• are at-risk
  
  
• are just beginning the special education process
  
  
• have an existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan
  
  
• have been identified with; ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Emotional Disturbance, GT/LD, Language Impairment, Learning Disability, Mental Retardation, Oppositional Defiant Disorder

MISSION

The goal of the Special Kids Company, Inc. is to ensure that all children are provided with the very best education afforded them. We believe that with a lot of love and hard work, every child can succeed. We recognize each child for the individual that they are and we are committed to ensuring that all of your child's needs are being met. The range of services that The Special Kids Company, Inc. offers is not limited to one specific area but rather, a continuum of services that will be sure to meet the needs of the "whole child." The Special Kids Company, Inc. provides comprehensive diagnostic, intervention, and consultative services for children and their families. We are committed to providing you with the most up to date educational practices and techniques and we promise to provide both you and your child the individual care and attention you deserve.


COFOUNDERS' BIOGRAPHIES

Andrea Bennett, M.Ed. Educational and Behavioral Consultant SUMMARY Certified elementary education and special education teacher with over seven years of varied experience in teaching students with disabilities in both inclusive and self-contained learning environments. Considered an instructional leader and resource to both teachers and parents in Howard County. Seeking to utilize my knowledge of special education and instructional strategies and provide assistance to teachers and parents throughout the Baltimore/ Washington area. PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Educational and Behavioral Consultants The Special Kids Company, Inc. 7/02- Present Howard County Public Schools 8/95 – 6/02 Special Education Teacher and Instructional Team Leader Adapt curriculum methods, materials and assessments to meet the needs of all special populations. Administer formal and informal diagnostic tests used in public school special education settings for the purpose of programming. Design and develop strategies to implement an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.) for children with special needs. Assist teachers throughout the county in lesson planning and preparation of appropriate materials for students with multiple and or severe educational needs this includes designing and planning for an Academic Life Skills class – Elementary level (ALS) Collaborate with faculty and parents to develop appropriate Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Assist parents in programming for their children for the summer breaks. Conduct and supervise monthly IEP Team meetings. Instructor at summer day camp for students with severe needs. - Primarily Autism Teach to college level students (Towson University) on developing and implementing modifications for the classroom. Teach Instructional Strategies for students with Autism to other Howard County teachers and para-professionals. Tutor one on one and small groups of students in a variety of subjects as well as social skills. Utilized Applied Behavioral Applications (ABA) with students with Autism. EDUCATION Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision May 2000 Loyola College of Maryland, Baltimore, MD Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education May 1995 West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV OTHER CERTIFICATIONS AND COMMITTEE AFFILIATIONS Certified to administer Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certified in Orton Gillingham and Stevenson reading approaches Member of Instructional Consultation Team (ICT) Presenter for Council for Exceptional Children – Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (CEC-MRDD) Conference Presenter for the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF) Conference Successful completion of the Howard County Public School System leadership training

Lisa Coleman Frank, M.Ed. Educational and Behavioral Consultant SUMMARY Certified special education teacher and behavior specialist with over eight years of varied experience in teaching students with behavioral and academic disabilities. A reliable resource for teachers and parents who work with students with behavioral concerns in the school and/or home environment. Seeking to provide expertise of special education knowledge and proactive behavioral intervention strategies to teachers and parents throughout the Baltimore/ Washington area. PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Educational and Behavioral Consultants The Special Kids Company, Inc. 7/02- Present Howard County Public Schools 8/94 – 6/02 Special Education Teacher, Alternative Education Teacher and Behavior Specialist Adapt curriculum methods, materials and assessments to meet the educational needs of special students with special needs. Administer formal and informal diagnostic tests used in special education settings for the purpose of programming. Collaborate with faculty to adapt the curriculum and identify the appropriate instructional activities at various developmental levels. Collect and analyze data to assess appropriateness of student’s instruction and behavioral needs. Design and develop strategies to implement an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.) for children with special needs. Design and implement programs for an eight-week sleep-away camp in Maine to include students with disabilities. Design functional behavioral assessment plans (FABA) for students with Autism, Emotional Disturbance, Mental Retardation, Attention Defect Disorder and Conduct Disorders. Facilitate summer school programs for students with Autism utilizing an academic and social skills curriculum. Teach social skills dealing with anger management , self help skills and proactive calming strategies. Organize and lead presentations on a range of disabilities to teachers in both public and non-public school settings. Train teachers and parents on behavioral plans, proactive strategies and interventions. EDUCATION Masters of Education in Reading May 1999 Loyola College of Maryland, Baltimore, MD Bachelor of Arts in Special Education May 1994 George Washington University, Washington, DC OTHER CERTIFICATIONS AND COMMITTEE AFFILIATIONS Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certified trainer in several specialized reading programs Member of Instructional Consultation Team (ICT) Presenter for the Maryland Association of Non-Public Special Education Facilities (MANSEF) Successful completion of the Howard County Public School System leadership training