The Future of Our Special Needs Youth Depends On Us
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduation rates in 2016 for students with disabilities increased by almost one full percent over the previous year to 66%. 
While these numbers are moving in the right direction, some will agree that it’s a little difficult to get excited about a “less than 1” percent increase.
You know the direct and lasting impact that a good education has on quality of life. The more educated a person, the more likely they are to find meaningful employment.

Gainful employment and independence lead to more joy and happiness.

The future of someone you care about is hanging in the balance and you want to help.
The question is “How?”
After battling through the process of getting my own daughter diagnosed at 18 months, I thought that my autism journey would be easy. Come to find out, it was just the beginning of a long and tough road ahead.

Being both a mental health professional and a parent with a special needs child, I was quickly able to see the breakdown and gaps in the system when it came to the IEP process.

For any child receiving special education, it is especially important for the parents, health professionals, and school staff to work together as a team.

If our youth are to have a fighting chance at leading fulfilling lives, then mental health professionals MUST also be involved in the IEP process.

In my Professional's Guide to IEPs training, we’ll cover everything you need to know about IEPs, your specific role in the process and how we can work together to ensure our youth have the opportunity to live their best lives possible.
Training Curriculum
During the orientation, we will provide an overview of the course, what to expect and how to get the most out of the training.
This module addresses your role as an advocate and healthcare professional, the ins and outs of special education law (IDEA) and what you need to know to support your clients.
The module expounds on your role as an advocate. The process that the client goes through when requesting an IEP will be discussed, as well as potential challenges. You’ll also learn how to support the needs of the parent and client during these potential challenges. 
In this module you will work on writing collaborative IEP goals that will translate from school to the therapeutic setting. You will also work on writing advocacy support letters for your client. 
This module addresses how you can prepare you and your client (parent and child) for the IEP meeting. As well as how you can still support if you cannot attend in person. You’ll also learn common language used during IEP meetings, challenges that typically arise during the meeting, and what to do post-meeting.

This module addresses the ins & outs of an 504 plan. The tier system and qualifying for an 504 plan will be covered as well as potential challenges. 

Training Bonuses
IEP Goal Bank ($200 value)
This is a list of 100 pre-written IEP goals that will also support you in developing therapeutic goals for and with your clients. It’s so much easier to start with templates that you can modify versus starting with a blank slate. 
IEP Support Letters ($97 value)
These pre-written support letters are used to communicate the changes needed to the IEP due to improvement or even regression to school personnel. These templates can be modified to fit your clients’ specific circumstances. 
Two 45 minute consultation ($400 value)
Two calls scheduled at your convenience, where you can discuss any questions you may have about the course material. These calls are recorded and you will have lifetime access to them.
IEP Quick Guide ($97 value)
This guide summarizes and highlights important IEP policies and procedures. It can be used as a reference to take with you to the IEP meeting or when preparing a parent for the meeting. Think “cliff notes”. 
"I just had Maria Davis-Pierre's training on IEPs for Professionals. This training was amazing with so much valuable information. I'm excited to start using the tools learned to better assist my clients! Maria is professional and knowledgable. I recommend this training for all professionals working with children that have IEPs."
- Niesia Garza
"Maria is very knowledgeable about the IEP process due to being a professional that works with children with IEPs and also having a child who has an IEP. You can see her passion when she is teaching mental health professionals how to be more active in the IEP process. If you are working in the school system this training is a must have!"
- Patricia Dennis
Professionals Guide to IEPs Training Summary
Two (2) 45 minute Consultation Calls ($400 value)
Lifetime Access to the Consultation Recordings
Access to Private Facebook Group
IEP Goal Bank ($200 value)
IEP Support Letters ($97 value)
IEP Quick Guide ($97 value)
The total value of this training is $794.
The total value of this training is $794.
Your investment today is only $347.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: This is a self-paced course. You will receive access to the entire course within 24 hours of your payment. 

A: You will have lifetime access to the recordings.
A: There are no refunds. If you’re unable to attend for any reason, you may transfer your registration to someone else or opt to receive a credit of equal value toward other workshops and programs. Credit is valid for one year from date of purchase.
Join us for the Professionals Guide to IEPs Training
Your IEP Training Facilitator
Maria Davis-Pierre is the founder of Autism in Black Inc. She is a therapist, coach, speaker, author, and advocate. After going through the process of getting her daughter diagnosed at 18 months, Maria changed her specialty and began working heavily in the Autism community. In January of 2018 Maria launched her 2nd private practice Autism in Black Inc., which aims to provide support to black parents who have a child on the spectrum, through educational and advocacy services. Autism in Black Inc. is dedicated to bringing awareness and acceptance to Autism Spectrum Disorder and reducing the stigma associated with ASD in the black community.

Maria is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and went on to obtain a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University.

Maria’s passion is being an autism advocate with her mission being to bring awareness to the impact culture can have regarding an ASD diagnosis.