The Parent IEP Lab

Does the eligibility category matter? My knee-jerk reaction is "NO!" BUT...there are several reasons why it can sometimes relate to what services and supports your child receives.  Listen to this episode if you have an iniital eligibility meeting or a re-evaluation meeting coming up! BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! New Course! If you are new to the IEP process and want to kickoff your advocacy on solid ground, check out The IEP Basics Mini-Course! From now until Saturday (11/26/2023) the course is 50% off with the code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout!  For just $44 you get an overview of the legal basics, the eligibility and re-eligibility process, the IEP process, and the IEP Paperwork! Learn more and snag your deal at https://TheIEPLab.com/Basics  BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE Add a month of The Parent Advocacy Club on at checkout and receive 50% off your first month as well! Get the support you need as a parent advocate so you can help your child get supported this year! PODCAST GUIDE  Need a guide to find the episodes most helpful for your situation? Download the free Podcast Listening Guide! https://TheIEPLab.com/LISTEN

Ever wonder what these "dyslexia schools" are all about? How do you find one? Get into one? How much do they cost? And will your current district pay for them? Today our guest, Lisa Parnello of Parnello education, has all the answers for us (including outside placements that aren't for dyslexia challenges, too!) Connect with Lisa: https://ParnelloEducation.com  Dyslexia Devoted Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-74-the-iep-process-with-beth-from-the-iep-lab/id1628010878?i=1000633113014 Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode151  Download your Free IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide: https://TheIEPLab.com/IEP  Check out all the free resources through The IEP Lab: https://TheIEPLab.com/freeresources

Are you stairing at your child's progress reports and wondering what the heck is happening and trying to figure out if they are actually making progress? Tume into this episode to get a behind the scenes peek at progress reports and some common challenges.... ...as well as a discussion on HOW to fix those progress reports and goals both in the short term as a quick-fix, and in the long term! This is essentially how you ensure your child is learning...so a little on the important side! PLEASE take time to rate and review the podcast! This helps other parents just like you find the podcast! Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/365033878323074/?mibextid=oMANbw  Free podcast listening guide: https://theieplab.com/listen  Goals episode with Matt (episode #58): https://theieplab.com/episode58

Are you tired of everyone talking about self-care and how important it is to be level-headed when advocating... ...but needing help in having some tools to actually DO that? It's so much harder to put into practice.  Today, Denise Kleinman is helping to introduce an actual tool you can use to process your advocacy emotions to have them stop getting in the way of effective advocacy.  Topics we address on this episode: 1) Why advocating is so emotional 2) How using tools (similar to tapping) help you advocate with more clairity 3) A real-time tapping example that directly relates to school meeting stress! New to the podcast? Download free tools at https://TheIEPLab.com/freeresources  Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode149  Connect with Denise and have a fee tapping experience: https://tapintuition.com/fatigue

It's time we talk about 504's... Because this under-rated and often misunderstood learning plan is pretty amazing when it works and it's being implented!  ...but pretty useless if it's not.  Topics we cover today are:  1) 504's vs IEP (let's review the difference!) 2) Can you have BOTH an IEP & 504? (hint: I see this answered incorrectly alll the time!) 3) Common issues with 504's (ex: it not being implemented).  FREE Accommodations 101 Guide: https://theieplab.com/accommodations shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode148

The #1 thing I help parent advocates do is to focus in on WHAT their advocacy should be focused on.  SO! It's not suprising that we have to back up and ask ourselves some questions about the plan in place, and how it's working and how it isn't!  This is the recording of the free webinar we held last week to help parents answer 3 questions to determine if their child's IEP/504/other learning plan was effective, and YOU can listen to it today! Join The Parent Advocacy Club before Thursday: https://theieplab.com/CLUB  Free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/365033878323074/?mibextid=oMANbw  Shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode147

Ever wonder what evaluation test questions are like? Ever wonder if your child's knowledge is being truly captured in the evaluation report? Dr. Tinita Kearney, a speech language pathologist and PhD, discusses the importance of culturally relevant and dynamic evaluations and what that actually looks and sounds like. Here are some keys to the epidoe: 1) Find out why evaluations should go beyond standardized testing, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your child's language and social skills. 2) Tinita outlines 4 aspects to an evaluation to look for in the report to truly repesent your child well 3) She discusses how evaluations naturally flow into good accommodations, goals, and services! Register for the FREE training this Friday! Come get support for deciding if your child's IEP/504 is working or not and what to do about it! https://TheIEPLab.com/FREE  Follow Tinita on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.t_slp/  Tinita's Website: https://www.tinitakearney.com/  Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode146

