Why Square Peg?
Square Peg Advocacy grew from Jane Strauss' experience and training as a parent, home educator, classroom teacher, attorney and nonprofit consultant. As her children grew and she met more parents with "special needs" children, she became increasingly aware of a gap in services for children who were not easily categorized, and the frustration of many parents who were faced by a seemingly immovable army of educators who did not know their child and appeared unwilling or unable to "work and play well with others."
Jane saw parents who lacked the specific training of educators and were outnumbered by as many as ten people to one in IEP meetings. Many parents had not themselves had positive school experiences, and so were afraid to speak up, even when they did not believe the proposed plan was in their child's best interest.
Jane also saw "advocates" who were paid by either the school district or by a "partner agency" with School District funds, and so lacked even the appearance of impartiality. Some were clearly biased and represented the District's interests rather than those of the child.
Eventually, Jane decided that another option was needed for parents who felt their child was becoming "lost in the shuffle" and Square Peg Advocacy was born.
Jane saw parents who lacked the specific training of educators and were outnumbered by as many as ten people to one in IEP meetings. Many parents had not themselves had positive school experiences, and so were afraid to speak up, even when they did not believe the proposed plan was in their child's best interest.
Jane also saw "advocates" who were paid by either the school district or by a "partner agency" with School District funds, and so lacked even the appearance of impartiality. Some were clearly biased and represented the District's interests rather than those of the child.
Eventually, Jane decided that another option was needed for parents who felt their child was becoming "lost in the shuffle" and Square Peg Advocacy was born.
