Ballou Education provides special education advocacy services that Arizona and California families rely on to protect their child’s right to an appropriate education. With more than 32 years of hands-on experience and offices in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Beverly Hills, California, we help parents of children with disabilities, learning differences, and twice-exceptional (2e) profiles navigate IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, school placement, and every other decision that shapes their child’s education.

We serve families across the Phoenix metro area — including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, and Chandler — and across greater Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Calabasas, and San Marino. Each service below can be delivered in either state, with strategies tailored to the school district your child attends and the special education laws that apply where you live.

An educational advocate is not an attorney, and we are transparent about that from the start. Our job is to help you understand your child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and state law; interpret evaluations and school documents in plain language; prepare for and attend meetings; and negotiate constructively with your child’s school team. When legal action may be needed, we assess the strength of your case and connect you with experienced special education attorneys.

Our Special Education Services

Whether you need behind-the-scenes guidance or an advocate in the room with you, we meet you where you are. Learn more about each service:

• Consulting Services — comprehensive records review, school placement guidance, observations, and ongoing recommendations for parents who attend school meetings themselves.

• Advocacy Services — an experienced advocate who attends IEP, 504, MET, RED, and other school meetings with you and negotiates for the services your child needs.

• Coaching Services — holistic skill-building for students, including study skills, organization, executive functioning, and self-advocacy.

• Expert / Forensic Services — expert witness and forensic educational review for school-placement disputes, depositions, and court proceedings.

How Childhood Advocacy Helps Your Family

• A knowledgeable advocate at your side in every IEP and 504 meeting

• Plain-language explanations of evaluations, assessments, and eligibility rules

• Written requests and correspondence drafted by someone who knows the system

• A clear strategy for resolving disagreements with the school team — informally first, formally if needed

• Continuity across school years, so services and supports are never quietly dropped

Every family’s situation is different. Tell us what your child needs and we will recommend the right level of support — from a single consultation to full advocacy representation at every meeting.