What “Parent-Centered” and “Trauma-Informed” Mean at Kaz

At Kaz, we say we’re built to be parent-centered and trauma-informed. But what does that actually mean — especially in a tool powered by AI?

We want to explain it clearly, in the same plain language we use throughout Kaz.

Parent-Centered Means: It’s Built for You, Not for the System

So much of special education feels like it’s built to protect the school, the district, or the legal process — not the parent. When we say Kaz is parent-centered, we mean:

- It speaks to you in plain English (or Spanish)

- It assumes you’re capable, not confused

- It supports your decision-making, instead of telling you what to do

- It adjusts to your pace, not a school’s schedule

- It’s designed to feel welcoming, not clinical or robotic

We built Kaz to feel like a trusted friend who knows special education — not a lawyer, a bureaucrat, or a school admin.

Trauma-Informed Means: It’s Emotionally Safe

Many parents who come to Kaz have been through hard stuff:

- School meetings that felt like battles

- Moments where no one listened

- Times when their concerns were dismissed or minimized

- Diagnoses, delays, or fears they had to face alone

Being trauma-informed means we built Kaz to feel safe — not triggering or judgmental.

That includes:

- A calm, validating tone in every response

- No shaming or guilt trips — ever

- Simple, structured answers that reduce overwhelm

- No pressure to share private info to get help

- Affirming small wins, like sending that first email or requesting an evaluation

It also means recognizing power dynamics — especially for families who’ve been historically ignored, misdiagnosed, or over-disciplined.

How That Shows Up in the Technology

It’s not just about words. Parent-centered and trauma-informed principles are baked into how Kaz works:

- No student data required

- No memory kept in anonymous mode

- No "one right answer" tone — Kaz gives options, not orders

- Custom responses by state, so you're not left confused by generic info

- Gentle follow-ups, not interrogation-style questions

- Warm design, clear language, and a chat that never rushes or talks down

We use AI to remove barriers, not build new ones.

Built With, Not Just For, Families

We didn’t invent these values — we learned them from the parents and advocates who helped build Kaz.

If you’re wondering how this shows up when you use Kaz, check out this post on Why Parents and Organizations Trust Kaz.

We know that trust is earned — and we’re here to earn it every day.

— Keith