Edufaith's Story
About Edufaith Consulting | Special Education & Section 504 Leadership
Founded in 2019, Edufaith Consulting Educational Services was created from both professional expertise and personal experience. After publishing Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders, Dr. Nakia Cotton-Smith felt called to expand her impact—helping families and school systems better understand special education, Section 504 compliance, and inclusive education practices.
As a parent of a child with a disability, Dr. Nakia personally navigated IEP meetings, Section 504 plans, and service eligibility decisions. That experience revealed how overwhelming the process can be for families trying to understand their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. She recognized that families need clarity, advocacy, and genuine partnership.
At the same time, Dr. Nakia was serving in district leadership roles, overseeing programs for students with disabilities, strengthening MTSS and ESOL systems, and ensuring compliance with IDEA and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) requirements. This rare dual perspective—as both parent and policy leader—became the foundation of Edufaith.
Today, Edufaith Consulting bridges schools and families through legally grounded, student-centered solutions that promote equity, collaboration, and meaningful access to education.
DR. NAKIA COTTON SMITH
CEO Special Education Consultant & Inclusive Systems Leader
Special Education Consultant | Section 504 Expert | IDEA & Compliance Leader
Dr. Nakia Cotton-Smith is an accomplished author, educator, podcaster, and CEO of Edufaith Consulting, with more than 20 years of experience in public education as a teacher, school leader, and district administrator. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in special education leadership, Section 504 compliance, IDEA regulations, and inclusive education systems.
With a deep commitment to educational equity and student-centered advocacy, Dr. Nakia partners with families, school districts, colleges, and organizations to ensure that all learners—especially students with disabilities and diverse learning needs—receive equitable access to high-quality education.
District Leadership & Policy Expertise
Dr. Nakia built her distinguished career in two of Georgia's largest public school districts, where she led the development, oversight, and compliance monitoring of programs serving students with exceptionalities. Her leadership experience includes:
-
Section 504 policy development and district-wide implementation
-
IDEA compliance oversight and IEP systems management
-
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) alignment and regulatory guidance
-
Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) design and implementation
-
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program leadership
-
College accommodation and accessibility initiatives
Her work has strengthened compliance frameworks, improved service delivery systems, and increased equitable academic access for thousands of students.
Systems Builder & Inclusive Education Strategist
Beyond compliance, Dr. Nakia is known for her ability to design sustainable educational systems that align legal requirements with practical implementation. She specializes in:
-
IEP and Section 504 program audits
-
Professional development for educators and administrators
-
Inclusive instructional leadership
-
Behavior and academic intervention frameworks
-
Family–school collaboration strategies
Her expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, OCR enforcement standards, and evidence-based MTSS and ELL practices.
Founder of Edufaith Consulting
Through Edufaith Consulting and the Edufaith Essentials Educational Podcast, Dr. Nakia empowers schools, leaders, and families with actionable strategies that bridge policy and practice. Her work focuses on strengthening compliance, building inclusive systems, and equipping stakeholders with the knowledge needed to support diverse learners effectively.
Her mission is clear:
To advocate with integrity, lead with purpose, and transform equity from aspiration into daily educational practice.
Why Choose Edufaith Consulting?
✨Dedicated Special Education & Section 504 Advocacy
At Edufaith Consulting, we believe education transforms lives. We are committed to protecting and advancing the rights of students with disabilities and diverse learners by ensuring equitable access to high-quality, legally compliant education.
Edufaith is a recognized Section 504 subject matter expert, having written and led district-wide Section 504 policies and compliance frameworks in two of the largest school districts in Georgia and Florida. Our expertise includes IDEA compliance, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regulations, IEP development, 504 eligibility processes, and MTSS implementation. We help schools strengthen systems while helping families confidently navigate special education law.
🌍 Equity-Focused & Culturally Responsive Perspective
Diversity is a strength in today’s educational landscape. Edufaith Consulting brings a culturally responsive, equity-centered lens to special education advocacy, Section 504 compliance, ESOL program support, and inclusive instructional leadership.
We understand the unique needs of students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and provide strategic solutions that promote inclusion, access, and measurable student growth.
🤝 Collaborative, Systems-Based Solutions
Educational success requires collaboration. We partner with:
-
Parents and guardians
-
Teachers and administrators
-
School districts and colleges
-
Charter and private institutions
-
Community organizations
Our services support learners receiving services under:
-
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
-
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
-
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
-
English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs
We develop tailored action plans, compliance reviews, professional development workshops, and advocacy strategies that strengthen both individual student outcomes and organizational systems.
Check out the Video Below as Dr. Nakia explains the why!