Join Us. Learn. Advocate.
Build your advocacy skills through expert-led trainings, meaningful community conversations, and practical learning experiences designed for parents navigating special education.
01
Practical Learning
Learn strategies you can use immediately in meetings, emails, and school decisions.
02
Community
Connect with parents who understand the journey and share trusted resources.
03
Trusted Guidance
Learn from an experienced advocate committed to helping families make informed decisions.
Coffee & Conversations with A. Reneé | Laurel, MD
Community begins with conversation.
Coffee & Conversations with A. Reneé is a small-group gathering created for parents navigating special education who are looking for practical guidance, trusted resources, and meaningful connections with other families.
This is not a formal workshop or individual consultation. Instead, we'll spend the morning discussing common advocacy challenges, preparing for the upcoming school year, sharing resources, and connecting with parents who understand the journey.
PGC MD Back to School Supply Blitz
YOU’RE INVITED!
Join Us for the Annual Back-to-School Blitz
A FREE community celebration packed with family fun, delicious food, school resources, and exciting giveaways!
📅 Date & Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(Giveaways and supplies available while they last)
Bring the kids, grab some free supplies, and connect with local organizations like The IEP Files™ to help your family start the school year strong!
IEP Files Academy™ IEP READINESS Cohort 6
A cohort-based advocacy education program for parents navigating IEPs and 504 plans. Learn systems, documentation, and decision-making.
IEP Files Academy™ IEP READINESS Cohort 5
A cohort-based advocacy education program for parents navigating IEPs and 504 plans. Learn systems, documentation, and decision-making.
2026 COPAA 28th Annual Conference
Visit the COPAA website for more information https://www.copaa.org/page/2026-conference-home
What's Offered at COPAA’s Annual Conference?
Join us in person for up to five days of immersive learning, networking, and community-building. The COPAA Conference offers a unique mix of professional development and personal connection designed to empower you in your advocacy work.
Highlights Include:
Conference Kickoff Dinner
Start the week by connecting with fellow attendees in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.Two-Day Pre-Conference Sessions (March 5–6, 2026)
Deep-dive into critical topics with expert-led workshops (full-day, one-day, or half-day options available).Opening Keynote and 3) General Sessions
Be inspired by a thought-provoking keynote speaker who will set the tone for the weekend.Welcome Reception & Exhibit Hall
Explore tools and resources while networking with service providers and advocates from across the country.5K Fun Run/ 1 Mile Walk
Full Day of Breakout Sessions (March 7, 2026)
Choose from a wide variety of 75-minute sessions tailored to your interests and expertise.Half Day of Breakout Sessions (March 8, 2026)
Continue learning and connecting as the conference wraps up with impactful presentations.
COPAA Capital Hill Day
**This is event is sponsored by COPAA**
Participation Requirements
Complete the Attendee Profile Form at this link AFTER YOU'VE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE.
Attend a live, virtual training webinar in February 2026 (date/time TBD).
Attend a Mandatory Briefing on Tuesday, March 3 from 5:30-6:30 pm followed by a reception sponsored by Winston Preparatory School. Optional, but fun!
Plan to conduct Hill visits with your congressional delegation and others on Wednesday, March 4.
You are welcome to bring children ages 12 and up, list name and age(s). (no extra charge for children)
Cost: $25 members/$30 guests
Maximum: 100 person
https://www.copaa.org/general/custom.asp?page=2026-conference-capitol-hill-day
IEP Files Academy™ IEP READINESS Cohort 4
Stop guessing in IEP and 504 meetings. This cohort-based parent advocacy program teaches documentation, data, and decision-making so families can advocate with confidence.
IEP Files Academy™ IEP READINESS Cohort 3
A cohort-based special education advocacy program for parents navigating IEPs and 504 plans. Learn your rights, documentation systems, and how to make informed decisions in school meetings.
Monthly Advocacy Power Hour – Ask an Advocate (December 2025)
Whether you’re navigating special education for the first time or already knee-deep in advocacy work, this is your space to ask questions, get clear answers, and build your confidence as a parent advocate.
This one-hour online session is designed to be interactive, empowering, and real. No fluff. Just straight talk, strategies, and community.
Bring your questions, your stories, and your fire. Let’s get to work.
You belong in this room. Let’s advocate with receipts.
— A. Reneé
Founder of The IEP Files
Monthly Advocacy Power Hour – Ask an Advocate (November 2025)
Whether you’re navigating special education for the first time or already knee-deep in advocacy work, this is your space to ask questions, get clear answers, and build your confidence as a parent advocate.
This one-hour online session is designed to be interactive, empowering, and real. No fluff. Just straight talk, strategies, and community.
Bring your questions, your stories, and your fire. Let’s get to work.
You belong in this room. Let’s advocate with receipts.
— A. Reneé
Founder of The IEP Files
Monthly Advocacy Power Hour – Ask an Advocate (October 2025)
Whether you’re navigating special education for the first time or already knee-deep in advocacy work, this is your space to ask questions, get clear answers, and build your confidence as a parent advocate.
This one-hour online session is designed to be interactive, empowering, and real. No fluff. Just straight talk, strategies, and community.
Bring your questions, your stories, and your fire. Let’s get to work.
You belong in this room. Let’s advocate with receipts.
— A. Reneé
Founder of The IEP Files
IEP Files Academy™ Cohort Program #2
Tired of being dismissed, gaslit, or left guessing at the IEP table?
You're not alone — and you’re not powerless.
The IEP Files Academy™ is a live, 4-week cohort-based training designed to help parents like you learn your rights, build your receipts, and walk into every school meeting with confidence and clarity.
