Start Your Business as a Special Education Advocate
Launch and grow a thriving special education advocacy business with the BCASE Business Course
ENROLL NOWSpecial Education Advocacy is a Calling and Profession
Advocating for students with disabilities isn’t just a calling—it’s a profession with the power to transform lives. Special Education Advocates help families navigate complex systems, secure critical services, and ensure every child receives the education they deserve. Your work can help:
- Empower parents to advocate effectively for their children
- Bridge the gap between schools and families
- Ensure students with disabilities receive equitable educational opportunities
- Increase access to essential services, supports, and placements
Becoming an advocate means becoming a force for change—in a child’s life, in your community, and across the educational landscape.


But How Do You Turn Your Passion into a Business?
You’ve got the passion. Maybe you’ve even earned your BCASE certification (or you are on your way to earning it). But when it comes to turning that passion into a viable business, the next steps can feel unclear:
- How do I attract clients?
- What should I charge?Do I need a website? A contract? A business license?
- How do I turn part-time advocacy into a sustainable income?
You're not alone. Most advocates never get formal training on how to run a business—and that stops too many from ever getting started.
 The BCASE Business Course Provides a Clear, Proven Path to a Professional Advocacy Business
The BCASE Business Course is your practical guide to launching a successful advocacy practice with confidence. Whether you’re looking to consult part-time or build a full-fledged business, this course walks you through what to do and how to do it.
You’ll finish this course with a launch-ready business foundation and the confidence to start making an impact—while getting paid to do what you love.

What's in the Course?
Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE)
Offered by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) and the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (AASEP)
The BCSE is a self-paced, online certification comprised of 58 comprehensive units across 7 detailed modules. It provides educators with expert-level training in law, instruction, behavior, and leadership within the field of special education.
Module 1: Overview of Legal Issues in Special Education
Build foundational legal knowledge to navigate the complexities of special education law, student rights, and compliance.
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What is Special Education?
Understand definitions, legal mandates, and prevalence. -
History of Special Education Law
Trace the development of IDEA and other key legislation. -
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)
Explore what makes education "free" and "appropriate." -
Related Services
Identify critical supports like OT, PT, and speech services. -
IEPs
Master the purpose, structure, and legal requirements of Individualized Education Programs. -
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) & ESY (Extended School Year)
Learn placement principles and planning considerations.
Includes: Video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, supplemental readings and videos.
Module 2: Assessment in Special Education
Understand the tools and frameworks for evaluating student needs, eligibility, and progress.
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Assessment Methods
Gain insights into observations, portfolios, and tests. -
Statistics
Learn key statistical concepts used in interpreting assessments. -
Referral & Evaluation
Master Child Find, MDTs, and eligibility meetings. -
Scoring Terminology
Get fluent in percentiles, standard scores, and more.
Includes: Visual presentations, readings, real-world assessment samples.
Module 3: Response to Intervention (RTI)
A readings-based module covering foundational and advanced RTI practices.
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RTI Tiers I–III
Examine multi-tiered interventions and progress monitoring. -
Screening & Identification
Learn how at-risk students are flagged early. -
Parent Involvement & Fidelity
Explore how families and systems ensure success.
Module 4: Understanding Students with Exceptionalities
Gain deep understanding of disabilities, learning styles, and effective support strategies.
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Categories of Exceptionality
From intellectual disabilities to giftedness. -
Disability-Specific Strategies
Learn best practices for ADHD, autism, LD, ED, and more. -
Trauma & Brain Injury
Understand impact and intervention for students with TBI or emotional needs.
Includes: Expert-led lectures, readings, and classroom strategy videos.
Module 5: Special Education Eligibility
A comprehensive reading module detailing the 13 IDEA classifications and eligibility procedures.
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Learn eligibility criteria for:
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Autism
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Intellectual Disabilities
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Emotional Disturbance
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Orthopedic Impairments
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Specific Learning Disabilities
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And more...
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Module 6: Critical Concepts in Special Education (Part 1)
Learn essential topics educators must master to support students and advocate effectively.
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Discipline of Students with Disabilities
Explore due process and manifestation determination. -
Mediation & Due Process Hearings
Understand resolution strategies. -
Inclusive Education
Learn inclusion models, co-teaching strategies. -
Classroom Management
Techniques tailored for special education classrooms.
Module 7: Critical Concepts in Special Education (Part 2)
Advanced behavioral, instructional, and transitional topics to deepen your professional practice.
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Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)
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Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
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Assistive Technology
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Transition Services for Adolescents with Disabilities
Includes: Case examples, instructional guides, and practical tools.
How the Program Works
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7 modules released in sequence
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Each unit includes a video lecture, presentation slides, readings, and supplemental media
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Complete a multiple-choice exam (80% to pass) at the end of each module
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Receive a NASET/AASEP certificate of completion for each module
BCSE equips educators with the tools to lead, advocate, and elevate special education practices in every setting.

What's in the Course
This self-paced course includes bite-sized training videos, templates, and worksheets to help you:
- Define your service menu and packages
- Set your pricing structure
- Legally establish your business
- Create client onboarding materials
- Develop a simple marketing plan
- Protect your time with contracts and policies
No fluff. No filler. Just the step-by-step essentials you need to start advocating professionally.
What Each Unit Covers
Unit 1 - Creating a Business Plan
Lay the foundation for a successful practice by outlining your goals, defining your services, and crafting a clear plan for building your advocacy business.
Unit 2 - Choosing a Legal Structure
Understand the differences between sole proprietorships and partnerships so you can choose the right setup for your work and protect yourself legally.
Unit 3 - Client Intake and Initial Meeting with Parents
Learn how to build trust from the start with effective intake procedures and a confident first meeting that sets the tone for your services.
Unit 4 - Billing and Payment for Services
Get clear on how to price your services, invoice clients, and establish consistent, professional payment practices.
Unit 5 - Networking and Marketing
Learn where to find clients, how to talk about your services, and ways to grow your presence through ethical, mission-driven marketing.
Unit 6 - Managing Conflicts and Working with Difficult Clients
Gain tools for navigating tough conversations, managing expectations, and maintaining boundaries in challenging situations.
The BCASE Business Course gives you the tools to start, structure, and grow a sustainable special education advocacy practice—whether you're already BCASE certified or just passionate about serving families.
Start your business. Change lives.
ENROLL NOW