Yes. PTI centers (Parent Training and Information Centers) often provide helpful introductory resources, and programs like Wrightslaw offer excellent legal information. NASEAT® was created to fill the gap that may come after those trainings — when parents or advocates still don’t know how to respond effectively when a school pushes back.NASEAT® teaches more than just what the law says — it helps you understand how to apply it in IEP meetings, how to ask the right questions, and how to advocate when teams say “no” to valid requests.Our program is built for those ready to move beyond theory and into real-world strategy. 

You’re still welcome here. Many NASEAT® students come with some level of prior training but are looking for deeper instruction, structured mentorship, or a program that focuses on practical, real-world advocacy from day one.Our goal is to empower as many families and advocates as possible. You don’t need to start over, but many students find that NASEAT® helps bring everything into focus.

No. NASEAT® (Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate Training™) is a separate training program developed by Michelle Reed-Harris and used by PASEN.org through a formal Use Agreement. It is not affiliated with COPAA or its SEATTM program.NASEAT® was specifically created for parents and professionals who want both the legal depth of a structured curriculum and the practical tools to advocate effectively in real-world school settings. It blends topic-based instruction, legal strategy, and mentorship — rather than relying solely on checklists, lecture formats, or academic coursework.NASEAT® is a federally registered trademark, and the course has been used in commerce since early 2023. The professional title Non-Attorney Special Education AdvocateTM (NASEA®) is also federally registered and is reserved for individuals who complete the NASEAT® course.

NASEAT® provides a comprehensive training and mentorship program that includes a certificate of completion. Our focus is on delivering high-quality education, real-world advocacy strategies, and a deep understanding of educational legal frameworks and procedures — not just issuing a credential. At this time, there is no nationally recognized or government-regulated certification for special education advocates. However, graduates who complete Level 3 of the NASEAT® program are authorized to use the NASEA® designation (Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate™), a trademarked professional title that reflects mastery of core and advanced advocacy skills.

Yes. Students receive both a certificate of completion and a digital badge for each course they complete through the NASEAT® program. These credentials can be added to resumes, email signatures, or platforms like LinkedIn.Graduates who complete Level 3 are also issued a digital badge for the NASEA® designation (Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate™), which is a federally registered trademark and reflects the successful completion of our advanced advocacy training.Additionally, we offer Professional Development (PD) certificates upon request for an additional fee, which may be used toward continuing education requirements, depending on your profession or state guidelines.

The title Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate™ is used exclusively in connection with the NASEAT® training program. Graduates who complete Level 3 are authorized to use the NASEA® designation — a federally registered trademark (Reg. No. 7,618,588) that reflects successful completion of advanced advocacy training.Use of the Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate™ title or the NASEA® designation by individuals who have not completed the NASEAT® program is not authorized and may constitute trademark misuse or misrepresentation. We take this seriously to protect both the integrity of our program and the trust families place in qualified advocates.If you're unsure whether someone is a graduate in good standing, we encourage you to check our public directory of verified advocates at NASEAT.com. If a listing does not appear and you still have questions, you're welcome to contact us directly.

NASEAT® takes a unique approach to training:

It’s topic-based — built using a spiral learning approach to help students deeply understand how special education functions in real-world practice. NASEAT® is the first advocacy training program organized by topic and created specifically for parents and professionals who participate in IEP meetings.

It was created by Michelle Reed-Harris, a practicing advocate with over 15 years of direct experience supporting families in IEP meetings, due process complaints, and systemic advocacy — including her own journey as a parent of surviving quadruplets with autism and other disabilities.

It's designed for both parents and professionals, grounded in real-world advocacy — shaped by years of answering thousands of posts in the nationwide IEP support group Michelle founded, which now serves over 35,000 families. Michelle is also the Executive Director of PASEN.org, a national nonprofit organization supporting families navigating special education systems across the country.

It follows a structure similar to paralegal-level training — because advocacy is a precise language. NASEAT® teaches students how to speak and write with clarity, confidence, and legal accuracy, even without a legal background. While we do not train attorneys or provide legal advice, we equip advocates with the knowledge and tools to operate lawfully, effectively, and ethically within the bounds of special education advocacy.

It's offered by a federally recognized nonprofit, PASEN.org, which works nationally to support families navigating special education. Our goal is to keep training both affordable and inclusive.Michelle Reed-Harris is a neurodivergent parent of surviving quadruplets with autism and other disabilities. She created NASEAT® to help families become effective advocates — because when parents know how to push back, real change becomes possible.

At a time when the future of the U.S. Department of Education is uncertain, understanding your rights under IDEA and Section 504 has never been more important. NASEAT® was built to give families the clarity, tools, and confidence they need to advocate effectively — not just for their own children, but to help drive broader systemic change. When parents know how to push back lawfully and strategically, schools are held accountable — and that’s how change begins.

NASEAT® was built for both parents and professionals who want to become effective advocates in the special education system — no legal background required.Whether you're navigating your own child’s IEP, supporting families as an advocate, or just getting started in the field of advocacy, NASEAT® offers clear, structured training that makes complex law understandable. We break down educational legal frameworks in a way that’s practical, accessible, and designed for real-world application — not just abstract theory.Most students come in with little to no formal advocacy training and leave with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to advocate effectively in meetings and more.

Yes. NASEAT® was built with support in mind — because learning advocacy can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s personal. Every student is invited to join our private support group, where you can ask questions, share progress, and learn alongside others walking the same path. We also host live Zoom sessions twice per week, giving students the chance to bring questions, talk through advocacy challenges, and get clarification on course content. The course itself uses a spiral learning approach, which means key advocacy concepts are introduced early and then revisited in more depth as you go. This method helps break complex information into manageable parts — so you can learn, apply, and build confidence step by step. These supports are here to help you stay connected and empowered as you move through your training.

Yes. NASEAT® is offered through PASEN.org, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The course is available to members at a reduced rate to ensure it remains accessible to families, caregivers, and aspiring advocates. If you prefer not to join as a member, you can also purchase the course directly through NASEAT.com.

Yes, NASEAT® is entirely self-contained. All course materials are included — you won’t need to purchase textbooks or outside resources. Each unit consists of a printable workbook to help you apply what you’re learning and focus on the most important concepts.

Most students complete the course in 12–16 weeks, depending on their pace and availability. The first three units can usually be completed within a week, with the remaining units taking about one week each.But there’s no pressure — the course is entirely self-paced. You can move through it during a lunch break, in a waiting room, or even at 2 AM when your child can’t sleep. The lessons and tools are always available, so you can learn when the timing works for you.NASEAT® was created by Michelle Reed-Harris, a practicing advocate and neurodivergent parent of surviving quadruplets with complex medical needs. The structure of this course reflects real life — because sometimes, live training isn’t realistic when you’re caring for a family and navigating complex needs.

All NASEAT® students receive one year of access to the course materials, whether they purchase directly or through the PASEN/NASEAT® bundle.

To continue accessing the course after the first year, you have two options:

Maintain a PASEN membership, which renews annually for $100, or

Purchase continued access through NASEAT.com for $150/year (no membership required).

Many students take the course more than once, finding they learn something new each time as their understanding of advocacy deepens.

Repeating lessons can be especially helpful, as real-world experience brings new insight into earlier material.

Yes. While most students begin NASEAT® to become more effective advocates for their own children, many find themselves supporting other families as their confidence grows. Some go on to form SEPTAs (Special Education PTAs), volunteer with parent organizations, or work professionally as advocates. Graduates of NASEAT® Level 3 are also eligible to use the NASEA® designation (Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate™), a federally protected professional title.