Brooke’s Top 12 For Surrogate Parents
1. DON’T get preoccupied with procedures if things are going your way â pay attention to relevant items!
2. DON’T forget to ASK the Rowley questions:
- Procedures obeyed?
- IEP conferring benefits?
3. DON’T speak up at a staffing just to hear the sound of your voice;
4. DON’T hesitate to use effective theatrical techniques;
5. DON’T forget that you have access to talented experts and DON’T attend crucial staffings without one present;
6. DON’T forget what a powerful tool the STAYPUT clause can be;
7. DON’T forget about the NO-EXCUSE provision;
8. DON’T forget to think and act like a lawyer in contentious cases, before you get to the conference;
9. DON’T forget that your authority is SUPERIOR;
10. DON’T think like a social worker or a psychologist â stick with the facts and know them better than anyone;
11. DON’T forget that FOIA is a powerful tool â learn how to use it!
12. DON’T forget that you’re trying to solve a problem, not mount a federal case â start out nice, get nasty only if you have to!