TED SCOTT-SMITH
SPECIAL EDUCATION
CONSULTING & ADVOCACY
Real help and practical solutions for real-life special education challenges. IEPs, behavior strategies, advocacy, and school communication. I'm a veteran educator with nearly 20 years of public school experience, offering IEP coaching, virtual support, and straight answers about where your child's program stands and what to ask for next.. I help families navigate the system with clear problem-solving and real tools. Based in the Bay Area, serving families nationwide.
My Story
I’ve spent close to two decades inside classrooms and conference rooms solving real problems for real students. I’ve taught in public schools, led IEP teams, managed caseloads, and consulted for curriculum developers and ed-tech companies whose tools are being used in classrooms today. I’ve trained other teachers at the district level on how to implement curriculum with best practices in a major urban district, making sure what gets rolled out actually helps students.
I’ve also worked alongside many advocates over the years, so I know how teachers and administrators tend to think and operate. My approach is not adversarial. Because I've been a teacher and case manager, I know how school teams make decisions and what makes them engage rather than dig in. My approach is collaborative rather than confrontational..
I’m also a father of children with IEPs, so I know how it feels to sit on the parent side of the table. Every family is different. Every child is different. I keep my practice small so I can dig into the details and deliver problem solving that fits your exact situation.When you reach out, I’m the one reading the files, writing the emails, and moving things forward.
Who I Work With
Families at any stage of the special education process. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep in it, I help you get clarity, spot what’s missing, and take meaningful action.
If you’re feeling stuck, dismissed, or overwhelmed, I help you move forward with a real plan and steady support.
What Sets This Apart
Experience That Comes From Both Sides of the Table
Nearly twenty years in special education has given me a perspective that cannot be learned from books alone. I have taught in the classroom, led hundreds of IEP meetings, managed complex caseloads, supported more than 200 families inside the school system, and trained other special education teachers. I opened my private advocacy practice in 2025.
I am also a parent of children with IEPs, so I understand the process from both sides of the table. I know how overwhelming it can feel when the documents are complicated, the answers are unclear, and you are trying to make the right decisions for your child.
Every recommendation I make comes from real experience as a teacher, case manager, consultant, and parent. My role is to help you understand what matters, identify what may be missing, and walk into the next conversation with a clear plan.
Solutions Beyond the Meeting
This isn’t just about showing up at the table. I help you manage what’s happening in real time, at school and at home. That includes behavior, instruction, communication issues, and long term planning. I offer strategies and resources that work where it counts: in the classroom and in your living room. Because I’ve been a teacher and case manager, I understand how schools function and how teams make decisions. I’ve worked alongside many advocates and now offer that same level of consistent, real world advocacy to the families I support. My style is collaborative, not confrontational, and that often makes a real difference in how schools respond.
Small Caseload
I take on a limited number of families at a time. That means faster responses, more attention to detail, and support that sticks through the whole process.
Services
IEP Action Plan
A personalized roadmap for your next steps.
$500
Every child, every family, and every IEP team is different. That's why I don't use a one size fits all approach. Your IEP Action Plan is built around your child's unique needs, your family's goals, and nearly 20 years of real world special education experience.
How It Works
Step 1: Complete a Brief Questionnaire
Start by completing a short online questionnaire so I can better understand your child, your concerns, and your goals.
Step 2: Review and Payment
I'll personally review your questionnaire and email you a service agreement along with a secure payment link.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
Once payment is complete, I'll send you a private Google Drive folder where you can securely upload your child's IEP, evaluations, and any other documents you'd like me to review.
Step 4: Document Review
I'll carefully review your documents before we meet so I have a thorough understanding of your child's program, strengths, and areas of need.
Step 5: Planning Consultation
We'll meet to discuss your child, your goals, and your concerns. Together, we'll identify priorities, answer your questions, and begin developing the recommendations that will shape your IEP Action Plan.
Step 6: Receive Your IEP Action Plan
After our consultation, I'll prepare a personalized written IEP Action Plan with practical recommendations, strategic questions, and clear next steps tailored to your situation.
Optional 60 Minute Strategy Session: $150
Review your completed IEP Action Plan together, ask questions, and prepare for your next IEP meeting or next steps.
Use Public Funding
You May Already Have Funding for This
Families who self-direct their disability funding often don't realize it can cover parent training and counseling. In California that's the Self-Determination Program; other states run similar programs through their Medicaid waivers.
That's what this work is. I review your child's documents, build your plan, and prepare you for the room.
I work with FMS organizations and provide invoices, service descriptions, and vendor paperwork. Approval depends on your plan, your funding agency, and your fiscal management service — confirm it before we start, not after.
Monthly Advocacy Retainer
For families who value ongoing guidance and long term planning.
$1,000/month
The Monthly Advocacy Retainer is designed for families who want continued guidance as situations change throughout the school year. We begin by developing a thorough understanding of your child, your goals, and your experience with the school team. From there, I'll provide practical guidance, strategy, and support as new challenges arise.
Limited Retainer Availability
I intentionally limit the number of retainer families I work with so I can give each family the time, attention, and thoughtful guidance they deserve. If I can't provide that level of support, I won't take on additional retainer clients.
What to expect
• In depth onboarding consultation
• Review of your child's IEP, evaluations, and supporting documents
• Development of your initial IEP Action Plan
• Ongoing educational advocacy and
strategic guidance
• Email and phone support during business hours, with a response within one business day
• Strategy meetings and check ins as needed
• Review of new IEPs, evaluations, and school documents as needed
• Up to one school related meeting per calendar month, as needed (virtual or in person)
• Support drafting collaborative communication with the school
• Written recommendations and updated Action Plans as needed
• Prompt guidance for urgent educational issues
Meeting Policy
The included meeting is available during each active billing month and does not roll over if it isn't used.
Additional Services
Additional meetings or services beyond the scope of the retainer are billed at my standard hourly rate of $150. Travel time for in person meetings is billed separately at half the hourly rate. Any additional charges will always be discussed and approved in advance.
If you're not sure which service is the best fit for your family, or you have a question before getting started, send me a message below.
Scope of Services
I am not an attorney and do not provide legal advice. Working with me does not create an attorney client relationship, and I do not represent families in due process hearings. When a matter calls for legal representation, I say so and refer you to a licensed special education attorney.
Every child and district is different, so I can't promise a specific outcome. What I can promise is straight answers, careful preparation, and steady support.