For years, Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement (OPSA) has been honored to stand alongside families as they navigate the special education process. Whether preparing for an IEP meeting, understanding a new evaluation, requesting services, or simply answering questions, our goal has always been the same - to ensure every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education.
As more Oklahoma families have turned to OPSA for support, we've celebrated the opportunity to help hundreds of students across our state. At the same time, we've recognized the need to grow in a way that allows us to continue providing personalized, high-quality advocacy while expanding access to even more families.
That's why we're introducing our new tiered Parent Services model - a thoughtful approach designed to sustain our services while remaining true to our mission.
Our Guiding Principles
Everything we do is built around four commitments:
Empower
We empower families by helping them understand their rights, their options, and the special education process. We believe informed parents are confident advocates.
Educate
We provide families with practical guidance, resources, and individualized coaching so they can make informed decisions for their children.
Engage
We work alongside families to solve problems, prepare for meetings, communicate with schools, and advocate for meaningful educational opportunities.
Expand
When challenges extend beyond the scope of non-attorney advocacy, we help families connect with trusted legal and community partners who can provide additional support.
How Our New Advocacy Model Works
Tier 1: Empower & Educate
Every family who contacts OPSA will continue to receive up to 10 hours of advocacy support at no cost.
These services may include:
- Reviewing IEPs, evaluations, and educational records
- Parent coaching and consultation
- Meeting preparation
- Assistance drafting letters and communications
- Educational resources
- Guidance on navigating the special education process
Our goal is to equip families with the knowledge and confidence they need to advocate effectively for their children.
Tier 2: Engage
Some situations require additional support beyond consultation and coaching.
When a family's needs extend beyond the initial 10 hours, Tier 2 provides ongoing advocacy services, including:
- Attending IEP, Section 504, eligibility, and mediation meetings
- Communicating with school teams
- Strategic advocacy planning
- Continued case support
Tier 2 services are offered using a sliding-scale fee based on family income, allowing us to sustain our advocacy program while continuing to make services accessible.
Most importantly, no family will be turned away because of financial hardship. OPSA remains committed to ensuring every family can receive the support they need.
Tier 3: Enlighten
If a family's situation requires legal representation or services beyond the scope of non-attorney advocacy, OPSA will continue connecting families with trusted attorneys and community partners who specialize in education law.
Why We're Making This Change
This transition isn't about changing our mission - it's about strengthening it.
By adopting this model, OPSA will be able to:
- Expand Parent Services to reach more Oklahoma families.
- Continue offering free foundational advocacy to every family seeking support.
- Provide more sustainable advocacy services.
- Improve communication and case management.
- Build a stronger network of advocates, educators, and families working together to support students.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on grants, donations, and community support to fulfill our mission. This model helps ensure that we can continue providing exceptional advocacy services today while building the capacity to serve even more families in the future.
What Current Families Can Expect
Current Parent Services families will be asked to complete an updated intake form and Parent Services Agreement so we have the most current information and can transition everyone into our new system.
Your advocate will continue working with you throughout this process and will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Looking Ahead
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Every family deserves someone who will listen, educate, and advocate alongside them.
This new Parent Services model positions OPSA to continue doing exactly that - for more families, in more communities, across Oklahoma.
We are grateful for the trust families place in us every day. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your educational journey. Together, we will continue to Empower. Educate. Engage. Expand.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are seeking advocacy support or are a current Parent Services family, we invite you to complete our updated Parent Services Intake Form and learn more about our services.
Together, we can help every Oklahoma student reach their full potential.
Your support helps ensure every family has access to advocacy services. Donations allow OPSA to provide free foundational advocacy and expand services to more Oklahoma students and families. Donate here.
