We offer individual consulting services tailored to meet each child's unique needs. Our services provide individual personalized consulting for families. We understand that every child is unique, and that is why we offer comprehensive consulting services tailored to meet the individual needs of each child.

Our consulting services are designed to provide personalized guidance and support to families who have children with disabilities, children identified as gifted, and children identified as twice exceptional. Our consultants are experts in their field, with years of experience working with children with a wide range of abilities and challenges.

They stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in education, allowing them to provide informed guidance and recommendations to families. We believe that parents play a crucial role in their children's education, which is why we work closely with families to empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their children effectively.

We provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure that parents feel confident in navigating the educational system and advocating for their child's needs in all educational settings and at home.

Our consulting services start with a full comprehensive review of records. Once we review the child's records, we provide compressive feedback of our findings and recommendations. Our consultants provide ongoing consulting services to families and update recommendations as the child progresses each year to meet their individual needs.

We provide the following consulting services:

• Comprehensive review of records
• Feedback meeting with parents to discuss specific recommendations for the child
• Assist in determining the best school placement for your child
• A list of appropriate school placements
• School observations, if needed
• Communicating with professionals on the case, if needed
• Monitoring progress and providing ongoing recommendations
• Referrals to providers that have gone through our intense referral selection process

Our consulting service packages are ideal for parents who want recommendations, guidance, and private consulting between Ballou Education and their family. Families prefer to attend their own meetings with schools and outside professionals and need consulting as they navigate services and attend meetings on their own.

We recognize the paramount importance of advocating for your child's educational needs. Our Advocacy service is designed to support parents in navigating a variety of crucial meetings and situations within the educational system. Our advocates work tirelessly to ensure that your child receives the support and resources they need to thrive.

Whether it's developing an individualized education program (IEP), 504 plan, identifying appropriate educational resources, or advocating for the child's rights, our advocates are committed to providing guidance and support every step of the way.

We take the time to get to know each child on an individual level. This allows us to develop tailored strategies specifically designed to meet their needs, whether they require additional support in the classroom, specialized instruction, or assistance with transitioning between educational settings.

Meetings We Assist With:

• 504 Meetings:

  Focused on creating a plan to support students with disabilities so they can access and participate in their education.

• IEP Meetings:

  Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings where plans are developed for students with disabilities, outlining the specific educational services they require.

• FBA/BIP Meetings:

  Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) meetings addressing challenging behaviors and creating strategies for positive behavior support.

• Bullying Concerns:

  If your child is experiencing bullying, our advocates can help navigate the process of addressing these concerns with the school.

• Parent-Teacher Conferences:

  We assist in preparing for and participating in parent-teacher conferences to ensure that your child's needs are effectively communicated and understood.

• Observations:

  Our advocates provide support during classroom observations to ensure that the educational environment is conducive to your child's learning needs.

• Transition Meetings:

  When transitioning between schools or educational programs, our advocates help make the process smooth and successful.

• Manifestation Meetings:

  These meetings determine if a student's behavior is a result of their disability and what actions should be taken.

• Disciplinary Due Process Hearings:

  If your child is facing disciplinary action, our advocates guide you through the due process and ensure fair treatment.

• Resolution Meetings:

  We assist in resolving conflicts or issues that arise within the educational setting through effective communication and negotiation.

Additional Services We Offer:

• Consultation and Recommendations:

  On school placement, scholarships, and funding resources for placements.

• Development of Education Plans:

  For each client, quarterly monitoring of each client's progress on the plan, and development of evaluation plans.

• Negotiation with Schools:

  On behalf of the child's educational needs and placement.

• Attend Meetings:

  Attend MET/RED, IEP, and/or 504 meetings.

• Advise Parents:

  On strategy for working with the school.

• Recommend Specialists:

  Recommend specialists, service providers, evaluators, and schools.

• Advising Parents:

  About services, programs, and accommodations that meet their children's individual needs.

• Interpret Reports:

  Interpret reports and evaluations as well as explaining the implications to the child's education/placement.

• Assist with Requests:

  Assisting parents with submitting written requests.

• Check Special Education Documents:

  For accuracy and completion both before and after MET, RED, IEP, and 504 meetings.

• Accompany Parents:

  To school meetings to advocate for the child's rights protected under both federal and state law.

• Advise on Case Strength:

  Advising parents about the strength of their cases after record review and offering referrals to special education attorneys when appropriate.

• Assist with Navigation:

  Assist families in navigating not only the laws but also the processes by which schools implement legislation.

• Classroom Observation:

  Perform classroom observation and provide reports.

• Prepare for Meetings:

  Prepare parents for MET/RED/IEP/504 meetings, including interpreting and prioritizing support materials, proposing goals and objectives, and providing/rehearsing strategies for the meeting.

• Review Documents:

  Review all special education documents, including files, assessments, report cards, observation reports, etc., prior to RED/MET/IEP/504 meetings.

• Accompany to Meetings:

  Accompany parents to meetings with the school and any other relevant meetings to provide advice and assistance.

• Review Documents Before Signing:

  Review RED/MET/IEP/504 documents before parents sign them.

• Draft Communications:

  Draft letters, responses, complaints, and written requests to school and district officials.

• Consult and Educate:

  Consult and educate families to improve independent advocacy skills.

• Advocate for Children:

  Consult and advocate for children in all areas as it relates to education.

At Ballou Education, we're dedicated to providing compassionate and knowledgeable support for parents and their children. We believe that every child deserves an appropriate education, and we are committed to helping you navigate the educational system with confidence and success.

Every child is unique and has their own set of strengths and challenges when it comes to learning. That is why Ballou Education offers a coaching service that is dedicated to helping children develop the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Our coaching services help children build essential skills to succeed. We focus on developing personalized strategies to address each child's learning strengths and challenges.

