Ask almost any Special Education Advocate, and they’ll tell you that Present Levels is the most important section of the IEP. The IEP process can be confusing and overwhelming. But I wholeheartedly believe that if parents would chunk it down and learn a few key sections, it would be much less frustrating. Present Levels is […]
IEP Advice for Parents | Disability Resources | Special Education Advocacy | Mom Stuff
IEP Advice for Parents
Prior Written Notice PWN: The little known game-changer in the IEP process.
Prior Written Notice-PWN How many times have you heard phrases like these, at IEP meetings, when you’ve suggested something? I don’t think he/she needs that. Why don’t we ‘wait and see’ and talk about it in a few months? I have to discuss this with {someone with more authority} and then I’ll get back to […]
Who or What is the LEA at an IEP Meeting?
Definition of LEA The LEA is a largely misunderstood position or role at IEP meetings. Many times, parents want to exclude the LEA from their IEP meeting! In my professional opinion, that is not a good decision, but we’ll get into excluding IEP meeting people in a bit. What does LEA stand for? LEA is […]
Disability Resources | Special Education Advocacy
Section 504 Plans Explained, for Parents.
What is a 504 plan? Does your child need a 504 plan? What even is a 504 plan? What does it do? What can you get on a 504 plan? As a professional advocate, I’ve seen a lot of misuse and overuse of Section 504 plans. This leads to a lot of confusion among parents. […]
{Study Skills} IEP Goals | Accommodations | Resources |
Study Skills IEP Goals and Accommodations I’m a good learner, but I’m terrible at studying. Always have been. Other than re-reading chapters and notes and rote memorization, I never knew what studying was. I think many students struggle with study skills, particularly if you have an IEP and/or struggle with executive functioning skills. If a […]
What’s the Difference between IEP Accommodations and Modifications?
IEP Accommodations, Modifications, Supplementary Aids and Services All three of the above items are a part of the meat and potatoes portion of the IEP. It’s a huge concern for parents. I know this because it’s often one of the first sections you turn to when you are handed a new draft IEP. On most […]
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Summer Bucket List? It’s Easy If You Do It Smart.
Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids I’m so glad you clicked! I am so tired of seeing summer bucket lists with things like “take the kids to Singapore” or “Climb Mt. Kilamanjo.” Are you? Hey, good for you if that’s your thing. That’s not my thing. When you have a child as medically complex as […]
10 Safe Chemical-Free Sunscreens for Kids
Best Sunscreen for Kids If you subscribe to my newsletter, you know that I’m a little freaked out about this chemical sunscreen thing. What chemical sunscreen thing, you ask? Well, I’ll recap. Basically, researchers discovered that the chemicals that are in many of the sunscreens that we use are absorbed into the skin. This can […]
{Beach Wheelchairs} List of NJ and Delaware Beaches that have them.
Which NJ and DE beaches are disability accessible? As I am sitting here putting together this post, it is 90 degrees, sunny and humid outside. Mentally, I’ve checked out of school mode and all my focus is on summer and the beach. (I still have a few IEP meetings left this school year, with clients, […]
Section 504 Plans Explained, for Parents.
What is a 504 plan? Does your child need a 504 plan? What even is a 504 plan? What does it do? What can you get on a 504 plan? As a professional advocate, I’ve seen a lot of misuse and overuse of Section 504 plans. This leads to a lot of confusion among parents. […]
What is RTI? And why do they want to put my kid in it?
So, before you read this and say, “Hmph, you’re so negative! Not all schools do this!” let me save you the time and email. RTI is an abused system. When done correctly, it works. I’ve seen it work in my only circle of family and friends. The problem is, it’s not always used correctly and […]
How to Choose the Best Sensory and Autism Toys for your child.
Sensory Toys My son can literally find sensory stimulation from a sheet of paper. And, two kinds of stimulation–sound and tactile. I’m serious! This has been a lifesaver when we’re out in public (for too long!) and I don’t have a toy for him. Chances are I can grab a freebie magazine at the entrance […]