Sunflower Educational Coaching LLC
~ Guiding you along the best educational journey for your special abilities child ~
Happy Fall from Sunflower Educational Coaching!
Reach out to us & start planning for your child's strongest school semester yet!
Meet the Team!
Nimisha Patel
Founder & CEO
Coach
Hi, my name is Nimisha Patel! I am the proud founder and owner of Sunflower Educational Coaching, and have over 10 years of experience in the special education world from working with my neurodivergent son Anuj, as a part of Round Rock Independent School District's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (or SEPAC)'s executive board for over 7 years, and much more!Besides helping special education students and families, I am very passionate about natural healing and simple living, environmental awareness, and exposing young students to STEM! But, in my free time I love to spend time with my husband, work out, read, and bake!
Resources for Kids
Anuj's growing collection of general, free public resources for kids in the Central Texas Area - ranging from websites, games, experiences, and more!Who is Anuj?
Play For All Park
The park provides a safe, fun place to play and develop new skills for children of all abilities in Round Rock and surrounding areas. Our family loves it and it's a great place for you to make new friends!
Resources for Parents
My growing collection of general, public resources for parents in the Central Texas Area - ranging from websites, guides, experiences, and more!
A What?
There's so many acronyms and phrases in the special education world and they can get very overwhelming - even I have pages of definitions! But not to fear, I have them here! You might be asking "A What?" when you hear certain things, so visit this page to learn what they are!
SEPAC
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council, or SEPAC, is an organization a part of the Round Rock Independent School District that I know and love! Share your experiences with other like-minded parents and become a part of the SEPAC community through their luncheons and presentations.
A What?
There's so many acronyms and phrases in the special education world and they can get very overwhelming - even I have pages of definitions! But not to fear, I have them here! You might be asking "A What?" when you hear certain things, so find them on this page to learn what they are!
504
Section 504
Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of those with special abilities. This allows students who do not qualify for special education to still receive educational accommodations.
ARD
Admission Review and Dismissal
In education, an ARD is a meeting structured around the guidance of your child's admission to and dismissal from special education. This term is used almost exclusively in Texas and meets to develop your child's IEP.Also referred to as: ARD Committee, ARDC, ARD/IEP Team, IEP Team
BIP
Behavior Intervention Plan
The BIP is a written plan that addresses any behavioral concerns that
may be affecting your child's or others' learning.
It is a part of the IEP and includes strategies to
address the behavior.
ECI
Early Childhood Intervention
ECI is a program that provides developmental
and educational assistance for children with
special needs who are under the age of 3.
ECSE
Early Childhood Special Education
ECSE is a public school program for young
children with special needs (typically ages 3-5).Also referred to as: PPCD
FIE
Full Individual (& Initial) Evaluation
The FIE is an assessment of your child's abilities and helps determine
whether or not they are eligible and require special needs services.Also referred to as: FIIE
IEP
Individualized Educational Program
The IEP is a plan that is written by the
ARD Committee that outlines the educational plan for
your child with special needs.
IFSP
Individualized Family Service Plan
The IFSP is a plan written by the IFSP team
that outlines services and support for infants
and toddlers - and their families.
LD
Learning Disability
A LD is a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved with spoken or written language. This may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, speak, think, read, write, etc.
LRE
Least Restrictive Environment
LRE describes a setting where a child with special needs
can be with peers who do not have special needs,
but still accomplish the goals outlined in their IEP.
REED
Review of Existing Evaluation Data
A REED is a review of existing data and information. This information can be provided by the parents of the child, and/or be curriculum-based and includes references to local assessments, and/or be classroom-based observations by teachers and related service providers.
PLAAFP
Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
PLAAFP is a statement of your child's current skills, abilities,
and needs that is used to develop your child's IEP.
To put it simply, the PLAAFP is where your child is now,
and the IEP describes the goals that you hope
your child will achieve within the year.
SSA
Shared Services Arrangement
A SSA is an arrangement between 2 or more
school districts to share personnel and services.
About Sunflower
Our Mission
At Sunflower, we are committed to supporting families of children with special needs by providing clarity and guidance. Our coaching services help you navigate the journey of raising a child with special needs by creating a roadmap to a connected, peaceful, flourishing lifestyle. You don't have to go through this journey alone - let us help you find the clarity you need to thrive!
The Inspiration
Hi, my name is Anuj Patel and My mom is Nimisha Patel! I’m a 17 year-old fun-loving guy who wants to be a culinary coach when I'm older. The thing I'm most involved with is karate, where I have earned my first-degree black belt, and am working toward my second-degree black belt. I also teach students where I practice.My mom is my support system not just for my school but my entire life. She's always there to help with my homework, listen to me when I'm frustrated, and encourage me to keep pursuing my dreams. Whenever I struggle with anything, she takes the time to explain it to me in a way that I can understand. Even though she gets frustrated sometimes, she never gives up on me. I know I can always count on her to be there for me, which makes all the difference in my world. She helps me succeed by going to so many ARDs, writing an all-about-me page of myself for my teachers and I help her check it before printing it, and finding therapists. My mom even holds my hand, when I get scared to take shots at the doctor.My mom can help you by making your life and your kid's educational journey better the same way she helped me. My mom is caring, thorough, resourceful, and trustworthy. That is why I’m proud of my mom because she wants to help other kids like me be better in school, and be a better person. You will not be disappointed if you ask my mom for help.I'm so proud of you, go Mom!
