Our Services
Open Doors Education provides inclusive systems consulting, implementation support, professional development and coaching, and family advocacy across Chicagoland and Illinois.
Coaching
Coaching at Open Doors Education provides personalized guidance for both school systems and families navigating change. For districts, we coach leaders to align diverse perspectives, assess readiness, and implement inclusive, future-focused practices using evidence-based strategies. For families, we coach caregivers through documentation, legal considerations, and effective collaboration with schools. Our coaching strengthens capacity, builds trust, and creates equitable, lasting outcomes for every learner.
Consulting
Consulting at Open Doors Education helps school systems and families move from intention to implementation. For districts, we assess readiness, align stakeholders, and provide evidence-based recommendations to design inclusive structures, resources, and instructional practices. For families, we clarify options, documentation, and legal considerations while aligning supports and services. Our consulting delivers practical roadmaps that strengthen collaboration, build trust, and produce equitable, lasting student outcomes.
Professional Development
Professional Development at Open Doors Education equips educators and leaders with practical, evidence-based tools to build inclusive, future-focused schools. Through collaborative learning experiences, we strengthen systems design, instructional practices, and team structures that support equitable access for all students. Our sessions align diverse perspectives with district readiness, translating vision into action while reinforcing communication practices that help families trust and partner effectively with schools.
Advocacy
Advocacy at Open Doors Education ensures students and families are genuinely seen, heard, and supported while systems evolve toward equitable practice. We partner with families to navigate documentation, legal requirements, and effective communication so needs are clearly understood and appropriately addressed. We also advocate within school systems for inclusive, future-focused structures and instruction, aligning diverse perspectives to create lasting, meaningful access and success.
Engage with us
School Systems
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We help district teams design aligned MTSS/UDL/IDEA systems (vision, governance, budgets). This results in coherent policies and sustainable practices. Next step: Schedule a leadership planning session.
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One-on-one or team coaching for superintendents and program directors focuses on change management and data-driven decision-making (e.g., using EBF data). It builds local capacity to implement inclusive initiatives. Next: Book an initial consultation.
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We review current programs and assist in aligning budgets (IDEA, local funds) with federal/state requirements. It ensures funding is used effectively.
Educators
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Classroom coaches (in-person or virtual) model and co-teach UDL/SDI strategies. Teachers gain practical techniques for differentiation and inclusive instruction. Next: Arrange a coaching demo in your classroom.
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Interactive PD builds skills (e.g., writing accessible lessons, data-based intervention planning). Teachers leave with ready-to-use tools and clear action plans. Next: Sign up for our upcoming workshop series.
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We facilitate grade-level and IEP team planning sessions, ensuring IEP goals link to general education instruction. Teams learn to translate data into targeted interventions. Next: Invite us to an upcoming team meeting.
Student Teams
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Team coaching or consulting from an educational coach involves partnering with educator teams to strengthen collaboration, instructional practices, and student outcomes. This might include facilitating team meetings, guiding data analysis, modeling effective instructional strategies, and supporting the development of shared goals and action plans.
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Coaching and collaboration with related service providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers) involves partnering with a coach or consultant to align supports that meet the diverse needs of students. This may include co-planning with educators, integrating specialized strategies into general education settings, and ensuring that services are connected to classroom instruction and student goals.
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Coaching supports team collaboration for students with intensive support needs by helping design instructional supports that ensure meaningful participation in school. The focus includes access to the general curriculum, positive peer interactions, adapted instruction, alignment with IEP goals across settings, collaborative planning, and strong home-school partnerships.
Families & Caregivers
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We guide parents through IEP/504 meetings, teaching them their rights and how to articulate concerns effectively. This empowers families to secure needed services. Next: Book a preparation call before your child’s next meeting.
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We support families in navigating IEP or 504 paperwork by breaking down complex terminology, explaining parents’ rights, and clarifying each component of the plan in a clear, accessible way. We review documents in advance and identify key questions or priorities to ensure the student’s needs are fully addressed.
Additionally, we can guide families in understanding eligibility, services, and accommodations, while helping the family to communicate effectively with school teams. This support empowers families to participate confidently in decision-making and advocate for appropriate, individualized supports for their child.
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We offer sessions on understanding special education (IEP basics, MTSS), equipping parents with practical strategies and confidence. Next: Join our next parent workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This is variable based upon where you are in your program needs and development.
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Yes, services can be combined, however advocacy services best fit with families, caregivers and students whereas professional development applies to district leaders and educators.
Let’s Work Together
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within the next business day.