Expert IEP/Special Education Support for Families
My services are meant to support parents who have students who are special education students, students in the evaluation process, or students who have acute or chronic concerns that might be better addressed through special education.
Services include:
Evaluation Process Support: Provide guidance throughout the evaluation process by explaining the evaluation consent form, outlining its purpose and implications, and clarifying each component. Assist in determining whether additional assessments (e.g., academic achievement, cognitive, speech and language, social-emotional, occupational therapy) should be requested to ensure a complete picture of the student's needs. Offer strategies for obtaining copies of evaluation reports prior to the meeting, so you have time to review and prepare questions or concerns.
IEP services: Provide expert support in reviewing current or proposed IEPs to ensure they are comprehensive, appropriate, and aligned with the student's unique needs. Break down and explain the proposed services, goals, accommodations, and other critical components in clear, understandable terms. Identify any gaps or inconsistencies, confirm that services are measurable and actionable, and ensure that all educational, social-emotional, and functional needs are addressed effectively.
Conduct Academic Achievement Testing: Administer comprehensive academic achievement assessments to gain a clear understanding of a student’s skills and performance in key areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Utilize standardized tools and evidence-based practices to identify strengths, pinpoint areas of concern, and inform targeted interventions. Provide detailed analysis and interpretation of results, helping parents and educators understand what the scores mean and how they relate to classroom performance. These assessments can guide instructional planning, eligibility determinations, and support strategies to promote academic success.
Interpret Academic Testing Reports and Results: Thoroughly review previous and current academic testing reports to provide clear explanations, highlight key findings, and interpret complex data in an understandable way. Offer personalized guidance to help parents, students, and educators make sense of scores, strengths, areas of need, and recommendations. Address specific questions, clarify educational implications, and support informed decision-making based on the results
Planning and Preparing for IEP meetings: Provide personalized guidance to help parents confidently plan and prepare for challenging IEP meetings. This includes reviewing all relevant documents (evaluations, progress reports, prior IEPs), identifying key concerns, and clarifying priorities. Offer strategies for effective communication and collaboration with the IEP team, including how to frame requests, ask the right questions, and address disagreements professionally. Develop an action plan to ensure the student’s needs remain the focus, and empower parents with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for appropriate services, supports, and accommodations.
Advise on school programming: Offer expert consultation on selecting and evaluating appropriate school programming for students receiving special education services. This includes reviewing a student’s evaluations, current IEP, and identified needs to determine whether the proposed program aligns with their academic, social-emotional, and functional goals. Provide insight into the range of available program models—such as inclusion, resource room, substantially separate, and specialized placements—and discuss the benefits and limitations of each option. Advise on service delivery models, staffing ratios, and curriculum supports to ensure the chosen setting fosters meaningful progress. Support families in understanding their options and making informed decisions that prioritize the student’s strengths, challenges, and long-term success.
Support for Schools/Districts:
Advise on current programming
Build social/emotional or behavioral programs that are inclusive, not sub separate
How to build programming that mixes special education and non-special education students