Advocate Spotlight: Edna Vann

At The Law Office of Neubia L. Harris, PLLC, we frequently receive inquiries from families seeking dedicated advocates to help navigate the complexities of special education. We are thrilled to launch our monthly "Advocate Spotlight" series to feature these essential partners in student success. This month, we are highlighting Edna Vann.

Ms. Vann is the founder of Parent to School, LLC and brings a wealth of knowledge and heart to her advocacy work.

A Lifetime of Experience in Education

Ms. Vann isn't just an advocate; she is a veteran educator who retired with 35 years of experience in the field. Her extensive background provides her with a unique "360-degree" view of the school system:

• In the Classroom: She served as a Special Education teacher at both the elementary and middle school levels;

• In Administration: As a school administrator for middle and high schools, she managed Special Education Departments and worked directly with staff and students;

• District Leadership: During her final five years with Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), she served as a Senior Administrator for Special Education Services.

  
  

Supporting Parents through the IEP and 504 Process

Navigating meetings can be overwhelming for many families. Ms. Vann’s approach is designed to ensure parents feel prepared, heard, and respected.

The Pre-Meeting Strategy: Before any $IEP$ or $504$ meeting, Ms. Vann reviews the student’s documents and holds a "pre-meet" with the parents. During this time, they discuss specific concerns and prepare questions to ensure the meeting is productive.

Empowerment at the Table: Ms. Vann encourages parents to be the primary voice for their child while emphasizing the importance of building a collaborative relationship with the school based members of the IEP team. During the meeting, she:

• Listens and asks clarifying questions of the team when necessary.

• Ensures the school accurately documents parent concerns, proposals, and any refusals.

  
  

Post-Meeting Follow-Up: The work doesn’t end when the meeting adjourns. Ms. Vann holds a post-conference with parents to debrief and determine the next steps for their child’s education.

Understanding Rights and Options

One of Ms. Vann’s primary goals is transparency and empowerment. She helps parents utilize the Parent Rights and Responsibilities Handbook as a tool to find answers and understand their legal standing.

She encourages parents to remain active participants by:

• Asking questions of school staff members.

• Requesting an IEP meeting if they feel their student is not making adequate progress under their current plan.

• Seeking collaborative expertise when complex issues arise.

"I am transparent with parents that if I don't know the answer, I will reach out to other professionals for assistance." — Edna Vann

Connect with Edna Vann To learn more about Ms. Vann’s services, you can visit her website at Parent to School, LLC.