Consulting

I can help families navigate the special education process. I can provide recommendations for their child’s educational needs related to their disability, based on evidence-based practices. I can assist families in completing a referral for special education, answer questions, help caregivers prepare for an IEP meeting, and offer suggestions for the IEP. I cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal assistance, please consult a qualified lawyer.

NOTE: Pamoja Special Education Advocacy provides general information on disability, education, and advocacy services only. We do not provide legal advice. If, at any point, you believe legal advice should be obtained, please contact an attorney to provide these services.

Advocacy

It can be challenging and intimidating to attend an IEP meeting alone. Even the most well-informed caregivers can have their ideas muddled and forget all they know when it comes to a meeting about their child with school personnel. Sometimes an advocate can help provide the assurance and calm needed. At other times, it may be beneficial to have an advocate help both entities reach sound, logical agreements on how to best meet the needs of the student with the disability. The development of an individualized plan is vital, requiring time and consideration of all perspectives to create a legally defensible, meaningful IEP that meets the student’s needs.

IEP and Progress Monitoring Reviews

I can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the IEP, identify the questions you need to ask for clarification, and ensure you agree with the decisions made. The IEP is a legally binding document that states your child’s specific, individualized, specially designed instruction, intended to help meet the needs associated with the diagnosed disability and provide meaningful access to the general education curriculum. It is imperative that you, the caregiver, fully understand and agree with its contents.

Additionally, I can review progress monitoring data for IEP goals and benchmarks to determine not only if the legal requirements of the IEP are being met, but also to help determine if a change in strategies, programs, or placement should be discussed.

FBA/BIP Reviews

As with an IEP or Progress Monitoring Review, I can review documentation of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and/or a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), also known as a Behavior Support Plan (BSP). I can help determine if appropriate processes have been followed to assess the function of the behavior in the FBA and if a proper function-based intervention has been identified for the BIP/BSP. Additionally, I can assess whether the schedule of reinforcement is appropriate and provide you with feedback on the process, along with recommendations for moving forward.

Observations of Teachers and Students

I am a former classroom teacher and special educator. I hold a master’s degree and a doctorate in special education. I have supervised countless hours of field experience and student teaching. I know what to look for in quality instruction and specially designed instruction, which is explained in the IEP. I can provide feedback to school personnel on the current instructional program and offer recommendations for changes that could further benefit a student.

Professional Development

I have a teaching background in creating an inclusive classroom environment that meaningfully includes students with high-incidence disabilities, particularly those with learning and behavioral disabilities, those with executive functioning needs, or ADHD, among others. I can assist with providing quality, inclusive schools and classrooms through professional development that is engaging, interactive, and practical. Participants leave with action steps they can implement the next school day.

Topics include:

Establishing an inclusive, accessible environment for schools and classrooms
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
High-leverage practices (HLP)
Evidence-based practices (EBP) for instructional and behavioral strategies
Co-teaching
Embedding IEP goal instruction and monitoring in general education classrooms
General education teachers' understanding of the IEP to become a more informed and contributing member of the IEP team
Writing appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), aligned with general education standards and the student’s needs, using a strengths-based approach
Effectively engaging paraeducators in both general education and special education classrooms
Specifically for paraeducators - strategies to support students in the classroom

Coaching

Professional development alone is not as effective in evoking change in teaching practice as professional development coupled with coaching. Therefore, coaching is offered as a follow-up to professional development to support teachers and/or paraeducators to develop confidence in implementing their learning with fidelity.

Fee Scale

Fees depend on the scope of the work. Depending on the work involved, the rate may be either an hourly rate or a flat rate. An estimate of the work required for the case, including the estimated fee and retainer, will be provided to the client before commencing work. The final bill will include final travel fees and any additional expenses, such as research, paperwork, meetings, and phone calls, that were required to meet the case's needs. These additional fees will be communicated to the client before completion.

Services