Bentley Educational Consulting and Advocacy Network

Christin Bentley is an education specialist, credentialed through the California Department of Education.  As a special education teacher in California public schools, she worked with kids who have moderate to severe disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum.  Christin developed individualized education plans (IEPs), collaborating with both parents and professionals, including school psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, adaptive physical education teachers, music therapists, ABA therapists and general education teachers.  She also actively implemented IEPs in her classroom, using specific, evidence based teaching strategies.  She is an expert in discrete trial teaching, pivitol response training, direct instruction, picture

exchange communication, and positive behavior support strategies.  Her credential qualifies her to give academic assessments and develop behavior support plans.

 

When Christin became a special education teacher, she didn't realize that her own child would be on the Autism spectrum and, eventually, qualify for an IEP.  This shaped her attitude as a teacher, as she always considered herself to be a "mom first" and a "teacher second."  This meant she always wanted to give her students exactly what they needed to meet their unique potential, just as she would her own child.  Because of Christin's empathy, her relationships with students' parents were based on mutual respect and understanding, resulting in positive, working relationships with them.  Although she had heard some "horror stories" from parents and friends, she didn't realize how adversarial certain members of the IEP team could be until she experienced it with her own child.  When he started experiencing major difficulties at school, she began to see how school districts will sometimes deny students what they really need to make adequate progress and have success.  Eventually, Christin negotiated a non-public school placement and additional educational therapy for her son, both paid for by the school district.  It was her first "big win" as an advocate!  Most importantly, it was the moment that changed the trajectory of her son's life, as he is THRIVING at his new school.  lt also taught Christin the significant role that advocates have in changing the lives of students.  This sparked an interest in helping parents of children with special needs advocate for what their own kids deserve in order to make significant progress in their education.  

 

With the birth of her second child, Christin made the "bittersweet" decision to leave the classroom and go into educational consulting and advocacy full time.  Helping parents navigate the intimidating world of special education and ensuring their children get their needs met in school has been the most rewarding experience of her career in education.  Christin works closely with her clients to ensure that the student has an IEP that offers the utmost educational benefit under the law, that school districts maintain compliance to both Federal law and California education codes, and that the parents' role is respected.  This means that parents will be afforded adequate time to help develop a proper IEP, share their unique perspective in developing goals and monitoring progress, and have a full understanding of what can otherwise be a very confusing process.  Her ultimate goal is to teach parents how to become knowledgeable and capable advocates for their children.  

 

Christin offers free consultations and works on a sliding scale so that all parents can afford an advocate for their children no matter their economic status.  Call her at 619-402-5577 to see how she can help you.