Special Needs Consulting and Advocacy Services
Elaine Berkley has worked in a number of professional positions with special needs families and children for over thirty years. For the past 14 years she has worked full time as a special needs consultant and advocate. She currently works through Frogs Landing in association with Arizona’s Advocates, www.ArizonaSpecEdAdvocates.com . This allows her to have contact with other highly experienced school advocates who share ideas and opportunities.
Elaine’s extensive experience in advocacy has taught her that that it is particularly confusing and stressful for families to navigate the various federal, state and local organizations in health, education, and government. Many years in the field of social worker taught Elaine that it’s necessary for her to spend time with the children she represents by meeting them, preferably in their homes, and observing both at home and at school where possible. She usually spends hours with families during initial meetings to fully understand families’ desires for their child. During this process Elaine provides information necessary for parents to understand the options available to them. Families, with Elaine’s help, develop a plan for exploring the appropriate school options. In addition, Elaine may provide referrals to community services and other professionals who may be helpful to the family.
Elaine attends Multidisciplinary Educational Team Meetings (MET) and Individual Educational Plan meetings (IEP) with families. She has attended hundreds of these meetings in her career and has a strong working understanding of both the content and intent of the federal Individuals in Education Act (IDEA.) Elaine is not an attorney nor does she provide legal advice. She does, however, stay current as to how and why IDEA is being implemented.
Elaine has spent much of her career involved in the behavioral issues of children. She accompanies families to school meetings with a strong understanding of the process of Functional Behavior Assessments and Positive Behavioral Plans and assists families to understand this process. Elaine’s expertise is in her ability to look at creative solutions for children in the least restrictive school setting. She has had the opportunity to visit and research multitudes of schools, programs, classrooms, and individual plans for special needs kids. While doing so she has developed the ability to envision the combining of services and opportunities that best meet the needs of a specific child.
Elaine’s method of advocacy is through attempting to developing a cohesive team approach that puts the child’s needs first; recognizing that almost anything is possible; and helping all parties to focus on not just what has been done but what can be done. She recognizes when compromise is in the child’s best interest and understands the educational process both as a parent and as a former school social worker. She has knowledge of testing methodology, academic programs, and best practice models in education. Elaine has worked in all of the major school districts in the Phoenix area and most of the smaller ones as well.
If you need a champion for your child Elaine will be glad to speak with you. Please call or text her at (602) 403-4312 or E-mail: elaineberkley03@aol.com or elaine.berkley@frogslanding.org.