Universal MH/DD/SAS "Caring People, Caring for People
 UMHS Early Intervention Program

Malikata Blakey
Malikata Blakely Hello my name is Malikata Blakey and helping families with children reach developmental milestones is my priority. I have worked in the field of Special Education for over 10 years in varying environments and many different capacities. I started my career in this field in group homes for adults with special needs and felt the need to help at a more intermediate level which lead me to work with children. I have taught children with mild to severe disabilities, and served as an Educational Diagnostician for Newark, NJ public schools which required evaluating students for learning difficulties; developing IEP's and assisted teachers with strategies to best help children with special needs. In that role I was also responsible for overseeing Autistic classrooms and developed programs for the students. My experience ranges from but not limited to low incident disabilities (Autism, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Angelman's Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Medical Fragile, Cerebral Palsy, Cognitive Impairment and Spina Bifida). I also have a great deal of experience with Down syndrome, Speech and Language delays as well as global delays. I have received a great amount of training that focused on encouraging multiple modes of communications (verbal, baby signs, picture exchange systems and augmentative devices), feeding and sensory integration. I also have a strong background in behavior modification and will help families develop strategies and structures that will help increase desired behaviors, as well as preschool preparation. I continue to educate myself with ongoing trainings in the field expanding my knowledge of the developing child. I love working with children and has dedicated my life to this field, not only looking at the needs of the child but also understanding how a child with special needs affects the family. I received a BA in English Literature and Master's in Special Education and hold teaching certifications in both English and Special Education. I am also a Licensed Learning Disability Teacher Consultant. Malikata Blakey, MA, ITFS