You want what's best for your child.
- I will help you get the school on the same page as you
- I can support you in getting the school to take your concerns seriously
- With some consistent strategies we can see positive change based on your concerns and input
- If you're feeling like the school just does not seem to understand your child, I can help you advocate for your child's specific needs
YOU understand your child and YOU are the most important member of YOUR child's IEP team. Let's change the narrative to collaboration and cooperation.
Do you want to make positive changes to your child's IEP?
Are you new to special education, early intervention, or the IEP process?
Do you want someone to ask ALL your questions?
I want to coach parents on the IEP process and the specifics once you have an IEP. No question is off the table during our consultations.
From the big picture to the specifics:
What is an IEP, really?
If I request this specific thing what is the timeline for the school to respond and what will happen?
How do I write a letter that the school will take seriously and actually take action after receiving? Can I attach it to my child's permanent file?
Hold on -- they have a file? Can I see it?
During our consultations I can walk you through the process from the beginning:
How to decide when and if your child needs more support
Where to turn once you've made a decision
What IS early intervention? How to get their support & who pays for it?
If your child gets a diagnosis -- what comes next? For YOU and your child
Are you new to the evaluation process? Are you thinking about reaching out to early intervention? Did you just get a diagnsis and you're wondering what comes next?
Imagine ...
You KNEW your child was getting their needs met at school & what that actually looked like throughout the day
Instead of feeling at odds with your child's teacher, you felt like a cohesive team who were united in pursuit of the same goals
You could actually see your child's progress in all areas of their life
Your child was getting meaningful inclusion opportunities
I am passionate about inclusion
Too many students are getting inclusion time to check a box on their IEP. I believe inclusion should be meaningful for the student. That does not necessarily mean they are learning the same things as their peers in the inclusion setting. This might mean they're learning something completely different but it's meaningful TO THEM.
I believe inclusion can be done well for every child
The location chosen will be condusive to the goals of inclusion
There is a goal or a small number of goals -- SMART goals!
The student is attending the inclusion opportunity with a trusted adult who has received the appropriate and necessary training to support the student in achieving their goals
The physical set up of the inclusive space has been examined and modified as needed
The social environment is welcoming to the student and fosters meaningful peer relationships
The time of day when the student is being included was carefully chosen to increase the likelihood of meaningful opportunities
The other adults are trained in how to support the student and how to include the student fully
This might sound like a lot (and maybe it is) but every student
DESERVES
positive and supportive inclusion opportunities
I was a fresh-faced midwestern, who kept getting lost on Massachusetts' winding roads the first time I walked into an IEP meeting. It even took me multiple months before I realized Worcester is not pronounced (wore-chest-er).
Sitting in my first year or so of IEP meetings and parent meetings was scary and overwhelming. I always felt a little lost or like I was messing it all up.
Now 14 years into special education, and I feel confident in meetings. Before you ask, of course I still get nervous but now I know what I'm doing. I have learned how to assess a child's needs and work cross functionally with admin, teachers, service providers, and families to develop an IEP that reflects a child's needs.
I decided to start this business because I am sick and tired of students not getting their needs met in the standard IEP. I believe every student deserves to have a strong IEP that reflects their individual strengths, their personal goals, their family's goals, and their family's values & hopes for the future.
I want to work on developing IEPs as a collaborative team that prepare a student for their unique future.
Standing beside you --
Sarah Colby
Put My Knowledge To
Work For Your Child
MY EDUCATION:
BACHELORS DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION & FRENCH
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION: MODERATE AND SEVERE
MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CANDIDATE (SPRING 2025 - EXPECTED GRADUATION)
MY LICENSURE:
BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR
ANALYST (BCBA)
LICENSED
APPLIED BEHAVIOR
ANALYST in MA (LABA)
LICENSED SPECIAL EDUCATION
TEACHER
MY EXPERIENCE:
SETTINGS I HAVE WORKED IN:
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SPECIAL EDUCATION DAY SCHOOLS
RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT
IN-HOME & COMMUNITY ABA
TYPES OF TEACHING:
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEMS
PRIVATE ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
What Audrey & Chris had to say:
Testimonials
What we can
do together:
Prioritize
Let's work together to determine your biggest IEP goals, partner with the school, and work to achieve those goals
Document
I'll show you how to clearly share your concerns during a meeting & in writing
Meeting Attendance
You'll never have to walk into a meeting alone again -- unless you want to!
Trouble Shooting
I'll be here to help you every step of the way. To answer your questions, cheer you on, & celebrate your child's success
School Observations
Want to know what is happening at school? Send me!
Let's build bridges with the rest of the IEP team & collaborate in the best interest of your child
We will use data in all decision making and ensure the school does too
I will help you learn how to get the school to respect your goals and give your child what they need
Your coaching time -- your way
You pick how we work together to achieve your goals
Your child's success, independence, & goals will
always be our focus
Let's work together, so you can feel confident in the IEP process
I will provide ...
Support
I will answer all your questions.
IEP Strategies that Work!
No more searching to figure out what you need to do next, how to handle a difficult situation, or how to ask for what your child needs.
Meeting Support
Maybe you want me at your meeting, maybe you don't. No matter what you need, I'll be there. I can help you prep, attend the meeting, or be on call to answer questions in real time. You do not have to do this alone.
I am not a lawyer and I do not give legal advice. All advocacy and IEP decisions are your own. I will be your guide and answer your questions.
All images are my own and may not be used without permission.
All rights reserved by Sarah Colby Consulting, LLC
Sarah Colby Consulting, LLC