Seeking guidance on ​how to advocate better ​for your child?

Struggling to navigate ​the complexities of the ​special education ​system?

Feeling overwhelmed ​by the special ​education process and ​unsure of your next ​steps?

Seeking collaboration ​with various state and ​local agencies to ​expand your reach?

Sydney Gressett

Special Education Consultant

I’m a Special Education Consultant, current Special Education Teacher, and ​ Autism Specialist dedicated to empowering students with diverse learning ​needs. My career in education spans over 5 years, during which I have ​developed a deep understanding of the challenges and truimphs faced by ​students, parents, and educators in the special education system.

Outside of my professional life, my husband and I recently had our first child. ​We enjoy cooking, traveling, and attending our alma mater college football ​games.

Combining my professional expertise, personal experiences and dedication to ​education, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of the children and ​families I work with. I am dedicated to not only supporting students but also ​empowering parents to become strong advocates for their children. By working ​together, we can ensure that every child recieves the education they deserve. I ​look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s educational journey, ​equipping you with the knowledge and tools to be their most effective advocate.​

Navigating Through Special Education

Through my 5 years of working in special education, I have seen various challenges that parents face and the frustration and confusion that follows ​when it comes to navigating through the special education system. These challenges can include understanding complex legal and educational ​terminology, advocating for appropriate services and accommodations, collaborating with educators and specialists, and ensuring their child ​receives a quality education tailored to their needs.

Additionally, parents face obstacles such as limited access to resources, long wait times for assessments and evaluations, and disparities in service ​provision. Effective communication, knowledge of rights, and advocacy skills are essential for parents to ensure their child receives the support and ​opportunities they deserve in the educational setting.

The disconnection between parents and educators in special education often stems from differences in perspectives, communication barriers, ​misconceptions, cultural differences, and conflicting priorities. Parents may feel marginalized or overwhelmed by the complexities of the special ​education system, leading to frustration and distrust in educators' ability to address their child's needs effectively. Conversely, educators may ​perceive parents as overly demanding or lacking understanding of classroom constraints, which can hinder collaborative decision-making and ​support planning.

Addressing this disconnection requires proactive efforts from both parties to foster mutual respect, open dialogue, and shared decision-making. ​Establishing clear channels of communication, promoting transparency, and actively involving parents in the educational process can help bridge ​the gap and create a more collaborative and supportive partnership between parents and educators in special education. My goal is to foster this ​collaboration and to provide parents with the tools they need to advocate with confidence.

Ways I Can Assist You

Consultations

A consultation provides parents with personalized guidance and support to navigate the complexities of the special education system. Services can ​include:

• Review of IEP and progress reports to provide feedback/ recommendations.
  
• Answer any questions and provide recommendations to best support your child’s educational needs.
  
• Empower you with knowledge and confidence to be a strong advocate for your child.
  
• Guidance on effective communication skills for interacting with school personnel to foster collaboration and address conflicts.

$90/hr

Packages

Evaluation Package

Assist in the evaluation process and preparation for ARD meetings to ​help you articulate your child’s needs and concerns effectively.

Services Includes:

• Two 1-hour virtual consultations
  
• Explain the purpose, process, and legal requirements of special ​education evaluations.
  
• Assist in the evaluation process:
  
• Guide parents on how to formally request an evaluation
  
• Help parents articulate specific areas of concerns (i.e. academic, ​social/emotional, speech, etc.)
  
• Assist in ensuring all areas of concern(s) will be addressed within ​the evaluation.
  
• Provide clarification of any form or paperwork needed to ​complete the evaluation.
  
• Provide ongoing support, Q&A, and email consultations during the ​evaluation.
  
• Interpret and review the evaluation results with parents.
  
• Educate and explain the ARD process.
  
• Assist in developing an appropriate action plan.
  
• If eligible, collaborate and assist in developing an IEP, based on ​the results of the evaluation, to ensure specific needs are met.
  
• Assist in reviewing the final IEP document to ensure it accurately ​reflects what was agreed upon during the meeting.
  
• Resource packet that includes:
  
• Evaluation checklist
  
• ARD checklist
  
• Questions to ask at an ARD meeting
  
• IEP organizer binder resource
  

$450

ARD Preparation Package

Assist in preparation for ARD meetings so you can better participate and ​articulate your child’s needs and concerns effectively.

Service includes:

• A 1-hour virtual consultation
  
• Review of previous IEP, progress reports, and any other educational ​records/documents.
  
• Educate and explain the ARD process.
  
• Collaborate and assist in developing, reviewing, and revising IEPs to ​ensure specific needs are met.
  
• Assist in reviewing the final IEP document to ensure it accurately ​reflects what was agreed upon during the meeting.
  
• Resource packet that includes:
  
• ARD checklist
  
• Questions to ask at an ARD meeting
  
• IEP organizer binder resource
  

$300

Add On’s

To add on in addition to packages:

• Additional consultations → $10 off
  
• Review of evaluation (add on to ARD prep package) → $100
  

*If ARD ends in disagreement: → $150

• Provide ongoing support
  
• Assist in collaboration between parents and district on ​disagreements
  
• Develop an action plan to ensure all areas of disagreement are ​resolved
  
• 1 hour consultation
  
• Review and discuss disagreements and action plan for ​reconvene ARD
  

Educational Consulting Services

Individualized Education Plans (IEP) ​Development

• Assist in creating and reviewing IEPs to ensure ​they meet the specific needs of each student.
  

Customized Learning Strategies

• Develop tailored instructional strategies and ​interventions to support diverse learning ​needs.
  

