Walk into the IEP meeting knowing exactly what to ask for.
Carr Education Allies guides families through special education evaluations, IEPs and 504 plans. We are former Maryland classroom teachers — and parents who have sat on your side of the table.
You’re probably here because…
- The evaluation came back and you are not sure what it actually means.
- The school said no — to an evaluation, a service, a placement.
- The IEP is full of language you have never seen before.
- Your meeting is two weeks away and you do not feel prepared.
- You have been doing this for years and still feel unheard.
- Something was denied and you do not know what to do next.
You are not overreacting, and you are not alone. Most parents we meet have been told to “just wait and see.” You are allowed to ask for more.
What we do
Before the meeting
We read the psychological evaluations, IEP goals, progress reports and test scores, then hold a prep session so you know your priorities and your questions before you walk in.
In the meeting
We attend with you, keep the conversation on your child’s needs, and make sure your concerns are heard and written down — no more driving home wondering what you forgot to say.
After the meeting
We track progress, review communication with the school team and check that the services actually agreed to are being delivered — because a plan nobody follows helps nobody.
How it works
- 1. Reach out. Tell us what is happening — the meeting, the denial, the evaluation.
- 2. Document review. We go through every assessment, report and score line by line.
- 3. Prep session. We set priorities, draft goal revisions and prepare your questions.
- 4. We attend with you. Professional representation at your IEP or 504 meeting.
- 5. Follow-through. Progress tracking and implementation checks until it is working.
Why families choose us
10+ years in Maryland classrooms
Stephanie and Andrea both taught secondary education in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel and Baltimore County, and at the Kennedy Krieger Upper School. We know how school teams think because we have been on that side of the table.
Certified and involved
Stephanie is a certified Dyslexia Advocate through the Dyslexia Training Institute, a founding member of Decoding Dyslexia–Howard County, and a former Howard County SECAC board member. Andrea holds degrees in secondary education, psychology and teaching reading.
We are parents first
Stephanie is raising three children with various disabilities. We have sat in those meetings as parents, felt what you are feeling, and learned how to make the system respond. That experience is what we bring to your table.
Questions parents ask us
Will the school mind if I bring an advocate?
No. You have the right to bring anyone you choose to an IEP or 504 meeting. Our role is to keep the meeting focused on your child’s needs and to make sure the record reflects what was actually said.
Do I need an advocate or a lawyer?
Most families need help preparing, understanding documents and participating in the school process — that is where we work. If your situation calls for a legal dispute or a hearing, we will tell you honestly when an attorney is the right next step.
We already have an IEP. Is an advocate still useful?
Yes. An existing IEP is reviewed every year, and re-evaluations happen on a schedule. If progress reports or test scores do not match what the plan promises, that is exactly when a fresh set of experienced eyes helps most.
What does it cost?
Every situation is different, and we will explain exactly how we work and what it costs before you commit to anything. Start with a conversation and we will take it from there.
We have already been denied. Is it too late?
No. Denials can be revisited — with new data, a re-evaluation request, or a clearer presentation of your child’s needs. Tell us what happened and we will tell you what the options are.
Let’s talk about your child
Stephanie Carr · 202-900-9668 · [email protected]
Andrea Jones · 410-417-8676 · [email protected]