This is why you’re here, right? You need IEP information or advice.
The IEP process is not for the faint of heart. If your child has an IEP, please heed my advice–as I am a Special Education Advocate having attended hundreds of IEP meetings since 2009. Parents must commit to learning and using the IEP process to meet their child’s needs.
And I’m making it easier for you. I have hundreds of articles about IEP topics and common IEP parent questions. I explain things in a language you can understand, and offer solution steps.
Some studies show that autistic people may struggle with the perception of time. Remember, time can be abstract, so it is our responsibility to give it a concrete nature, make it visual, and give it tangibility. Learning what temporal words are and how to use them can help achieve this. What are temporal words? Temporal…
Does your child’s IEP transfer from state to state? Can you remain in the same school if you move? Here’s what you need to know about transferring an IEP.
6 Principles of Special Education I have to open this post with a shout-out to blog reader Mike T. He emailed me a link to this post, and the printable was gone. I searched and searched, and sure enough, he was right. So, starting over with the 6 Principles of IDEA. They also go by…
Many of our learning-disabled kids struggle to communicate. The causes vary, from expressive or receptive language disorder to hyperlexia, processing, or even dyslexia. If you are not learning disabled, we often take some skills for granted. Once we learn a grammar rule, we can apply it universally. And exclude it when there are exceptions. Inflectional…
When your child is diagnosed with a specific learning disability, or you suspect a disability of some kind, many words are thrown at you. Until you familiarize yourself with the various conditions, their symptoms, and their connection to each other, your child can be incorrectly categorized. Such as with hyperlexia, autism, and Gestalt Language Processing….
IEP Goal Tracking IEP data tracking and progress monitoring in special education are among the most important things about an IEP. And yet tracking IEP goals is one area that I find parents cannot wrap their heads around it, so it gets neglected. I am eternally grateful for admin Michelle and what she has contributed…
Gaslighting at School I remember the first time I was gaslighted at an IEP meeting. It probably wasn’t the first time, but it was the first time that I remember. I was working in a local district, and I had been there a lot. This particular district had a horrible reputation regarding discipline issues, particularly…
I looked at the mom/client sitting next to me at truancy court and gave her hand a squeeze. She looked up and gave me a slight smile, our only communication since we did not speak the same language. I leaned over to the caseworker on her other side, who translated for us. Just then, the…
FAPE This trend is really bothersome to me. I have recently had conversations with several different parents who are unfamiliar with the term FAPE or FAPE for students with disabilities. I even had one claim that “FAPE isn’t a term that we use in my state.” First, yes it is. Second, every parent needs to…
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act was the first disability civil rights law to be enacted in the United States. It states:…
When the ESEA was enacted over 50 years ago, one concept borne out of that was Title 1 and Title 1 schools. Despite being around for decades, there is still a lot of misinformation and confusion about what a Title 1 school is and its potential effect on an IEP. If a school is a…
IEP or 504 for Trauma or PTSD It’s amazing how we go through life, just doing what we do, not knowing what we don’t know. I was a victim of childhood trauma (several ACEs-Adverse Childhood Experiences). But it was the 1970s, and no one really did anything about it. I was just expected to “get…
We don’t do that here. I got two inquiries recently that are very similar. Both parents asked for something on their child’s IEP and were told, “We don’t do that here. It happens often. Can a school say that? Can they deny a service based on “we don’t offer that here?” Short answer, no. So…
Virtual IEP Meetings In the first quarter of 2020, we had no idea how much our lives were going to change. Not just for the next couple of years, but forever in some instances. I mean, will you ever eat birthday cake that someone blew on? Eeeuwww, I won’t. Restaurants got better at takeout and…
Managing After-School Meltdowns Sometimes I marvel at the existence of my two boys. I look at them, and both are just oozing characteristics and traits of my husband and me. And yet, at the same time, they are complete opposites in so many ways. My younger child–everything comes so easy to him. He learned to…
IEP Goals for Writing Parents can certainly assist the IEP team with developing goals. One IEP area that I find parents and teachers struggle with is addressing the skill of writing. And by writing, I’m talking about content, not fine-motor handwriting skills. If your child struggles with handwriting, I would read this post on dysgraphia…
IEP Meeting Questions Over the past decade, I have attended hundreds of IEP meetings and met with hundreds of families. And, with the large chat group, the other admins and I have answered literally thousands of questions about IEP meetings. Sure, the I is for Individual. Still, I see a lot of commonalities. Common IEP…
504 Plans for Food Allergies On this website, you will find many articles that discuss the overuse of 504 plans. They were never intended to be an “IEP Lite” and too often, they are used as a stalling tactic when the child truly needs an IEP. However, in the case of isolated food allergies, a…
Executive Functioning IEP Goals Executive function is an umbrella term for cognitive processes such as planning, working memory, attention, problem solving, verbal reasoning, inhibition, mental flexibility, multi-tasking, initiation, and monitoring of actions. Executive functioning describes a set of mental processes that helps people to connect past experience with present action. Wikipedia If your child or…
Executive Functioning Checklist While we have come a long way in recognizing and supporting skill deficits in kids, when it comes to learning disabilities, I find that when it comes to executive functioning issues are too often thought of as “won’t” instead of “can’t.” Executive functioning skills rule our daily lives. And when a child…
Which IEP Tests will look for Executive Functioning Deficits? Executive functioning skills have been quite a buzzword and trend in special education over the past decade. When a student lacks executive functioning skills, both parents and teachers can identify the behavior. We know what it “looks like” when a child cannot organize themselves, manage time,…
504 Plan ADHD It is estimated that 5-12% of all American kids have some type of ADHD. If you found this Accommodations Guide, chances are you have a child or student with ADHD. So I’m not going to go into the different types of ADHD and all that. This is going to focus on understanding…
IEP for Autism For almost 10 years, readers have been asking me questions about an IEP and autism. It’s quite common in our chat forums to have a Mom pop in and say “We were just told we were getting an IEP for autism, what should I ask for?” For 10 years, I have resisted…
IEP For as much time as I spent talking and teaching parents about IEPs, I don’t think I’ve ever actually explained what an IEP and FAPE are. If your child is struggling at school (and not just in academics!) then perhaps someone has suggested that you pursue an IEP for your child. The IEP process…
How to Find Out if a Teacher or Therapist is Certified “How do I check if a teacher or therapist is qualified?” “I bet she’s not even qualified!” I hear questions and sentiments like these all the time. And like many IEP issues, there’s much more below the surface. Let’s dig in. Why do you…
IEP Moms “Mrs. Lightner, we’ll add the additional hour of OT to Kevin’s plan, but I want you to know that he is the only child in the county who is receiving more than one hour per week. That’s just not our model.” YES! Success! I did it! My son was only 2 years old,…
Emotional self-regulation is a necessary executive functioning skill that all kids need to develop. Some will require direct instruction.
