In the vast majority of situations,
parents and school staff work together as an effective team on behalf of the child with special needs. At times, parents may feel overwhelmed by the IEP process and find they need support, be it moral support, technical support, some information, a little coaching, an expert to use as a sounding board, or just to have another set of eyes and ears to help find solutions or come up with ideas. At times, educators and other school professionals could use some input and feedback for improving practices for better student outcomes. Other times a neutral 3rd party mediator is needed to help resolve disputes where parents and districts are stuck. Those are times when a Special Education Consultant can be helpful to the IEP team or 504 Plan team, as an advocate on behalf of the parents, or as a consultant in support of educators, program leaders, and related agencies.
MLG Advocacy and Consulting is a dual practice whose primary mission is to serve students by supporting parents as well as public or private educational organizations. In light of this unique approach, MLG Advocacy and Consulting commits to preserving trust and integrity in all professional relationships by entering into either an advocacy relationship or a consulting services agreement, but never both at the same time, within the same organization.
Welcome to MLG Advocacy and Consulting
After 23 years in public education, I founded MLG Advocacy and Consulting to put my skills and experience to use in a different way. As a special education administrator, year after year I saw that the most successful team meetings happened when parents felt heard, when educators were knowledgeable, prepared and confident, when technicalities and recommendations were clear and supported with data, and when all team members—including parents—felt their input was valued. Who benefits from successful meeting outcomes? The student.
A unique approach
Because of my background and experience, MLG Advocacy and Consulting is designed as a dual practice in support of students. Another way to describe my approach? I support parents as an advocate when they need support to get better outcomes for their child. I support educators and agencies as a consultant— program evaluation and development, training, coaching, mediation, facilitation, conflict resolution- to get better outcomes for students.
The students are the point and the focus.
My primary interest is in supporting every student’s success in school. Every child with special needs has the right to an education in the least restrictive environment that works for them and that provides services to meet their needs, to feel they belong in their school community, and to receive the support they need to have the same fair shot at learning as their peers. These are key conditions for a child’s growth and success in school, and in life. As an advocate and consultant I will work with parents, educators, agencies, private schools, and related groups to help them help every child be successful.
Access.
Equity.
Inclusion.
Services for Parents
advocacy
Observation of the student in his/her learning environment.
Attendance at IEP/504 team meetings in person, via telephone, or via teleconference.
Assistance with the development of data-driven IEP goals.
Review of draft documents and recommendations.
Collaboration with school staff, service providers, and community agencies.
Post-meeting debriefing with parents.
CONSULTATION
Initial conversation with parents about their child’s needs.
General Q&A about special education -the big picture.
Follow- up conversations by telephone or videoconference.
Support and guidance for parents in preparation for an upcoming meeting.
Review of the child’s existing IEPs/504 Plans, including present levels, areas of need, goals & services.
Analysis of the child’s current program, including feedback on compliance.
Introductory conversations with school staff and administrators when appropriate.
RESOURCES
Parent training and education on specific Special Education topics.
Referrals to private providers and community agencies.
Special Education news and updates via blog.
Referral to Special Education attorneys when requested.
How will we work together?
During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss your needs, and how MLG Advocacy and Consulting can help. Some families only want a brief consultation for guidance or quick tips. Others want someone to become a steady member of the IEP team and to attend meetings with them for a time. You may want a referral to a resource in the community or to a private provider for additional services outside of school, private evaluations, or consultations with experts from specific areas of special education.
We’ll review your current situation and determine what level and type of support will meet your needs. If you are looking for legal representation, or require legal advice, MLG Advocacy and Consulting can provide referrals to special education lawyers in the area.
Services for Districts
CONSULTATIOn & Coaching
Mentoring and support for new Special Education Administrators.
Orientation for Special Education for specialists transitioning from clinical to educational settings (OT, PT, mental health, SLP).
Consultant/thought-partner for challenging individual cases.
Coaching/support for school based mental health/wellness team members.
TRAINING
Special Education Best Practices Academy for site leaders.
Customized staff development presentations for general education teachers, special education teachers, specialists and paraprofessionals.
Professional development for School Psychologists, School Counselors, School Social Workers, Child Welfare Services workers, and other school-based mental health and wellness professionals.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Assistance with IEP/504 reviews to identify compliance and training needs.
Support with new program development.
Evaluation and recommendations for program improvements.
How will we work together?
During our initial consultation, we’ll evaluate your staff or program needs, and how MLG Advocacy and Consulting can help. We’ll identify your goals, and develop a plan for addressing them in the most efficient, effective and collaborative way.
About Maria Lang-Gavidia
Ms. Gavidia began her career in special education as a school psychologist. After 11 years, she became an elementary school principal for the next several years, then moved into the role of Special Education Director, where she remained for 9 more years.
Throughout her career, Ms Gavidia has worked on behalf of students with special needs ranging in ages from preschool through high school. She has experience with each of the 13 eligibility categories designated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as qualifying conditions for special education services. Her areas of special interest include child and adolescent mental health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, and attention difficulties,
Like all special education administrators, in the spring of 2020, Ms. Gavidia led a team of special educators as they transitioned IEP programs to remote instruction. She brings first-hand knowledge of the changing special education environment to her advocacy and consultation practice.
extensive experience with:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Emotional Disturbance
Preschool Special Needs
• Mental Health & Social Emotional needs
• Specific Learning Disabilities
• Related learning problems, such as attention and processing difficulties.
Program Development
Supervision and Coaching
Training and Education
Education:
• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
St. Mary’s College of California
• Master of Science, Counseling: Marriage, Family, Child
San Francisco State University
• Master of Science, Counseling: School Psychology
Cal State East Bay
• Master of Arts, Educational Administration
San Francisco State University
Certifications:
Pupil Personnel Services Credential (School Psychology, School Counseling)
Administrative Services Credential
Certified Mediator for Dispute Resolution-Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF)
Contact MLG Advocacy and Consulting
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MLG Advocacy and Consulting is a dual practice whose primary mission is to serve students by supporting both parents and educational agencies. In light of this unique approach, MLG Advocacy and Consulting commits to preserving trust and integrity in all professional relationships by entering into either advocacy services agreement or consulting services agreement within the same LEA or agency, never both at the same time. MLG Advocacy and Consulting is not a law practice; referrals to special education attorneys are provided when needed.