The Parent IEP Lab

Is your child shortly turning 3 years old? Are they going to be transitioning from early intervention (or birth to 3 years old services) to school based services over the summer or into next year?

Are you wondering if the approaches are different between an IFSP and an IEP?

In this episode we cover:

1) The process for your child being evaluated for qualification for an IEP step-by-step

2) Differences in approaches between the Individual Family Service Plan and an Indivualized Education Program

3) How to take advantage of the parent survey and input sections of this evaluation to ensure the team has the correct all complete information to determine eligibility and the appropriate supports to start with

4) 3 Questions to ask before leaving that evaluation

FREE Parent IEP Lab Listening Guide: www.TheIEPLab.com/listen

Shownotes: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode132 

To join the Facebook group: button at www.TheIEPLab.com/podcast 

Have you ever throught your child got a medical diagnoses because of their qualification for an IEP? Did you ever stop to think that the educational label (ie. what the school used to qualify your child for an IEP) does not mean that they have a medical diagnoses?

This episode details out the differences and what you need to know about each situation to get the best support for your child at school!

In this episode we discuss:

1) What an outside evaluation looks like an does for your child

2) What the intention of an educational label is, and how it's different

3) Deciding if you need one or both of these to get your child what they need

Download teh NEW Podcast Listening Guide! www.TheIEPLab.com/listen

Join the Facebook Group: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/365033878323074/

Shownotes with Transcript: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode131

Moving schools? Moving districts? Moving states? It may be a pain, but you actually have a clear advantage of moving from one situation to the next (even though it may be scary, too!)

In this episode we discuss:

1) The typical process of records exchange from one school to the next

2) How to set the tone with the next school to create an atmosphere of effective parent advocacy

3) The imporantace of making sure you understand what's in your child's IEP paperwork

4) Knowing what questions to ask the new school/district to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible

Need some personalized support this summer? Take advantage of 20% off the NEW 1:1 Advocacy Power Hours! This is 60 minutes of focused sessions to get next steps in your advocacy. It includes a recording of our session and a PDF session recap. Check out more information and schedule your time at www.TheIEPLab.com/PowerHour

Snag your FREE IEP Process Step By Step Guide: www.TheIEPLab.com/IEP

Shownotes: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode130

What if you've gone through this whole evaluation process, trying to get your child an IEP...and thinking you are going in the right direction...

And then you come to the eligibility meeting and your child is denied an IEP. 

So...what next?? 

In this episode we discuss:

1) Examining your reasons for an IEP to make sure you're on the right path

2) What you learned from the process (eligibility checklists, school culture, etc)

3) What supports WITHOUT an IEP could look like (using flex scheduling as an example)

4) What your next steps could be (IEE and/or how to go about asking for another evaluation)

Still need more help? Check out the NEW offering by The IEP Lab: 1:1 Advocacy Power Hours!

60 minutes of clear-outcome, focused attention on your paperwork, story, ending in clear action steps to move you towards your individualized goal. 

Check out more information and get 20% OFF this summer www.TheIEPLab.com/PowerHour

Shownotes: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode129

Does this sound familiar? Your child "keeps it together" during school hours...and then when arriving home for the day they fall apart emotionally and energetically. 

This isn't them being manipulitive, or tricky at all...they are what's termed "masking" at school, something that has been described in the autistic community as a very stressful experience. 

On this episode, we have guest Tara Marshall, an autistic adult and speech language assistant. She shares her experiences with masking and how to advocate for their support within school walls as well as when they come home.

TRIGGER WARNING Tara describes a traumatic event about a special object to her and what was done to it. It may be triggering to some people. [Around ______]

Tara's email: azautisticadvocate@hotmail.com

IEP Process Step By Step Guide: www.TheIEPLab.com/IEP

Shownotes: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode128 

I mention this in every intro...and it's time to not only break it down, but actually have examples from a real live person of what focusing on these 3 areas has meant for a real parent advocate!

As you will learn today, Chellor Crossley, parent advocate and resident guide for the self-care session included in The Parent Advocacy Club is here to guide us through her journey so far! (sumemr enrollment is open NOW for The Parent Advocacy Club! Check it out at www.TheIEPLab.com/club)

In this episode we cover:

1) The 3 pillars of parent advocacy Beth observed in over 400 IEP meetings

2) Chellor's journey, pointing out that this can really be a rollercoaster of successes and challenges

3) The support offered in The Parent Advocacy Club and the extra bonus announced at the end of the episode!

The Parent Advocacy Club: www.TheIEPLab.com/club

Connect with Chellor on Instagram: @ChellorsHouseofLight

Do you want your school team talking to an outside provider? And what would they talk about? And is it helpful? How do we get them to talk to each other?

