Empowering Parents
Collaboration Improves Outcomes
Hammer Education Consulting (HEC) leverages a deep understanding of student services and complex school dynamics to support parents. HEC provides tailored advice and case support to maximize school resources.
About Us
HEC was founded to give parents the tools to navigate the complexities of special education and student services with confidence. HEC provides proactive advice, documentation review, and customized guidance tailored to each family's unique needs.
About The Founder - Lauren Hammer, M.Ed.S, NCSP, Certified Director of Special Education
As an accomplished educational leader with expertise in school leadership, special education, and student support services I have a unique ability to develop inclusive and equitable academic environments through skilled oversight of 504 plans and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, ensuring that all students receive the supports necessary for success.
My career experiences have allowed me to manage referrals to private programming and facilitate smooth re-entry transitions through maintaining close collaboration with families, the external agencies, and school teams. Demonstrated leadership in implementing Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks to address academic and behavioral needs has allowed me to have in depth training on the pre-referal processes.
I am an expert in the administration, interpretation, and application of psycho-educational testing as well as analyzing reports from the multidisciplinary teams. This foundation allows me to inform and tailor instructional strategies and intervention plans for each student. As previous school leaders, we are adept at building multi-disciplinary teams including but not limited to collaboration with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and school social workers. Working together we align resources to support data-driven decision-making and whole-child development.
I have extensive experience working across Pre-k to 8th grade programs of the northern and northwestern suburbs of the Chicago area, including Highland Park, Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, and Deerfield. This diverse background has fostered a comprehensive understanding of the unique educational needs and community dynamics in these regions.
HEC Services
1
Initial Consult
Individualized phone call, zoom, or in person meeting to gain an in-depth understanding of your child's story and each family's needs.
2
Full Case Review
Deep dive into all supporting materials to provide an analysis of the situation and propose next steps to help your child reach their potential. Identify opportunities within school resources and support best practices.
3
Ongoing Support
Follow up planning and unique opportunities tailored to the family and child's needs.
Testimonials
"Lauren is the ultimate professional. She understands complicated special education issues and seeks proactive solutions. She is a great advocate for parents and students...and they adore her for it! While working with Lauren, I found her to be intuitive, brilliant and generous with her time!"
- Retired north shore elementary school Principal of more than 30 years
"Lauren goes above and beyond to ensure that every process of special education meetings are thorough and professional. She is an advocate for students and parents through collaborative conversations with school staff and leadership. She is an asset to special services teams as they work to support all learners."
- North Shore Special Education Teacher
"Lauren's understanding of the complexities of the education system is top notch. She is gifted at providing clarity about them in ways that are accessible to anyone."
- Bill Hellyer, Occupational Therapist