Mission
Rachel Anastasia, Educational Consulting applies a collaborative, data-driven, student-centered, problem-solving approach when addressing the educational needs of students. Rachel incorporates a multifaceted perspective when meeting student needs; allowing parents and guardians to become more educated and active participants in their student’s education and the special education team process. Rachel is committed to providing meaningful and quality consultation, enabling all stakeholders to feel heard and acknowledged and ensuring all students receive free and appropriate education under the law.
Rachel understands all facets of the public school educational process. Rachel assists clients regardless of where students may be on the special education continuum; their area of disability, grade level, or placement.
Services
For Families
Family Consultations
Reviews of records, IEPs/504s, with written recommendations
Participation at TEAM meetings
Rejection/Resolution supports
School/Student/Program Observation
For districts/SEPACs:
Program/student observations
Parent trainings (Basic Rights/IEP 2.0)
Consult services can be short-term and/or long-term. Consultation can be consistent or intermittent during a student’s school career
Why Hire an Educational Consultant?
Educational consultants can help parents interpret reports and evaluations and explain their implications.
Educational consultants can help prepare parents for IEP and 504 meetings.
Educational consultants can observe students in their current programs, or observe proposed placements in or out of the district at the request of families or a school district.
Educational consultants can advise parents about services, programs, and accommodations that meet their children’s individual needs.
Educational consultants can assist parents with submitting written requests.
Educational consultants can accompany parents to IEP and 504 meetings to offer advice and assistance to the student’s team.
Educational consultants can support drafting requests, responses, and school complaints.
Educational consultants can review special education documents for accuracy and completion both before and after IEP and 504 meetings.
Testimonials
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As a parent to a child with special needs, I simply cannot recommend Rachel more highly. Navigating how to make school a safe and productive space for your child is such an intimidating process and Rachel has a way of making you feel calm, supported, and in the driver's seat throughout it all. She brings a depth of knowledge and experience that is unmatched and widely respected. Without Rachel's expertise, honesty, and support, my child would not be as happy and well adjusted at school. Equally as important, without Rachel, I would not be as confident in my capacity to be the parent and advocate my child needs. If you are finding yourself overwhelmed or in need of help advocating for your family, I can confidently say that Rachel is the right person to call next.
Parent, North Andover, MA
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As a mother, I knew my son needed additional educational support; yet after multiple meetings, I was left frustrated and unheard by the public school system. After just one conversation with Rachel, I felt at ease. She hopped into the drivers seat and wrote an initial email to reconvene that left me mind-blown. Her one email was full of poise, authority and deep insight into educational law and protection. As we continued our working relationship and brought Rachel onboard, my son was granted his IEP after just one additional meeting!
Rachel brings to the table decades of experience and a deep understanding of education law. What makes her stand out the most, however, is her way with words. Rachel is concise and cuts to the heart of what truly matters: your child's success and support. Having Rachel in your corner brings the gift of not only advocating for your child(ren), but also understanding the complexities of special education. Her patience, support and guidance will help you to better understand test scores, new laws (and old), as well as how to support your student at home.
Without being dramatic; Rachel changed the trajectory of my son's education. My only wish is that I called her sooner!
Parent, Beverly, MA
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When I had my son evaluated, I was so nervous. I received so much information all at once and it was overwhelming. Reading the thick reports that the school sent home might as well have been in another language. I was so relieved to have Rachel who was able to read and interpret the evaluations for me in a meaningful way and help me understand them. It allowed me to attend my son's meeting and really participate because I understood what they were talking about. Having an educational consultant is very important in understanding the process and your child's rights. I can't express my gratitude enough!
Parent, Andover, MA
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