Just like so many other things about IEP advocacy, this episode is going to be focused a LOT about communication. And this one in particular is helpful to hone in on, because allowing the school to talk to any other provider is your sole right to decide.

In this episode we cover:

1) What is a "release of information" and how does it work?

2) Personal experiences of use of the release (from an outpatient OT perspective as well as a school OT perspective)

3) Some pro's and con's of using this system for communication!

Sign up for the FREE Webinar THIS FRIDAY (yes, replay will be sent out afterwards!) www.TheIEPLab.com/webinar

Shownotes: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode126

Join the Facebook group (link right at www.TheIEPLab.com/podcast at the top!)

Does your child struggle with math? Having a hard time identifying why it's so hard or how to help them get over the anxiety, tears, and frustrations when their math just doesn't make sense to them? 

We are changing that TODAY with Laura Jackson From Discovering Dyscalulia!

In this episode we cover:
1) What is Dyscalculia or Specific Learning Disability in Math

2) Some CLEAR signs that your child may be struggling because of this disability

3) What's happening in researching this challenge

4) Clear strategies to advocate for within IEPs to assist them in actually making progress in their math skills

5) Amazing resources to check out through Discovering Dyscalculia AND educators specializing in the field from all over the world. 

Register for the FREE Parent Webinar happening live May 26th: The ONE Strategy that Will Decrease Your IEP Metting Stress and Change Your Parent Advoacy Life Forever!:  (recording provided but bonus for showing up live!): Register at: www.TheIEPLab.com/webinar

Shownotes (with live links): www.TheIEPLab.com/episode125

Laura's website: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/

Have you ever disagreed with your school team's educational evaluation? Did you know there is something in your parent rights/procedural safeguards that you can choose to exercise in this case?

They are called Independent Educational Evaluations, or IEE's. And they can help you get a second opinion for your child -- at the public expense.

In this episode we discuss:

1) What is an IEE and where to find more state-specific information about them

2) What the steps would be to exercise that right

3) Some FAQ's and funky things to be aware of

4) Why it is MUCH more preferable for you and your child if you don't have to get to the IEE stage!

(Copy and Paste the links into your browser if they aren't hyperlinked :) )

Grab your FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step guide at: www.TheIEPLab.com/IEP

Find the Shownotes with all the links at: www.TheIEPLab.com/episode124

Link to Colorado IEE guidelines mentioned in this podcast: https://disabilitylawco.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Q%26A%20-%20Independent%20Educational%20Evaluations%202021.pdf

One thing I realized with parents who were really successful advocates in the schools was how they framed their concerns, their child's strengths, and how they set the tone for the meeting that naturally led to the parents getting to know what was possible...and what to ask for.

This week, we have Scotti Weintraub from Reframe Parenting. In this episode we cover:

1) 4 reframes to help you center yourself and the IEP team to focus on solutions and strengths

2) Specific examples of taking challenges and turning them into what to ask for in the school environment

Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/365033878323074/

Scotti's Website: https://www.reframeparenting.com/

Download Scotti's Freebie: https://www.reframeparenting.com/summer

Shownotes: https://theieplab.com/episode123/

Is your team a bit stressed because they are short staffed? It can feel like you have no power to enforce the IEP, and it can also feel even harder to ask for additional support for your child! But in this episode, we are exploring actions you can take to help the school help your child!

In this episode, we discuss:

1) Why schools are experiencing staffing shortages

2) What you can do to help those that are doing their best in the schools

3) Options for what you can do to help by getting them staffed

4) How to help your team get support from the "higher ups" in the school administration

Check out the NEW Parent Advocacy Club! (founding member pricing through April 30, 2023)

Join the Facebook Group

Shownotes

Some of the most brilliant minds also need adaptations to the ways our public schools are set up to address learning differences. This week, Dr. Matt Zakreski helps peal back the layers of how advocating for giften/2e aka twice exceptional learners can be best tackled.

In this episode we cover:

1) What gifted or 2e qualifications are

2) The range of programs and what they look like inside schools

3) Myths (such as "but they are so smart, why are they having behaviors?)

4) Resources for gifted advocacy

Grab your FREE 30-day trial of The Parent Advocacy Club that includes a training of the month, live Q&A session, and Guided Processing Group as well as 2 additional tools or templates to use right away in your advocacy!

Join the Facebook Group

Download your FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide

Connect with Dr. Matt

Shownotes

When you are already on edge with an IEP meeting coming up, nothing is worse than not knowing what to expect when it comes to scheduling the meeting itself!

Well, all that stress of scheduling is over after today, because we are breaking down how the process SHOULD go when it's easy-peasy, and several things that are in your control (aka staying ahead of the process) that makes the whole process less stressful.

