learner who is passionate about the value of relationships and connection in the classroom. When not teaching, Lindsey can be found volunteering with children or reading a good book.