This post was inspired by a follower asking the following question: my son's IEP goals have been carried over from year to year, although in 7th grade, all assessments are from first and 2nd grade. I disagree that these are his baselines. How can I get them to update this information?

The IEP is one of the most critical documents in a child's education. All teachers should read it so that everyone understands what is expected of the child and how they will be supported in the classroom. Your child's case manager makes sure that this happens by working with teachers, parents, and school aides at their school to make sure that everyone is on the same page about what your child needs for support and accommodations.

Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to celebrate and express gratitude. It's an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, share delicious meals, and create cherished memories. However, for families with neurospicy kids, navigating Thanksgiving with extended family who may not fully understand their unique needs can be daunting. In this post, we will explore strategies to help you navigate family time during Thanksgiving, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for your neurodiverse child.

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, attending an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting is essential to ensure that your child’s individual needs are being met. However, one crucial step, often forgotten, is writing a parent concerns letter before meeting with the IEP team. This letter serves as an opportunity for you to voice any issues or concerns about your child’s education and to be part of the decision-making process. In addition, writing a parent concerns letter allows you to be an active participant in the IEP meeting and ensures that your child’s needs are taken into consideration.

Inclusion is essential in the classroom because it allows students with disabilities the same access to education as their peers. This learning environment creates a more inclusive and welcoming community. In an inclusive classroom, all students can learn and grow together, regardless of individual differences. Inclusion also helps to reduce stigma and stereotypes about disabilities. When non-disabled students are exposed to students with disabilities, they are less likely to exhibit negative attitudes toward them. Furthermore, when students with disabilities are included in the classroom, they are more likely to experience an increased sense of belonging, self-esteem, and connection to the school community.

Children with disabilities can be easy targets for other children who feel like they themselves are under-appreciated or bullied. From teasing and bullying to exclusion, it is important that these moments are stopped before they cause long-term damage in your child.

An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan, a legal document that details your child's educational present levels and current needs. Then it includes goals and objectives to support those needs. It covers all areas of education--including special education services--and consists of the regular education curriculum. The IEP also includes behavior intervention plans if necessary. The most important thing a parent should know about an IEP is that it is INDIVIDUALIZED for YOUR CHILD. Just because they do or do not support another child in a certain way does not mean they have to support your child the same way.

As a parent, you always want the best for your child, especially regarding their education. So, when a school evaluation does not accurately reflect your child's needs or abilities, it can be frustrating and worrisome. If you are in this situation, knowing your rights and the steps you can take to ensure your child receives the support they need and is appropriate is essential. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). In this post, we'll discuss why you disagree with a school evaluation, how to request an IEE, and what new data you might obtain in the process.

Educators and parents need to understand the criteria for qualifying for an IEP under this category, which includes a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, conduct disorders, eating disorders, and psychotic disorders

It seems that come March or April, the behaviors of students become a focus of teachers and schools. I have spoken to so many parents in the last few months explaining why they need to reqeust a Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA) for their child.

As a parent of a child with special needs, navigating the special education process can be overwhelming. However, one of the most essential tools for parents is Prior Written Notice (PWN). This legal requirement ensures parents are informed and involved in their child's education. In this blog post, we will discuss what PWN is, why parents need to know about it, and when to request IEP meeting information be added to the PWN.

As a parent or guardian of a special education student, it's essential to be aware of the procedural safeguards protecting your child's rights. These safeguards ensure that children with disabilities and their families receive the necessary support and accommodations to help them succeed in their education. This blog post will summarize the key procedural safeguards you should know to advocate for your child's needs effectively.

If you're a parent of a child with behavioral issues at school, you may have heard the term "functional behavioral assessment" (FBA) thrown around. But what exactly is an FBA, and why is it important? In this blog post, I'll share the red flags of an FBA that is not done correctly, how to spot if the school had not done due diligence while also discussing the importance of having a qualified person taking data, preferably a BCBA, it should include ABC data and data taken in different times of day, locations, with different people.

As parents of children with special needs, we know that preparing for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting can feel overwhelming. It's a pivotal moment where we advocate for our child's education and ensure they receive the support they need. In this post, I'll guide you through the process of preparing for an IEP meeting, drawing from personal experience, professional expertise, and valuable insights. As a community, let's help each other and navigate this journey together.

I'm working through the process of becoming a Master IEP Coach®, and yesterday we discussed the five-year VISION. Where do you want your child in 5 years? Do the goals in the IEP reflect that vision?

October is an important month for our dyslexic community as we come together to raise awareness about dyslexia. During this Dyslexia Awareness Month, we have an incredible opportunity to celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with dyslexia. It is equally important, however, to reflect on the significance of recognizing our strengths and weaknesses and embracing them. In this blog post, we will explore why it is vital for us and our children to acknowledge and appreciate our diverse abilities.