Hi! I'm Tara! I have undergraduate degrees in both special education and hearing and speech sciences and a master's degree in special education. I have been teaching preschool special education for 6 years working with children with varying needs and ability levels. I have a strong foundation of developmental skills and hierarchies which will help students progress with their skills in a sequential manner. I have a thorough understanding of differentiating instruction based on students’ needs and assistive technology which, along with my multi-sensory lesson planning, allows me to meet the needs of every student. I create relatable and engaging lessons that embed visual supports to ensure that each lesson is accessible to all. I strive to work with each student using their own strengths and interests in the instruction. I believe that parents know their child best and welcome and encourage family involvement in both planning as well as carrying over the lessons.

As a special education teacher, I have the skills and knowledge needed to scaffold instruction to meet children where they currently are and watch them grown and learn as they build their skills. I have worked with many kindergarten students who have successfully transitioned from self-contained special education to resource support after their time in my class.

I have been teaching pre-literacy skills including phonics and phonemic awareness in my classroom every day. I have been exposed to a variety of different approaches towards reading and literacy development to reach all learners helping them to enhance their current skills.

As a preschool special education teacher I have worked with children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, speech-language delays, and cognitive delays. In addition I have worked with children who are shy and hesitant to participate in group settings. I have a strong understanding of different accommodations and modifications that may be helpful for your child as they develop their skills.

I encourage