Udyss Romano
Hollywood
Summary
I am an experienced ESE Educator with a proven track record at Miami-Dade and Broward County Public Schools, specializing in the effective integration of Exceptional Student Education programs. My demonstrated expertise in psychoeducational report analysis and communication, my knowledge of compliance factors and the understanding of enhanced student support, has enabled me to assist parents navigate the policies and procedures to access special education and related services for their child with disabilities.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Advocate
Self-employed
Hollywood
06.2015 - Current
- Record Reviews: Thoroughly analyze student records, evaluations, and IEPs to identify areas for improvement and potential concerns.
- IEP Development and Advocacy: Actively participate in IEP meetings, providing expert advice and advocating for appropriate accommodations, services, and goals for the student.
- School Communication: Communicate effectively with school administrators, teachers, therapists, and other relevant staff to ensure student needs are met.
- Legal Compliance: Stay informed about Florida special education laws and regulations to ensure compliance with IDEA, and other relevant mandates.
- Parent Education: Educate parents about their rights under the law, explain complex educational terminology, and empower them to advocate for their child.
- Dispute Resolution: Assist families in navigating disputes with school districts, including facilitating mediation or filing complaints when necessary.
- Placement Support: Help families identify appropriate school placements for their child's specific needs, including consideration of private schools or specialized programs.
- Community Resource Referral: Provide families with information about relevant community resources and support services.
- Work with families to represent the best interests of students with disabilities by assisting in navigating the special education system, ensuring they receive appropriate services and accommodations outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) by attending school meetings, reviewing educational records, and advocating for their needs with school districts, all while staying compliant with Florida state laws and regulations related to special education.
- Client Consultation - Conduct initial consultations with families to understand their child's needs, concerns, and educational goals.
ESE Staffing Specialist
Miami Dade Public Schools
Miami
02.2007 - 06.2014
- Responsible for managing the scheduling, coordination of documents, placement, and staffing of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students across schools within the district
- Ensuring proper eligibility determinations, accurate IEP and Matrix of Services development, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Effective communication with parents, teachers, and administrators regarding student needs and service delivery.
- Acting as the primary liaison between schools and the district ESE office to facilitate smooth student placement and support services.
ESE Instructional Supervisor
Miami Dade Public Schools
Miami
06.2007 - 07.2008
- Assist in identifying, reporting and correcting IDEA compliance concerns identified internally(within the school) and externally, in accordance with federal, state and local laws, rules, policies and procedures.
- Investigate and report all compliance concerns directly to the region-based leadership.
• Communicate effectively with parents, colleagues and other stakeholders to ensure that IEPs for students with disabilities are
implemented with fidelity. - Problem-solve concerns and conflicts at the school levels.
- Supervise school psychologists, and staffing specialists for 70 schools (elementary, middle, senior high).
- Prepare budgets and monitor ESE positions for allocated budgets.
ESE Program Specialist
Miami Dade Public Schools
Miami
08.1993 - 06.2007
- Maintained comprehensive databases of student education records, scheduling of classes and services, and monitored grades/credits to ensure students were on track for promotion/graduation.
- Liaison between administration and school/district personnel to ensure all policies and procedures were implemented with fidelity.
ESE Chairperson
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami
08.1983 - 08.2000
- Monitor ESE program compliance with state and federal regulations, including IDEA requirements, and maintain accurate documentation.
- Provide training and support for ESE teachers, General Education teachers, paraprofessionals, and assist administrators in ensuring FAPE for all students enrolled in the ESE programs.
- Scheduling IEP meetings, 504 Plans, evaluations/re-evaluations, FBA/BIP.
- Working with itinerant staff (SLP, OT, PT, art therapists, music therapists, etc.) to meet the needs of assigned students.
- Working with administration to problem-solve conflicts related to educational needs for students and the provision of supports.
Behavior Management Teacher
Miami-dade County Public Schools
Miami
08.1986 - 08.1992
- Assist classroom teachers in managing student behavior by implementing individualized behavior plans, utilizing positive reinforcement strategies, and providing direct support to students with challenging behaviors, often working with students identified as having emotional or behavioral disabilities.
- Collaborate with parents, administrators, general education teachers, and other specialists to develop comprehensive interventions and ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
- Provide individual and small group sessions with ESE students to monitor needs and to support strategies within the BIPs.
ESE Educator
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami
01.1981 - 06.2007
- Developing quality IEPs with parents and school personnel to ensure that district, state and federal guidelines are recognized and implemented appropriately.
- Analyzing documents and data, including IEPs, psychological evaluations, therapy plans of care, Functional Behavior Assessments, and Behavior Intervention Plans.
- Creating summaries of documents and a plan of action with parents to actively engage with school personnel.
- Seek available resources and supports to meet the individual unique needs of children with disabilities, including but not limited to health plans, safety/emergency plans, assistive technology support, and sensory integration assistance.
ESE Educator
Broward County Public Schools
02.1978 - 01.1981
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to working with ESE students.
Organization Affiliation
Council for Parents, Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
06.2014 - Current
- Member in good standing
- Participated in SEAT certification program for Certificate as a Special Education Advocate
Education
Education Specialist - Emotional Behavioral Disabilities
Nova Southeastern University
01.1984
Master and Bachelor - Emotional Behavioral Disabilities
Florida International University
Miami, FL01.1979
Speech Language Pathology
University of Miami
Miami, FL01.1975
Associate in Arts - Speech Language Pathology
Miami-Dade Community College
01.1975
Skills
- Communication (oral and written)
- Working collaboratively with all stakeholders
- Negotiating
- Analyzing psychoeducational reports
- Developing IEP goals, accommodations, and services
- Monitoring student progress
- Creating plans of actions
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Performance assessment
- Interviewing candidates for instructional consideration
Certificate Training
Special Education Advocacy, COPAA, 10/14, 06/15
Organization Affiliation
Council for Parents, Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), 06/14, Present
Timeline
Special Education Advocate
Self-employed
06.2015 - Current
Organization Affiliation
Council for Parents, Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
06.2014 - Current
ESE Instructional Supervisor
Miami Dade Public Schools
06.2007 - 07.2008
ESE Staffing Specialist
Miami Dade Public Schools
02.2007 - 06.2014
ESE Program Specialist
Miami Dade Public Schools
08.1993 - 06.2007
Behavior Management Teacher
Miami-dade County Public Schools
08.1986 - 08.1992
ESE Chairperson
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
08.1983 - 08.2000
ESE Educator
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
01.1981 - 06.2007
ESE Educator
Broward County Public Schools
02.1978 - 01.1981
Education Specialist - Emotional Behavioral Disabilities
Nova Southeastern University
Master and Bachelor - Emotional Behavioral Disabilities
Florida International University
Speech Language Pathology
University of Miami
Associate in Arts - Speech Language Pathology
Miami-Dade Community College
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