I overheard some teachers talking in a coffee shop a while ago...and I while I sat listening to them...offended...I also thought about how we (meaning you...and me!) can persuade them to think a little deeper. So today on the podcast, it's a bit different-because it's story telling time! Both in how staff learns behavior management (-or not-), and my own story of creating some change with a kiddo with "behaviors." We also tackle: -Why ABA in the schools is such a big deal. -What is PBIS? -And how we can actually have changing ideals from behavior being "dealt with" to changing the perspective to equal more and unique support needs? So is this week's episode excusing the archaic nature of schools and behavior? Absolutely not! Will it create an "ah-hah" moment that allows you to craft your questions and support requests in a way that makes staff question if "what they've always done" is really the best way? I sure hope so! Sign up for the FREE October 13th Parent Training: Is My Child's IEP/504 Working? https://TheIEPLab.com/FREE Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode145

In this episode, we dive into the topic of advocating when you are in a separated or divorced situation, and we have a fantastic guest joining us, Billie Tarascio of Modern Law. 5 keys that you'll learn: Understanding your child's educational rights: We'll discuss the concept of educational rights, both at the federal level (think IDEA!) and in terms of legal decision making rights for parents.Navigating consent for evaluation and services: Learn how to handle situations where one party in a separated or divorced situation may be resistant to seeking evaluations or accessing services for a child.Dealing with the emotional impact: Discover how the emotional turmoil of separation or divorce can affect your perception of your child's struggles and the challenges that arise when both parents are in conflict.Strategies to overcome challenges: Gain insights into effective ways to advocate for your child's needs, even in difficult circumstances, such as obtaining an independent evaluation when the school declines, and potentially seeking legal intervention if necessary.Building a strong support system: Learn the importance of seeking support from professionals, such as attorneys and advocates, as well as from other parents who have gone through similar experiences.And now, for a fun fact from the episode: Did you know that our guest, Billie, is not only an experienced attorney but also a mom to four kids, three of whom have IEPs? Her personal experience adds a unique perspective to her expertise in family law. LAST CHANCE to sign up for Penny Williams' summit happening THIS WEEKEND https://TheIEPLab.com/schoolstrugglessummit  FREE Empowered Parent Bundle (yep-more free resources!):  https://TheIEPLab.com/bundle Billie of Modern Law: https://mymodernlaw.com  Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode144

We all hear that we need to have our child's strengths in the IEPs...but what does that actually look like? Here's the main topics we are covering today: -Explanation of why IEPs are typically negative Importance of incorporating a child's strengths into the IEPFrustrations with Current IEP PracticesHow trengths can be pulled down into accommodations, goals, and servicesThree Steps for Promoting Strength-Based IEPs School Struggles Summit: https://TheIEPLab.com/schoolstrugglessummit Parent Advocacy Club: https://TheIEPLab.com/CLUB  Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode143

Behavior has many different underlying layers -- and one often overlooked is trauma. Join me in learning from Angie Grandt, an adoption coach as she takes us through her advocacy journey and how to advocate for looking at that layer underneith behavior! In this episode we cover: The importance of recognizing behavioral issues rooted in trauma within the IEP process.Angie's journey from starting with a 504 plan to eventually transitioning to an IEP for her son.How collaboration and goal-driven strategies can make a world of difference in building a successful IEP.The challenges faced by small school districts in providing comprehensive resources for children with behavioral issues.The significance of coordinating outside therapy services with the child's IEP to ensure holistic support.Did you know?One fun fact from the episode: Angie's small town school district houses students from early childhood through 12th grade, all under one roof! Talk about a close-knit community! Angie's website: https://www.connectedparentswithangie.com/ LIMITED TIME Access 30+ FREE resources with Scotti from Reframe Parenting's Bundle (including my School Support Orientation Guide!) https://TheIEPLab.com/BUNDLE FREE SUMMIT The School Struggles Summit from Penny at Behavior Revolution is open for registration! September 28-30th with FREE and Fast Pass Options (upgrade to Fast Pass to see the Assistive Technology Workshop mentioned in the episode!) https://TheIEPLab.com/SchoolStrugglesSummit  Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/TheIEPLab  Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode142

In this episode, we dive into progress reports and discuss what you need to look for and how important they are for your child's education. Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect in the episode: -An overview of the importance of progress reports and how they help gauge the effectiveness of your child's IEP. 5 keys you'll learn: When to expect progress reports and how often you can advocate for additional ones, if needed.What progress reports include and how they are typically structured.Common issues parents face with progress reports and how to address them.Insight into the information provided in the progress reports and its significance.Tips on how you can take an active role in understanding and utilizing progress reports effectively.Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know that progress reports are usually released around the same time as grades? So, keep an eye out for them during that period! LIMITED TIME Access 30+ FREE resources with Scotti from Reframe Parenting's Bundle (including my School Support Orientation Guide!) https://TheIEPLab.com/BUNDLE FREE SUMMIT The School Struggles Summit from Penny at Behavior Revolution is open for registration! September 28-30th with FREE and Fast Pass Options (upgrade to Fast Pass to see the Assistive Technology Workshop mentioned in the episode!) https://TheIEPLab.com/SchoolStrugglesSummit  Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/TheIEPLab  Shownotes with Transcript: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode141

