Welcome to Your Certification Training

Congratulations on enrolling in the IPC Professional Advocate Certification Course — one of the most comprehensive parent advocacy training programs in the country. You now have full access to all 36 categorized training videos organized across 5 progressive learning categories.

Work through each category from top to bottom, beginning with Foundations and progressing through Practical Tools & Strategies, Developing Advocacy Skills, Special Education Law, and Mastery & Advanced Topics. Each category opens with an Overview session — watch it first to orient yourself to what that category covers. You may work at your own pace; there is no time limit on completing the course.

When you have completed all 36 training videos, you will take the IPC Certified Professional Advocate Assessment. This comprehensive assessment tests the knowledge and skills you have acquired across all five categories. You must achieve a score of 80% or higher to earn your official certification. Upon passing, you will receive your IPC Certified Professional Advocate credential — a 3-year certification that is a mark of genuine mastery and commitment to children with disabilities.

Begin with the Foundations category and complete each video in order.

Progress through all 5 categories and all 36 sessions before taking the assessment.

Navigate between categories using the filter tabs below. Use All to see every video.

When all videos are complete, click Take Your Certification Assessment to begin.

✓

Score 80% or higher on the assessment to earn your 3-year IPC Certified Professional Advocate credential.

36 Professional Training Sessions

5 categories · Begin with Foundations · Complete all sessions before the assessment

Foundations

9 Sessions — Start Here

★

Overview — Foundations

Overview

Session 1: Intro to Special Education

Session

Session 2: Special Education Acronyms and Terms

Session

Session 3: School Collaboration and Team Roles

Session

Session 4: A Deep Dive Into Your Child's IEP

Session

Session 5: Least Restrictive Environment

Session

Session 6: Requesting an IEP Meeting

Session

Session 7: Evaluation in Special Education

Session

Session 8: Transition Planning and Extended Services

Session

Practical Tools & Strategies

8 Sessions

★

Overview — Practical Tools and Strategies

Overview

Session 1: Reading and Grading IEPs

Session

Session 2: Data Collection and Record Keeping

Session

Session 3: Writing SMART IEP Goals

Session

Session 4: Understanding Assessments and Standardized Testing

Session

Session 5: Advocating for Accommodations and Modifications

Session

Session 6: Discipline and Behavior Support

Session

Session 7: Resolving Disputes

Session

Developing Advocacy Skills

7 Sessions

★

Overview — Developing Advocacy Skills

Overview

Session 1: Building Confidence as a Parent Advocate

Session

Session 2: Understanding Your Child's Needs

Session

Session 3: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Session

Session 4: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution for IEP Parents

Session

Session 5: Active Listening and Emotional Intelligence

Session

Session 6: Effective Communication with Schools

Session

Special Education Law

6 Sessions

★

Overview — Special Education Law

Overview

Session 1: Understanding FAPE

Session

Session 2: Understanding Your Rights in the Special Education Process

Session

Session 3: Supreme Court Cases in Special Education

Session

Session 4: What Do I Do Now? I Disagree with the School District or Believe That Rights Were Violated

Session

Session 5: Due Process

Session

Mastery & Advanced Topics

6 Sessions

★

Overview — Mastery and Advanced Topics

Overview

Session 1: Staying Informed in the IEP Process

Session

Session 2: Becoming a Parent Mentor

Session

Session 3: Advocating for Inclusion

Session

Session 4: Advanced Legal Scenarios in the IEP Process

Session

Session 5: Filing a State Complaint

Session

Foundations

• 12/30/24

Overview

This series provides parents with a comprehensive guide to navigating the special education process. Through eight focused sessions, you’ll gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence to understand key terms, collaborate with your child’s team, advocate for their needs, and craft an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP). From evaluations to transition planning, each session equips you to support your child’s growth, inclusion, and success at every stage of their educational journey.

Welcome to Your Certification Training

36 Professional Training Sessions

Overview

Session 1: Intro to Special Education

You Might Also Like

IEP Parent Coach