Our coaches take a personalized approach, working closely with each child to identify their strengths and areas for growth. We believe in fostering a positive and nurturing environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By focusing on the whole child, we aim to help them become confident and independent learners who are well-equipped to face any challenge that comes their way.

Whether it's developing study skills, improving organizational skills, or building self-advocacy skills, our coaches are here to support your child every step of the way. We take a holistic approach to coaching, focusing not only on academic achievement but also on social and emotional development. Our goal is to empower children to become lifelong learners who are capable of overcoming any obstacle.

When you choose Ballou Education for coaching services, you can expect a team of dedicated professionals with a strong passion for helping children reach their full potential. Our coaches are not just educators; they are mentors, motivators, and advocates for your child's success. We build strong relationships with our students, and we are committed to providing them with the support and encouragement they need to succeed.

Our coaching services are limited to a specific number of students each year. If you are interested in coaching service, please fill out the form and select "coaching services."

There are times when parents will disagree about where their child should attend school. While most disagreements can be resolved, there are times when parents are unable to come to an agreement. In situations where parents are unable to agree, they often need to rely on an expert to assist in legal proceedings.

Ballou Education can be retained as an expert witness in matters involving domestic disputes between parents regarding school placement. With extensive experience in handling such cases, Ballou Education has testified in several cases in the state of Arizona, helping resolve school placement disagreements.

When parents are unable to resolve their disagreement regarding school placement, Ballou Education can be retained to provide a recommendation to the court. Our services include a comprehensive review of all records, including the child's school records, observations, interviews, and assessments. We attend depositions and provide a detailed report of our findings, which can be used in court proceedings.

If you find yourself in need of an expert witness for school placement disputes, contact us, and we will schedule a time to discuss your specific case in depth.

Today's Date *

State * Choose Arizona California

Subject *

Service * Choose Consulting Advocacy Coaching Expert Witness Not Sure

Parent 1 - Name *

Parent 1 Address

Parent 1 - Email Address *

Parent 1 - Phone *

Parent 2 - Name

Parent 2 Address

Parent 2 - Email Address

Parent 2 - Phone

Student's Name *

Is your child on an Education Plan? * Choose IEP 504 None

If so, please describe

Student's School District *

Student's School *

School Address

Student's Grade * Choose Preschool Kindergarten 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 12th+

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Tamara Ballou is a distinguished advocate with over 32 years of experience in education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Sign Language from Arizona State University. Her advocacy journey began as a teacher and led her to establish Ballou Education in 2007.

Her personal experience as a parent of special needs children deeply influences her professional work. Tamara specializes in connecting schools and families, enhancing parental involvement, and championing children's educational needs. She assists parents in engaging with their children's educational planning, believing that collaboration is essential for success.

Her expertise extends to mediating conflicts, developing effective parenting strategies, and providing expert testimony in legal disputes. Her holistic approach ensures that families receive comprehensive support throughout their educational journey.

Specializations

In addition to her focus on special needs education, Tamara is dedicated to gifted education, particularly for twice-exceptional children. Her background in both areas allows her to provide tailored support for a wide range of students, including guidance on school placement and individualized recommendations.

Community Involvement

Tamara's commitment is evident through her extensive community service and leadership roles.

• Co-founder of Southeast Valley SPED Parents
• Former President of Tempe Parents for the Gifted
• Advisory Council Member for Defenders of Children

Professional Development & Memberships

To stay at the forefront of her field, Tamara completes over 60 hours of professional development annually, attending training and conferences on advocacy and special education law.

• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
• International Association of Special Education (IASE)
• International Dyslexia Association
• Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented
• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
• SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted)

Tamara Ballou's dedication to education advocacy, leadership, and ongoing pursuit of knowledge make her a trusted resource for families navigating the complexities of the education system. Whether you need guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, or general educational advocacy, she is committed to supporting your family and ensuring every child receives the education they deserve.

Devon Willer is an educational advocate who helps busy families navigate the complexities of special education with clarity, compassion, and strategy. She brings a unique blend of personal experience, professional polish, and hands-on training to her work with families.

Trained by Ms. Tamara Ballou, Devon combines an insider’s understanding of the IEP process, as someone who personally benefited from special education services. She understands not only the IEP process, but what it feels like to be on the other side of the table.

With a background in high-level client service and project management, Devon is known for her organizational precision, compassionate communication, and ability to simplify overwhelming processes while advocating with both heart and strategy. Her role is to make things easier for families—helping them understand their child’s rights, prepare for IEP or 504 meetings, navigate school communication, and find tailored solutions that genuinely support their child’s success.

Devon is especially attuned to the needs of families with neurodiverse or twice-exceptional children, as well as those struggling to thrive in traditional classroom environments. She brings a calm, thoughtful presence to every conversation and serves as a steady, trusted partner committed to ensuring each child receives the attention, support, and respect they deserve.

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California Resources

State & Federal Legal Resources

• California Department of Education (CDE)
• Special Education Division – California Department of Education
• California Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH – Special Education)
• California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
• Disability Rights California
• California Education Code

Learning Disability Resources

• International Dyslexia Association – Los Angeles Branch
• International Dyslexia Association – Northern California
• Decoding Dyslexia California
• Learning Disabilities Association of California
• Understood.org

Autism Resources

• Autism Society of California
• Autism Speaks – California
• Regional Center of Los Angeles

ADHD / ADD Resources

• CHADD California
• ADDA
• ADDitude Magazine

Children’s Mental & Behavioral Health

• California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
• California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness California (NAMI CA)
• Parent Training and Information Centers California