School-Based Consultation Services

Expert Systems Support, Behavioral Consultation, and Program Evaluation

Navigating the complexities of special education requires a bridge between clinical research, evidence-based practices, and practical classroom implementation. Educational Testing and Consulting, P.C. provides comprehensive school-based consultation services tailored for school districts, multidisciplinary teams, administrators, and families.

Led by Dr. Nick Gelbar—a Licensed Psychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral Level (BCBA-D)—our consultation services focus on creating sustainable, child-centered educational solutions that foster academic, social, and behavioral success.

  • Is a student's current programming effectively meeting their unique learning profile? Dr. Gelbar provides objective, thorough program reviews to evaluate whether special education supports, accommodations, and instruction are functioning as intended.

    • Data-Driven Audits: Review of IEP/504 goals, progress-monitoring data, behavioral data, and classroom accommodations.

    • Optimization Strategies: Concrete recommendations for refining specialized instruction, behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), and support structures.

    • Actionable Roadmaps: Clear, clear-sighted reports that help school teams and families align on realistic, high-impact strategies.

  • Challenging behaviors can hinder learning and strain classroom environments. Leveraging expert behavioral methodology (BCBA-D), Dr. Gelbar collaborates with school staff to analyze and address complex behavioral needs.

    • Behavior Analysis: Conducting rigorous Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to determine the underlying causes of challenging classroom behaviors.

    • Practical BIP Development: Designing practical, positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) that teachers can realistically execute within standard classroom settings.

    • Skill Acquisition: Focus on teaching alternative, functionally equivalent skills to promote long-term behavioral regulation and academic engagement.

  • Empowering educators with up-to-date, research-backed tools improves outcomes across entire school systems. Dr. Gelbar offers customized workshops and ongoing coaching for district administrators, special educators, and support staff.

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Evidence-based strategies for instruction, classroom integration, and social skills development.

    • Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners: Identifying and supporting gifted students who also present with learning disabilities, ADHD, or neurodevelopmental differences.

    • Secondary & Postsecondary Transition: Equipping high school teams to prepare neurodivergent students for college readiness, vocational pathways, and independent living.

  • Effective special education relies on open, constructive communication between school personnel and families. Dr. Gelbar acts as a knowledgeable, collaborative third party during Planning and Placement Team (PPT) and 504 meetings.

    • Objective Insights: Translating complex clinical and educational data into clear guidance for school teams.

    • Goal Alignment: Helping teams craft measurable, realistic, and legally compliant IEP goals tailored to the student’s actual functional capabilities.

  • "Bridging the gap between peer-reviewed research and everyday classroom practice."

    • Multidisciplinary Expertise: Uniquely qualified across psychology, school psychology, and applied behavior analysis (BCBA-D).

    • Academic Leadership: As a researcher, Dr. Gelbar actively contributes to the latest research in neurodevelopmental and learning challenges.

    • Regional Reach: Providing consultation services to districts and families across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.