Start close to home by asking other parents in your community if they know of a good special education advocate. Other parents can be your best resource.
Call or email the disability organization that represents your child's disability. For example, if your child has a learning disability, call the Learning Disability Association of America at (888) 300-6710.
Go to the website for the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). They have a link on their site which will direct you to a list of local advocates and attorneys. You can also reach COPAA by phone at (443) 451-5270.
Interview potential advocates. You are hiring them to provide a service, therefore you have the right to know their qualifications.
Select an advocate that has special education experience. Many advocates are parents of children with special needs or former special educators.
Ask potential advocates what professional meetings they have attended recently. Special education law changes regularly. A good advocate will attend meetings frequently to keep abreast of changes in the law and case law.
Inquire about fees upfront. Your advocate should be able to give you an hourly rate or an overall fee depending on how she charges.