Becca Simmons-Thompson is the owner and lead advocate of 4 Kids Advocacy LLC, a special education advocacy practice serving families in Arizona and beyond. With over 25 years of experience working with children and adults with disabilities — and a personal advocacy journey that began in 2010 when she began fighting for her own son’s right to appropriate services and a least restrictive environment — Becca brings a rare combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and legal acumen to every case she takes on.

Becca has been engaged in formal advocacy work since 2018, supporting families through some of the most complex and high-stakes moments in their children’s educational journeys. Her practice is anchored in a deep belief in full inclusion for students with disabilities and a commitment to ensuring that every child receives the individualized services, supports, and opportunities they are entitled to under the law.

Legal Training & Paralegal Experience

Becca has received training under attorney Susan Marks, deepening her understanding of special education law, procedural safeguards, and effective legal advocacy strategy. In her capacity as a paralegal, she has assisted with due process proceedings, filed state complaints with the Arizona Department of Education, and submitted complaints to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Though not licensed to practice law, Becca is well-versed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and applicable state and federal regulations, and collaborates closely with attorneys to ensure families receive comprehensive, legally grounded support.

Professional Background

Becca’s career in special education spans more than two decades across multiple professional roles. She has served as a teacher, behavior specialist, and program specialist in public school settings, supporting students with a wide range of disabilities. This hands-on experience gives her an insider’s understanding of how school systems operate — and where they fall short — making her an especially effective advocate when navigating IEP teams, district administration, and formal dispute resolution processes.

Her areas of expertise include:

• Developing and critically reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, annual goals, and appropriate services and supports

• Writing behavior plans and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)

• Developing comprehensive transition plans for students preparing for post-secondary life

• Advocating for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) placements and full inclusion

• Collaborating with organizations serving individuals with Down syndrome, Autism, and other disabilities to ensure comprehensive, coordinated support

Education, Credentials & Specialized Training

Becca holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a teaching credential in moderate/severe disabilities. She has completed specialized coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology. Her training further includes:

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)

• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

• Structured Teaching — TEACCH Model

• Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

A Personal Mission

As a mother of four — one of whom has autism and another who is gifted — Becca understands firsthand the emotional weight families carry as they fight for their children’s rights. That personal experience is the foundation of her professional purpose. She is driven by the belief that no family should have to navigate the special education system alone, and that every child — regardless of disability, diagnosis, or circumstance — deserves an education that is appropriate, inclusive, and built around their unique potential.