Transition Planning

• Provide support for students transitioning ​between grade levels, schools, or into post-​secondary education and employment.
  

Educational Assessments

• Conduct assessments to identify learning ​disabilities, strengths, and areas for ​improvement.
  

Behavioral Support Plans

• Create and implement behavioral support ​plans to address and manage challenging ​behaviors.
  

Curriculum Adaptation

• Modify and adapt curriculum materials to ​make them accessible and effective for ​students with special needs.
  

Advocacy Services

IEP Advocacy

• Represent and support families in IEP ​meetings to ensure that their child’s need are ​addressed and met.
  

Special Education Rights Education

• Educate families about their rights and available ​services under special education law.
  

Conflict Resolution

• Assist in resolving disputes between families ​and education institutions.
  

Resource Coordination

• Help families connect with additional resources ​such as therapy services, community support, and ​financial assistance.
  

Support Services

Parent and Family Support

• Offer guidance, workshops, and counseling to ​help families navigate the special education ​system and advocate for their child’s needs.
  

Teacher Training and Workshops

• Provide professional development and ​training for educators on effective teaching ​strategies and understanding special needs.
  

Advocacy Workshops

• Conduct workshops for parents and ​caregivers on advocacy skills and navigating ​the special education landscape.
  

Consultation for Schools and ​Agencies

• Offer consulting services to school and ​agencies on best practices for inclusive ​education and special needs support.
  

Therapeutic Services

Speech and Language Therapy

• Coordinate with speech and language ​therapists to support communication needs.
  

Occupational Therapy Support

• Work with occupational therapists to develop ​and implement strategies for improving fine ​motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory ​regulation and daily living activities.
  

Behavior Therapy

• Partner with behavior therapists to address ​and modify challenging behaviors.
  

Additional Services

Home Based Learning Support

• Provide resources and support for home based ​learning and educational plans.
  

Technology Integration

• Assist in integrating assistive technology and ​tools to enhance learning and ​communication.
  

Social Skills Training

• Develop programs to help students improve ​social interactions and build meaningful ​relationships.
  

Parent Coaching

• Offer 1:1 coaching for parents to help them ​effectively support thier child’s educational ​and emotional needs.
  

Contact Me!

Sydney Gressett

abideandthriveconsulting@gmail.com

Terms of Service

Effective Date: July 1, 2024

1. Introduction

Welcome to Abide & Thrive Educational Consulting. By engaging our special education consultation services, you agree to the following terms and conditions.

2. Services

We provide personalized consultation services to support children with special needs and their families. Abide & Thrive Educational Consulting requires all clients to agree and sign a contract prior to commencement of services.

Please Note: Due to full-time job commitments, consultation services are offered after school hours, with flexible hours on Saturday. If you need to schedule a consultation outside of these hours, please contact abideandthriveconsulting@gmail.com to discuss possible arrangements. Please ​allow up to 24 hours for a response.

3. Client Responsibilities

Clients must provide accurate information and documents required for services. Failure to provide requested documents could result in reduced effectiveness of the consultation and quality recommendations. Timely communication and attendance at scheduled consultation(s) are essential.

4. Fees and Payments

Payments for service must be paid and contract submitted before commencement. There will be 20% non-refundable retainer fee.

5. Confidentiality

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all client information. All documents will be stored in a confidential account and files will be destroyed once services are rendered. In order to provide quality and effective services, Abide & Thrive Educational Consulting may consult with ​other special education specialists (i.e. school psychologists, speech pathologists, etc.) and will adhere to confidentiality policy and protocols. Discussions, documents, and any other shared information will not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.

6. Cancellation and Rescheduling

Clients must provide at least 48 hours' notice, not including Sunday, to cancel or reschedule any consultation via email to abideandthriveconsulting@gmail.com. If a consultation needs to be rescheduled with less than 48 hours' notice, a rescheduling fee will apply. In certain circumstances, such ​as emergencies, the Provider may waive the rescheduling fee at their discretion. Clients who do not show up for the scheduled consultation or cancellations made less than 48 hours, not including Sunday, before the scheduled consultation will not be entitled to a refund.

7. Limitation of Liability

Abide & Thrive Educational Consulting is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our services, including any actions taken or decisions made based on advice and/or recommendations provided during the service. Clients acknowledge that ​there are no guarantees of achieving the desired outcomes for their child. They understand that the Consultant's primary duty is to act in the best interest of the child, considering various factors and adhering to applicable federal or state laws that may be beyond the control of both the ​parents/clients and the Consultant.

8. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the state of Texas.

9. Contact Us

For any questions regarding these terms, please contact us at abideandthriveconsulting@gmail.com.

*Abide & Thrive Educational Consulting are not licensed attorneys and we do not offer legal advice or engage in the practice of law.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: July 1, 2024

1. Introduction

Abide & Thrive Educational Consulting, LLC (“us”, “we”, or “our”) operates http://www.abideandthriveconsulting.com. We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of our clients. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information as a special education consultant.

2. Information We Collect

• Personal Information: Name, email, phone number, and any information provided during consultations.
  
• Sensitive Information: Educational records, medical information, and other relevant documents.
  

3. How We Use Your Information

• To provide personalized special education consultation services
  
• To communicate with you regarding your child's educational needs
  
• To maintain accurate records for service improvement
  

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website.

5. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your personal and sensitive information.

6. Third-Party Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personally identifiable information to outside parties without your consent, except as required by law.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, please contact us at abideandthriveconsulting@gmail.com.