IEP Advocate Providers in San Francisco, CA

Finding the right iep advocate provider in San Francisco can feel overwhelming. We've compiled availability, insurance, and waitlist information to help you find care faster.

14

Providers Found

7

Accepting Clients

Avg Waitlist

IEP Advocate Providers in San Francisco

Aolivia Oliveira

IEP Advocate Virtual

IEP Advocate

📍 1476 Washington Street

A. Olivia Oliveira

IEP Advocate Virtual (Oliveira / listed)

IEP Advocate

📍 1476 Washington Street

Carolyn McTier Makens, Esq.

The Law Office of Carolyn McTier Makens

IEP Advocate
Accepting Clients

📍 PO Box 28171

Private pay (legal fees)
Dr. Mark Steinberg

Mark Steinberg, Ph.D. — Educational & IEP Advocacy

IEP Advocate
Imari Nicoloff, Dr. (contact listed)

Education Advocate Virtual (Imari Nicoloff listed in CA advocate list)

IEP Advocate

📍 1476 Washington Street

Joseph Martinez

IEP Advocate Virtual

IEP Advocate
Accepting Clients

📍 1476 Washington Street

Leigh Law Group (attorneys)

Leigh Law Group — Special Education

IEP Advocate
Accepting Clients

📍 One Embarcadero Center, Suite 500

Private pay; contingency or retainer arrangements (not insurance billed)
Olivia Oliveira

IEP Advocate Virtual

IEP Advocate
Accepting Clients

📍 1476 Washington Street

Olivia Oliveira

OAH List — IEPAdvocateVirtual / Olivia Oliveira

IEP Advocate

📍 1476 Washington St

Private pay
Olivia Oliveira

IEPAdvocateVirtual (Olivia Oliveira / listed contact)

IEP Advocate

📍 1476 Washington Street

📍 870 Market St, Suite 695

None (CASA service)

📍 450 Sutter St

Medi-Cal (through UCSF clinics), Private insurance (depending on clinic)
Sergio Merida / Olivia Oliveira (contact email aolivia.oliveira@gmail.com)

Family Advocacy Consulting Team (FACT) / IEP Advocate Virtual (listed contact)

IEP Advocate

📍 1476 Washington Street

Accepting Clients

📍 1375 Sutter St, 2nd Floor

Regional Center referrals, none required for advocacy services

What to Look For in IEP Advocate

IEP advocates help parents navigate the special education system, attend IEP meetings, understand their rights, and ensure children receive appropriate services from school districts.

  • Knowledge of IDEA and state special education law
  • Experience with your child's disability type
  • Clear communication style
  • Collaborative approach with schools
  • References from other families

Insurance: IEP advocacy is typically not covered by insurance. Costs range from $100-300 per hour. Some advocates offer sliding scale fees. Regional Centers may fund advocacy services.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I hire an IEP advocate?
Consider an advocate if you're feeling overwhelmed, disagreeing with the school, or your child isn't making progress with current services.
What's the difference between an advocate and attorney?
Advocates help at IEP meetings and negotiations but cannot represent you in due process hearings. Attorneys can represent you in legal proceedings.
Can the school refuse to let my advocate attend?
No. Federal law (IDEA) gives you the right to bring anyone to IEP meetings, including advocates.
How much does an IEP advocate cost?
Typically $100-300 per hour. Some charge flat rates for IEP meetings. Many offer free initial consultations.

Your Regional Office

Golden Gate Regional Center

regional_center

📍 1355 Market Street, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94103, San Francisco

📞 (415) 546-9222

🌐 Visit Website

🕐 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Individuals with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and similar conditions that begin before age 18 and cause substantial functional limitations.

California Resources

Key Laws

SB 946

Requires health insurance to cover behavioral health treatment for autism, including ABA therapy.

Lanterman Act

Guarantees services and supports for Californians with developmental disabilities through Regional Centers.

AB 1062

Requires school districts to use evidence-based practices for students with autism.

Funding Sources

Regional Center

Provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. Free evaluation and services.

Medi-Cal

California's Medicaid program covers ABA, speech therapy, OT, and other autism services.

Private Insurance

SB 946 mandates autism coverage. Contact your insurer for specific benefits.

School District (IEP)

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for children ages 3-22 with disabilities.

Early Start

Early intervention for children 0-3 through Regional Centers. Free evaluation.

IEP Advocate in Nearby Cities

Other Services in San Francisco

Best IEP Advocate in San Francisco, CA (2025) | ParentGlue