Why Sunflower?
Don't just take my word for it, take it from them!
"Hey there, I wanted to share a little story with you. About 13 years ago, I crossed paths with a remarkable woman named Nimisha. We met at a RRISD SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) meeting, and as fate would have it, we both had boys who were just 8 months apart in age.Navigating the early years following my son’s Autism diagnosis, and later his younger brother’s, was a daunting journey. But, having Nimisha by my side made all the difference. Her unwavering support and friendship were my pillars of strength during those challenging times.Nimisha’s commitment to SEPAC has been steadfast since the day she started attending the meetings. Her dedication to helping other families with special needs is truly inspiring. The wisdom she’s gained from her own experiences, coupled with her practical, common-sense approach, has proven invaluable in supporting our community.A common phrase to be heard at SEPAC meetings was “let’s ask Nimisha!"Just thought I’d share how much Nimisha has impacted our lives."- Ann
"I met Nimisha at the beginning of my son's diagnosis into the special needs world about a decade ago. From the moment I met her, I was filled with a sense of calm, knowing that someone knew exactly what I was going through. She manages to convey warmth, support, directness, and professionalism all at once. We have had numerous discussions in SEPAC meetings and social events where I am in awe of her knowledge and experience with communication with teachers and schools, preparation for ARDs, and even next steps after a diagnosis. She is always more than willing to reach out to new parents with questions or concerns. We all need people cheering us on during this journey, and I'm happy to have Nimisha in my corner."- Heather
"I cannot express enough gratitude for Mrs. Patel’s unwavering support and guidance. As a parent navigating the complexities of education, especially when dealing with a child with Autism, Mrs. Patel has been an invaluable resource.She not only provides practical resources but also takes the time to explain all available educational options. Her advocacy for the welfare of my child is commendable, and she ensures that I understand every aspect of the school’s explanations and criteria.But it’s not just about information; Mrs. Patel offers emotional support during those moments when parents might feel lost or hopeless. Her presence during stressful ARD meetings or when personal support is needed is reassuring.I’ve seen firsthand how Mrs. Patel’s caring nature extends beyond her own children. She balances responsibilities effortlessly and shares her experience with others. Her insights into developmental difficulties and physical illness are invaluable.When my son exhibited challenging behaviors, Mrs. Patel was there to relate and provide both parenting and educational advice. She demystified the school’s vocabulary and verbiage during meetings, ensuring that I made informed choices for my son."- Tealithia
Our Services
At Sunflower, we pride ourselves on guiding you and your child - the way that YOU need it. Pricing is based on the needs expressed during your free 30 minute Strategy Call. Services that we offer are listed and described below, but can always be tailored to you and your child's needs. At a base level, we will always assist with building the necessary foundation for strong parent and student communications with staff members and cultivating these skills for the future.
See How I Can Help You!
ARD Support
At Sunflower, ARD Support consists of understanding the process, reviewing current goals, and providing recommendations on new goals as needed. We also provide in-person support and are happy to attend ARDs with you!
504 Support
504 support consists of reviewing current accomodations and students' current academic environment(s). Based on this, we can create a plan with more appropriate accomodations as you child develops.
Goal Planning for
your Child
Goal Planning for your Child is something we offer that focuses primarily on your child's current goals and how they can be adjusted to meet the child's current needs and help them grow and develop in their current environment.
Transitional Planning
Transitional Planning is something that we offer that focuses primarily on planning for your child's adult future, beyond the scope of K-12 education. We can also address major transitional periods between school levels (i.e. Elementary to Middle School) and college/university preparation.
Parent to Parent Support
Parent to Parent support at Sunflower is within the parent community that we serve! We host monthly book club meetings, social gatherings, and connect you with people who have similar questions, experiences, and concerns. The journey may be daunting, but it is important to us that you have more than just Sunflower to reach out to.
Personalized
Book Lists
If you're a reader, Personalized Book Lists will be provided based upon child and parent needs, and will focus on any requests you have regarding special education, healthy living, and more! Keep in mind that these lists differ from the general "Nimisha's Book List" and will be curated to you!
Therapist/Doctor Recommendations
The Therapist/Doctor recommendation process provided by Sunflower will begin with general research on what you are looking for for your child. We will then suggest some options and discuss the services they provide and how they may assist the development of your child.
Free General Resources
for Children
and Parents
And of course, we provide general resources for both children and parents! Parent resources are curated by myself, Nimisha, that I have found helpful to me personally or for my family. Similarly, resources for children are things that my son, Anuj, has enjoyed being a part of or utilizing as a neurodivergent child himself, and recommends to his community.
Schedule your
Strategy Call
What is the Sunflower Strategy Call? Basically, just that - a free 30 minute consultation!
We'll chat a bit about you and what you're looking for guidance on. Once we get in touch, I'll send you a message to confirm your email, ask you to provide more personal, detailed information, and you'll pick out some good times to chat!
Sunflower Educational Coaching LLC
~ Guiding you along the best educational journey for your special abilities child ~
Voices of Color Summit
I am thrilled you joined us for the Voices of Color Summit - it was lovely speaking with you all! Your presence and engagement made this event truly special.Please complete the form below to receive your FREE gift!
Contact Us
Get in Touch
(512) 222-9072