Middle School & Special Education Support
579 Education Specialists is a team of experienced special education teachers helping families navigate the middle school transition, the IEP process, and everything in beTWEEN.
What happens in beTWEEN matters most!
Why 579
We’re moms and special education teachers with deep expertise in all things tween. We’re passionate about empowering students and families with the tools, language, and confidence to thrive through middle school and the special education process. We proudly serve Montgomery County, Maryland (MCPS) families — virtually and in person.
Middle school is our specialty — the academics, the social-emotional shifts, and the executive functioning skills tweens need to find their footing.
We translate the special education process and its jargon into clear, parent-friendly language so you can advocate with confidence.
From the first complimentary call to ongoing case management, we partner with your family every step of the way.
Services & Packages
Every service and package begins with a complimentary 20-minute phone call so we can learn about your child and start planning together. Choose ongoing support or targeted help when you need it.
Year-long partnership to keep your child supported and on track.
Everything in Core, plus hands-on IEP and meeting support.
Continued, flexible guidance billed against your hours.
Targeted, pay-as-you-go support — organization and executive-functioning strategies, navigating MCPS online tools, transition help, and other in-the-moment guidance. Delivered virtually or in person.
A no-cost phone or virtual meeting to learn about your child, problem-solve, and plan initial guidance for the transition to middle or high school. Every service begins here.
Extra Credit Options
Targeted extras you can add to any package or book on their own.
Written notes & feedback on every section of the IEP — recommendations, additions, and deletions with page numbers; a 30-minute follow-up call or virtual meeting; plus review of the PWN after the meeting to confirm everything was documented accurately.
We break down the special education timeline and translate school and sped language into parent-friendly terms, with visual references to deepen understanding.
Custom supports such as social stories, visuals, and language strategies to help your child navigate the social side of middle school.
Visuals and checklists, academic organization strategies, and parent resources to build the planning and follow-through skills tweens need.
Pricing is prorated or adjusted as needed depending on the number of meetings and outcomes.
How It Works
From hello to ongoing partnership, here’s how we get started together.
We learn about your child and your goals — no cost, no pressure.
Pick a package, hourly help, or an extra-credit add-on that fits your needs.
Interviews, history, and file reviews shape a clear, personalized plan.
Check-ins, meeting prep, and progress monitoring keep your child thriving.
Meet the Team
Dana Feldman
Special Education Teacher · 6th Grade ExpertDana Feldman is a dedicated MCPS special education teacher with more than 18 years of experience, all at the middle school level. She began her career in the Bridge Program, supporting students with significant social-emotional and behavioral needs through a combination of self-contained and inclusive classroom settings.
For the past 13 years, Dana has served as a resource teacher and co-teacher across multiple subject areas at Cabin John Middle School. She is also the 6th Grade Team Leader — a role that has earned her the unofficial title of “6th grade expert” among colleagues and families alike.
Outside of school, Dana enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. A proud Philly transplant, she can often be found cheering on her favorite Philly sports teams, supporting her children at their many activities, or adding to her ever-growing collection of sunglasses — a hobby she readily admits may have become a slight obsession!
Melissa Lichter
Special Education TeacherWe can’t wait to introduce you to the other half of the 579 team. Melissa’s full bio is on its way — check back soon!
Let’s Talk
Book your complimentary 20-minute call and let’s start planning for your tween’s success.