New Year, New Advocacy: Setting Intentional Resolutions for Your Child’s Education

By: Dr. Gabrielle Baker, President & Advocate

As we turn the page into a new year, many families set resolutions focused on health, organization, or personal growth. But for parents navigating IEPs, 504 plans, or ongoing school challenges, this season is also the perfect time to reset, refocus, and re-energize your advocacy efforts.

At Education Advocates of America, we believe the new year is more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to build momentum, strengthen communication with the school team, and ensure your child’s supports truly align with their needs. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning the journey, intentional resolutions can make the road ahead clearer and more empowering.

1. Resolve to Get Reacquainted With Your Child’s IEP or 504 Plan

January is an ideal time to read through your child's plan with fresh eyes.
Ask yourself:

• Does this plan still reflect their current strengths and challenges?

• Are goals measurable, meaningful, and appropriately ambitious?

• Is progress toward goals being monitored consistently—and accurately?

A simple refresh can reveal gaps, outdated information, or supports that need adjustment.

2. Organize Your Advocacy Documents

One of the most powerful resolutions parents can make is committing to organization. This includes:

• Creating a folder (digital or paper) for this year’s emails, data, and evaluations

• Tracking meeting dates and service minutes

• Keeping a log of concerns, wins, and communication with school staff

Clear documentation is often the deciding factor in resolving issues quickly and effectively.

3. Commit to Understanding Your Child’s Data

Data tells a story—and the new year is the perfect time to learn how to interpret it.
Take time to review:

• Progress monitoring graphs

• Report cards

• Benchmark assessments

• Behavior data

• Attendance patterns

If something doesn’t align with what you’re seeing at home, that’s a signal to ask questions and dig deeper.

4. Strengthen Relationships With Your Child’s Team

A powerful resolution for the year ahead is simply this: choose collaboration over conflict whenever possible.
Sending a kind check-in email, acknowledging a helpful teacher, or expressing appreciation for effort can go a long way in building trust and improving communication. Strong relationships lead to strong programs.

5. Make a Plan for Mid-Year Adjustments

The midpoint of the school year is when families often notice that something isn’t working—or that new needs have emerged.
Your resolution:
Speak up early instead of waiting until the annual meeting.
Whether it’s requesting a data review, asking for a meeting, or seeking an evaluation, timely action ensures your child doesn’t lose months of growth.

6. Seek Support When Needed

Advocacy does not have to be a solo effort.
A meaningful resolution may be simply allowing yourself to ask for help—whether from a knowledgeable friend, a parent support group, or a professional advocate. EAA exists to shoulder that burden with you and guide you step-by-step through the process.

7. Celebrate Your Child’s Strengths and Growth

Among all the goals and plans, remember to pause and celebrate:

• A newly mastered skill

• An increase in confidence

• A positive report from a teacher

• A moment of resilience or independence

Advocacy is not only about fixing what’s hard—it’s about recognizing what’s working.

Final Thoughts: A Year of Empowered Advocacy

As we welcome the new year, let’s commit to building a more informed, organized, and collaborative approach to supporting our children. With clarity, data, and strong advocacy, every family can make this the year their child receives the meaningful, individualized education they deserve.

From all of us at Education Advocates of America, we wish you a year filled with growth, progress, and empowerment. We’re honored to stand beside you—today, tomorrow, and all year long.