In Washington State, an educational advocate serves as a vital resource for families navigating the special education system. These advocates help ensure that students with disabilities receive the support and services they are entitled to under the law. They assist parents in understanding their child's educational rights, work closely with schools to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and represent the child's best interests in meetings and negotiations.

Compensatory education in Washington State refers to additional educational services provided to students with disabilities who did not receive appropriate support during their initial schooling. This could be due to a failure by the school district to provide the services outlined in an IEP, resulting in the student not making adequate progress. Compensatory education aims to make up for the lost educational opportunities, ensuring the student reaches their full potential. This can include extra tutoring, extended school year services, or other educational interventions.