Leap Educational Consulting

Special Education Advocacy, Educational Consulting & Tutoring Services

Carrie-Ann Kerwin, B.S., M.Ed, C.A.G.S.

Education Advocate/Director/Founder

she/her


How can Leap help?

All children deserve the correct services and individualized support to learn. Every person- typical and neurodivergent- learns in different ways, shapes, modes, and styles. Leap Educational Consulting assists families to work with schools and assure that their children's learning needs are met. Leap believes each child has the right to thrive, each school has the responsibility to provide proper support, and each parent has the  authority to expect positive home-school collaboration.

As a parent, it is difficult to determine if your own child is receiving appropriate services in their Individualized Education Plan.  At times it can be tough to figure out if accommodations are utilized. It might feel overwhelming to sit at a table with a multitude of school specialists and ensure they hear your meaningful input.  Occasionally, there is just a small gap in learning that needs attention, yet it is challenging to articulate. Communication might be exhausting, reports hard to parse, and people often seem to hold predetermined notions in their heads. Sometimes it is just hard to be the caregiver of a kid who needs support.

If you would like help in any of these areas, if you are searching for specialized tutoring, information regarding due process, or if you are simply looking for a knowledgeable individual to bounce questions off- we can help. Leap Education seeks to support both you and your child through the educational experience.


Who are we?

Carrie-Ann Kerwin is the owner and director of Leap Educational Consulting. She is a career educator, with experience in school supervision, leadership, advocacy, and teaching. She is also the mother of 2 complicated (and wonderful!) school-aged children. Both the professional and personal perspectives allow her to provide outstanding support for you, your child, and your family.

During her 25 years, plus, of experience, Carrie-Ann has focused on creating and adjusting educational programs for exceptional children with disabilities. She has also been an extra voice when dialogue between Team members becomes strained. Her background includes the worlds of public and private school, as well as the pedagogy and teaching methodology that go with each. 

Carrie-Ann loves working with students who are real- with all their quirks, assets, and character. She is thrilled to work with families who care.

A diverse team of knowledgable professionals complete Leap's team. Depending on needs, they are further available to provide perspectives and support. Tutoring services for typical and special educational learners are also available upon request.


Special Education Advocacy

Special Education is complicated business. As your advocate, a good understanding of who your child is as a person and as a learner, is critical. Further, it is just as important to thoroughly understand your adult concerns, questions, and needs. 

Usually, this process begins with an initial Phone Consultation conversation. After that, there are many pathways; however, they usually include a Document Review of reports from your child’s service providers. This is followed by a Conference for both parent and advocate. This meeting will allow us to speak in-depth about your apprehension and hopes, ask questions of one another, discuss information contained (or omitted!) in the reports, and begin to plan a potential strategy.

Following these stages, I can continue to be involved as little or as much as you like. You may feel much more comfortable with your shored-up knowledge--or you may want further assistance going forward.

Ongoing collaboration might include: drafting letters to district representatives, clarifying IEP intricacies, responding to district proposals, outlining relevant IEP Parent Concerns, observing potential classroom placements, contemplating placement options, referring to independent evaluators or legal support, reviewing incoming reports, and/or attending IEP Meetings with families.

One detail that I feel strongly about is hearing as much as possible about your child from you. I'd like to understand who they are at home, in life, and at school. A good mental picture of your child is important for your advocate to hold in her mind. All information will be held confdentially. Strategy meetings are often held over zoom, but can be arranged in person.

Educational Consulting

Carrie-Ann has a good working knowledge of Boston area private and public elementary schools. She can help direct you toward schools that may fit your vision for your child and/or family. She can also help guide families through the private school application process. And, in some circumstances, she can help you figure out when it may be time to move on. Kids change over time--and so do schools. 

Carrie-Ann is also available to provide selective professional developent directly to schools or systems.


Tutoring Services

Tutoring slots are available for a few students per week, depending on location and time. Leap can assist in connecting you to extended potential tutors with expertise in a range of pk-12 subject areas. We are available for remote and in-person sessions, depending on the needs of your child.

Fee Information

Hourly Rate: $110 per hour

IEP Meeting Accompaniment: Flat rate of $150 total for Zoom Team Meetings, $200 in total for in-person attendance. Preparation for Team Meetings is billed at hourly rate.

Retainer packages:


*Additional packages may be available depending on long-term family wants and needs.

**Tutoring rates are available upon request



In order to ensure the attention deserved for your child and family, a limited number of clients are accepted at a time. A few pro bono clients are served, as weel, and they are generally referred to through other professionals.

 

Please reach out to us at ckerwin@leapedconsulting.com

We look forward to learning more about your child and discussing how we can help you!