Did you know that your state likely has a state parent center? I've heard from many parents that they are connected to theirs, and it's a great way to connect to your local resources! Join me on this week's episode with Erin Camper from Colorado's Peak Parent Center letting us know what State Parent Centers are all about! Hurry and get 10% off your Parent Advocacy Club Membership prior to August 31st -- just in time for our Semptemebr theme: beginning of the school year advocacy! Shownotes including a link to the Parent Center Hub: TheIEPLab.com/episode140

From freebies to courses to summits, here is the plan to support you as a parent advocate this 2023-2024 school year! HAPPENING NOW The Ultimate Parent IEP Prep Course is open for fall enrollment until Thursday, August 24th, 2023! Go to https://TheIEPLab.com/COURSE to find out more! Freebie & Resource Page: https://TheIEPLab.com/freeresources  Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode139

Do you know it's possible to have more than one IEP meeting (otherwise an "IEP continuation meeting?"  Now you do! But do you want 1? Or 2? Or 5? Maybe there isn't a magic number, but there are certainly advantages and disadvantages of multiple meetings, and we are going to discuss them all! We cover: 1) The parent right to have more than one IEP meeting 2) When to ask for a continuation meeting 3) Case Manager personality and meeting numbers 4) Finding your "sweet spot" of IEP meetings Don't forget to sign up for the FREE Advocacy Focus Workshop this Thursday evening OR Friday morning! More information at https://TheIEPLab.com/August Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/800719414225685/  Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode13

Do you know that it's within your Parent Rights to bring someone to your IEP meeting? Yes? Awesome! But wait...who should you bring? Is it a friend? Fellow parent? Family member? Or maybe an advocate or lawyer? In this episode we discuss 5 different reasons why you would want to bring someone to your IEP meeting. BUT WAIT...there's more! We also dicuss the advantages AND disadvantages of bringing someone with you (and yes-there ARE clear disadvantages!) Sign up for the August Training: Advocacy Clairity: What Do I Focus on This Year? TheIEPLab.com/August Join Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/800719414225685/ Shownotes: TheIEPLab.com/episode137

You've tried everything -- and that relationship is just not awesome. How can you get un-stuck in your advocacy this year? In this episode we cover: 1) The reasons why you may be feeling like you are hitting a brick wall when it comes to advocating with some school IEP team members 2) 5 options for small actions that skirt you over under or through that barrier to advocacy Check out the newly updated free resources page! https://theieplab.com/freeresources Shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode136

CPS (Collaboritive Proactive Solutions) is a model that takes it a step deeper than "behavior" to find support needs or difficulties, and is also a model that teaches problem solving and buiding rapport.  Santana Ficken is a mental health provider and autustic adult that works as an advocate with Minasota NEAT, Minnesota Neurodivergent Education, Advocacy, and Therapy Services (MnNEAT), a non-profit group that specialized in supporting neurodivergent people to be included across the livespan. In this episode we cover: 1) What the CPS model is and why it's worth it to invest time into learning 2) The "lens change" that can help get to the root of difficulties your child is experiencing (rather than everyone focusing on behavior) 3) How Santanna has used the model within the context of IEP advoacy 4) How the CPS method can help with identifyng accommodations and goals for your child Minnasota NEAT: https://mnneat.org/ Minnasota NEAT email: info@mnneat.org Download the Podcast Listening Guide: https://TheIEPLab.com/listen Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode135

Sitting on the "school side" of the IEP table gave me a TON of insights into what approach to the team (suprisingly regardless of case manager personality!) was the most effective.  Feel like a "bulldog" at IEP meetings? Chances are, behind the scenes your child isn't getting truly the best service.  Feel like you have no input to share and you are lost in the process? We can give you some confidence to know what to ask and what your role is. Because the most effective approach, is of course, somewhere in the middle.  In this episode, we cover the 3 different approaches to advocacy and how you can get to a place of "middle of the road" and why it's so important to get there! Download the free IEP Step-By-Step Process Guide: https://theieplab.com/iep Download the Podcast Listening Guide: https://theieplab.com/listen Shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode134

It keeps coming up again and again...to share your vision statement with your school IEP team is a MUST-DO to have a great year this year! So if you need some examples and a free guide to boot, this is your episode to brush up on how to write one and refocus for this coming school year!   Download the Vision Statement Guide: TheIEPLab.com/guide 25% OFF workshops and courses with code SUMMER TheIEPLab.com/products Join the Facebook group and share your vision statement!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/365033878323074/