Led by A. Reneé — advocate, autism mom, and founder of The IEP Files™, this isn’t just education. It’s strategy, support, and unapologetic empowerment.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
How to document and respond to school violations
Your parental rights under IDEA, FERPA, FAPE, and more
How to request evaluations, services, and comp ed the right way
How to record, organize, and present data like an advocate
Real strategies to protect your peace while protecting your child
Secure Your Seat
2025 Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference
Full-day virtual conference on special education law and advocacy with speaker Pete Wright.
The Parent’s Place of MD and the PEARL Center are hosting event, visit their website for ticket.
$15 off tickets purchased by July 18th and a free book, per website.
Event sponsors: Salsivo, LLC
Monthly Advocacy Power Hour – Ask an Advocate (September 2025)
Whether you’re navigating special education for the first time or already knee-deep in advocacy work, this is your space to ask questions, get clear answers, and build your confidence as a parent advocate.
This one-hour online session is designed to be interactive, empowering, and real. No fluff. Just straight talk, strategies, and community.
Bring your questions, your stories, and your fire. Let’s get to work.
You belong in this room. Let’s advocate with receipts.
— A. Reneé
Founder of The IEP Files
Monthly Advocacy Power Hour – Ask an Advocate (August 2025)
Whether you’re navigating special education for the first time or already knee-deep in advocacy work, this is your space to ask questions, get clear answers, and build your confidence as a parent advocate.
This one-hour online session is designed to be interactive, empowering, and real. No fluff. Just straight talk, strategies, and community.
Bring your questions, your stories, and your fire. Let’s get to work.
You belong in this room. Let’s advocate with receipts.
— A. Reneé
Founder of The IEP Files
School Supply Blitz
YOU’RE INVITED!
Join Us for the Annual Back-to-School Blitz
A FREE community celebration packed with family fun, delicious food, school resources, and exciting giveaways!
📅 Date & Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(Giveaways and supplies available while they last)
Bring the kids, grab some free supplies, and connect with local organizations like The IEP Files™ to help your family start the school year strong!
The IEP Files Academy™ Cohort #1
Tired of being dismissed, gaslit, or left guessing at the IEP table?
You're not alone — and you’re not powerless.
The IEP Files Academy™ is a live, 4-week cohort-based training designed to help parents like you learn your rights, build your receipts, and walk into every school meeting with confidence and clarity.
Led by A. Reneé — advocate, autism mom, and founder of The IEP Files™, this isn’t just education. It’s strategy, support, and unapologetic empowerment.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
How to document and respond to school violations
Your parental rights under IDEA, FERPA, FAPE, and more
How to request evaluations, services, and comp ed the right way
How to record, organize, and present data like an advocate
Real strategies to protect your peace while protecting your child
✨ This is your time. Your tools. Your team.
Ready to stop surviving the system and start disrupting it?
Join the next cohort of The IEP Files Academy™ and change the game for your child.
Monthly Advocacy Power Hour – Ask an Advocate (July 2025)
Whether you’re navigating special education for the first time or already knee-deep in advocacy work, this is your space to ask questions, get clear answers, and build your confidence as a parent advocate.
This one-hour online session is designed to be interactive, empowering, and real. No fluff. Just straight talk, strategies, and community.
Bring your questions, your stories, and your fire. Let’s get to work.
You belong in this room. Let’s advocate with receipts.
— A. Reneé
Founder of The IEP Files
What We’ll Cover:
Extended School Year + Summer Prep
Monthly Advocacy Power Hour – Ask an Advocate (June 2025)
Join us for our Monthly Advocacy Power Hour where you can ask an advocate anything you want - it's your chance to get informed and empowered.
Topic: Extended School Year (ESY) + Summer Advocacy Tips
PGCPS SECAC Townhall
Join us to collaborate to brainstorm solutions on how schools can collaboratively work to increase parent engagement.
Supporting Families Across Maryland and Beyond
Maryland
Prince George's County • Montgomery County • Anne Arundel County • Baltimore County • Howard County • Charles County • and communities across the state
Also Serving Families In
Virginia • North Carolina • Georgia • Florida
What to Expect
Learn Today. Advocate Tomorrow.
The IEP Files™ Summer Training Series was created for parents who want practical, actionable guidance—not just information. Each live training is designed to help you better understand the special education process, strengthen your advocacy skills, and make more informed decisions for your child.
Whether you're preparing for an upcoming IEP meeting, learning how to communicate more effectively with your school team, or simply looking to build your confidence, you'll leave each session with strategies you can begin using immediately.
Your Registration Includes
A live 60-minute virtual training with A. Reneé
Practical, real-world advocacy strategies
Interactive question-and-answer session
Downloadable resources (when applicable)
Access to the session recording (when available)
Is This Training Right for You?
This training is ideal for parents who want to:
Better understand special education and the IEP process
Build confidence before the upcoming school year
Learn practical advocacy strategies they can apply immediately
Strengthen communication with their child's school team
Become a more informed and effective member of the IEP Team
A Note About Individualized Support
These trainings provide general educational information and advocacy strategies for all participants. Because every child's circumstances are unique, the sessions do not include individualized case review, document analysis, or recommendations specific to your child's educational records.
If you're preparing for an important IEP meeting, reviewing evaluations, considering placement options, addressing implementation concerns, or navigating a dispute with your school district, a personalized IEP Strategy Intensive™ may be a better fit.
The Strategy Intensive includes:
Review of your child's educational records
A private 90-minute consultation
Individualized advocacy recommendations
A customized action plan based on your family's goals