Who Are Educational Support Coaches?
Educational Support Coaches (ESCs) are trained professionals at Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center who partner with families of children with disabilities to help them understand and navigate the special education process. ESCs provide emotional support, information, and guidance as families engage with school systems to ensure their children receive appropriate services and supports.
They are family-centered, strengths-based, and empowerment-focused, helping families become confident, informed advocates for their children.
Why Would You Contact an Educational Support Coach?
You may reach out to an ESC if you:
- Are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about your child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program).
- Need help preparing for a special education meeting.
- Are looking for tools to better understand your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Want to explore strategies for communicating effectively with school staff.
- Are seeking resources tailored to your child’s needs, including transition planning, behavioral supports, or inclusive practices.
- Have questions about how to become more involved in your child’s education?
ESCs are here to listen first and work with you to identify next steps that support your goals as a parent or caregiver.
What Is Their Primary Focus?
Educational Support Coaches focus on:
· Empowering Families
ESCs help families develop the knowledge and confidence needed to participate meaningfully in their child’s special education planning and decision-making.
· Clarifying Educational Processes
They explain special education timelines, terms, and procedures in plain language—helping demystify the IEP, evaluations, transition planning, and dispute resolution options.
· Supporting Family Engagement
ESCs encourage active participation in school meetings, family advisory groups, and collaboration with educators to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.
· Connecting to Resources
They offer referrals to additional services, webinars, toolkits, and community supports.
What Are the Boundaries of an ESC’s Role?
While ESCs are valuable partners in your special education journey, there are important boundaries to their role:
❌ ESCs do not provide legal advice or representation.
❌ ESCs do not attend meetings in place of families.
They may help you prepare for meetings, practice communication strategies, or debrief afterward—but their role is not to speak on your behalf. ESPs are generally not able to attend IEP meetings. In certain very specific circumstances, an ESP will discuss with you the possibility of having IEP meeting support.
❌ ESCs do not make decisions for families.
You are always the decision-maker. ESCs support informed decision-making by sharing accurate, unbiased information.
How to Connect with an Educational Support Coach
We invite you to connect with one of our ESCs by:
- Calling our helpline: (866) 436-7842
- Emailing: info@fmptic.org
- Strongly recommended: Submitting a support request through our online contact form
All support is free and confidential. Whether you’re new to special education or have years of experience, our ESCs are here to walk with you.
Together, We Empower Families
Family Matters PTIC believes that families are essential partners in ensuring educational equity for students with disabilities. Educational Support Coaches are one of many ways we support families to be informed, equipped, and heard.
“My ESC helped me understand my rights and gave me the tools I needed to speak up at my son’s IEP meeting. I felt heard for the first time.” – Parent in Southern Illinois