In this episode we cover:

1) The steps that should happen to have a happy scheduling of an annual IEP meeting

2) Common FAQ's when it comes to the school staff's availability, not making deadlines for the start of IEP meetings, and how you can anticipate the meeting months in advance

3) One of Beth's mantras for life that absolutely applies to scheduling IEP meetings!

Download the FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide

Check out your FREE 30 day trial of The Parent Advocacy Club

Shownotes

If you are hearing "but their grades are so good, they are fine!" then you certainly aren't alone. This week, guest Valerie Cantella shares her own journey of advocating for her daughter and how her eyes were opened to district resources when she sat on a school board later in her advocacy journey. 

In this episode we cover:

1) The ups and downs of advocacy

2) How advocating for social emotional supports is changing (and still needs to change more!)

3) Valerie's top tips for parent advocates

April is FREE 300 day trial of The New Parent Advocacy Club Membership!

FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide

Valerie Cantella's website

Read 1st Chapter of Valerie's Book HERE

Shownotes

Let's talk about a group of parents I found in my research when starting The IEP Lab that had this passion for advocacy but didn't let it control them...they used it as a power within them to work the system and get the best support for their child. 

What we cover in this episode:

1) Why controlling intense emotions is helpful in parent IEP advocacy

2) What it looks like when parents are able to master this skill

3) 5 ideas for emotional regulating activities you can fit into your routine that may help you get to the place of powerful emotional advocacy energy!

LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR THE ULTIMATE PARENT IEP PREP COURSE until August, 2023!

Snag your 30 day free trial of the Parent Advocacy Club (PAC for short!) to celebrate OT month!

Shownotes

THE DOORS TO THE ULTIMATE PARENT IEP PREP COURSE ARE OPEN!

It's negative out there. Like depressing. But you need to search for resources and make connections because this IEP journey can be a bit lonely and intimidating, right?

So how do you take negitive experiences of others and make sure that doesn't happen?

Because the truth is...that SOME IEP EXPERIENCES ARE AMAZING!!!

And how do we get THAT amazing experience...for you?

In this episode we cover:

1) Where you will find negitivity in parent advocacy

2) How to take what you need, and leave what you don't

3) How you focusing on your circle of influence actually has a bigger impact than focusing on big news stories or other people's experiences in the past.

If you want help prepping y

THE DOORS TO THE ULTIMATE PARENT IEP PREP COURSE ARE OPEN!

Join the Facebook Group

Shownotes

BONUS IEP Prep Series! We are answering the question of the MOST EFFECTIVE advocacy approach to IEP meetings. It's called the Goldilocks Approach to Advocacy. 

In this episode we cover:

1) The three main advocacy approaches (passive, aggressive, and just right)

2) What it looks like AFTER the IEP meeting for each of these approaches from inside the school walls

3) Keys to finding your "just right" 

Don't forget to snag your IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide!

Shownotes

Hint The Ultimate Parent IEP Prep Course is opening up again in the next week! Don't forget to follow The IEP Lab on socials and get on the email list (by downloading the guide!) 

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Of course people with disabilities get degrees all the time? But does the IEP just translate into the college environment? As Dan from Accessing College discusses, it's best to start telling your child about their disability, building self advocacy skills, and trial-and-error process of accommodations as soon as possible!

In this episode we cover:

1) If an IEP translates into the college environment

2) If a 504 translates into the college environment

3) What to shop around for when looking for colleges with a disability

4) A story about Dan's own child with a disability and how they approached this transition

Download your FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide

Shownotes

 Dan Jordan of Accessing College website

Your child's day at school likly includes some "specials" (aka music, PE, art, etc!). So what is the inside scoop on if your child needs accommodations in these specials classroom? 

In this episode we cover:

1) What "specials" teachers include

2) What the "specials" teachers experience is with encountering accommodations in 504's and IEPs.

3) How parents can shortcut systems that prevent specials teachers to have a copy of the IEP

4) Approach to inclusion in specials classrooms

5) Bryson's trial and error process and why he thinks some teachers are hesitant to use it

6) Specials teachers and paraprofessionals relationship

Download your Free IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide

Need more help with Accommodations? Check out The Accommodations Mini-Course for Parents!

Shownotes

Connect with Bryson

Does your child struggle with school refusal? This podcast is a collection of themes that Beth has seen within the schools in working with children in multiple settings. But it also is a connection to resources as well. 

In this episode we cover:

1) Why school refusal is often unsupported in schools

2) Why school refusal is only what you are seeing as a result of the real issue

3) How to figure out what that issue is

4) How to approach the school team to get support

FREE IEP Process Step-By-Step Guide

Join the Facebook Group!

Accommodations Mini-Course for Parents

Shownotes