Let’s Just Wait and See I’d be willing to be my house and my car that 99% of all IEP parents have experienced the “Let’s just wait and see.” It’s one of the most common and most effective stall or delaying tactics when a parent asks for something on the IEP. It goes like this….
Refused IEP Evaluations Let me be blunt. If your child’s IEP evaluations suck, the rest of your IEP will be garbage. Without good evaluations, the IEP present levels, the eligibility, the goals, the baselines, supports, and services–all of it will be worthless. That’s why it’s so essential that you pay close attention to this part…
How do I know if the IEP is working? Your child getting an IEP is not the final step in your IEP journey. It is only the start. It is essential for parents to stay engaged all year round. Now that the supports and services have been put in place, how can you keep your…
Who or what is the LEA in Special Education? What does it stand for? Can I exclude them from my IEP meeting?
IEP Goals for Handwriting | Handwriting issues can be much more than a fine motor planning issue. It could be dysgraphia, dyslexia, vision issues, or something else entirely.
Looking for that perfect meme to describe how you feel about IEPs and IEP meetings? Here you go–everything from Hey Girl to Escape Room to RBF.
Now that quarantine is over, many school districts are still providing many evaluations and support virtually. Here’s what parents need to know.
Many students learn better through movement and doing, rather than sitting and listening. Here’s how you can support your kinesthetic learner.
The Ultimate IEP Goal Bank! A free list of IEP Goals and IEP Objectives separated by category or area of need; includes a PDF of IEP goals.
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in getting our kids’ needs met, we forget to address a Student’s Strengths. What are your child’s strengths? Grabe these ideas for your IEP.
Emotional Disturbance on your IEP: Understand the criteria for this category, plus a list of IEP goals, accommodations, and teaching strategies.
If your child has negative behaviors at school, they should receive an FBA and a Behavior Plan. Here are behavior goal ideas for your IEP.
Everything you need for Reading and Reading Comprehension and your IEP: IEP goals, strategies, evaluations, and more.
Does your child keep getting sent home from school? Is the school constantly calling you to come pick them up due to behaviors? That’s an informal suspension.
Parents, you need to take ownership of the IEP transition goals and process for your child. Here’s how to start.
You think your child needs an IEP. The school offered a 504, RTII or MTSS. So, what’s the difference, and what are your options? Next steps for parents.
Is your head spinning at IEP meetings because of all the acronyms? Here are some of the most commonly used Disability and Special Education Acronyms. Free printable!
Levels of Dyscalculia Dyscalculia is a condition that makes it difficult for people to understand math. Those with dyscalculia may find it challenging to solve mathematical problems, even if they seemingly enjoy the topic and concepts. Dyscalculia is one of the “Four Ds” as they are called-dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia. In severe cases, dyscalculia…
IEP Present Levels Ask almost any Special Education Advocate, and they’ll tell you that Present Levels is the most important section of the IEP. Present Levels has several corresponding Special Education Acronyms, depending on what your school or state uses. PL Present Levels PLOP Present Levels of Performance PLP Present Levels of Performance PLAAFP Present…
504 Plan vs IEP Quite often, parents in our Facebook group will ask what is the difference between an IEP and a 504? Some schools will try to push the family toward a 504 plan instead of an IEP, some will even suggest that the student get both an IEP and a 504. So what…
Do IEP Teams have to honor Doctors’ Notes? I won’t ever forget the interaction I had with one of Kevin’s neurologists. We had a regular appointment/checkup. And he was a baby, like 2 years old. We knew he was autistic and I wanted him in an ABA program. The neurologist said to me, “Just tell…
Teacher Shortages I genuinely cannot believe that this story is not getting more press coverage. I just happened upon it while doing research for another project. According to my state’s Dept of Ed website, in 2010, the state was certifying about 17,000 teachers each year. For the 2016/17 school year, that number has plummeted to…
Inference Definition for Kids “Mommy, is that Lady Gaga?” When my youngest was a toddler, he LOVED Lady Gaga. I have no idea why or where it came from, but he did. He would ask me to put videos of her on my computer. So, when we were watching the Super Bowl one year, the…
14 Categories of Disabilities in IDEA There are 14 categories of disabilities listed in IDEA. Autism Deaf-blindness Deafness Developmental delay (DD) Emotional disturbance (ED) Hearing impairment Intellectual disability Multiple disabilities (MDS) Orthopedic impairment Other health impairment (OHI) Specific learning disability (SLD) Speech or language impairment Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Visual impairment, including blindness I can’t…
High School IEP Surprisingly, I am asked the question about IEPs in High School quite often. More than I am comfortable with, but more on that in a minute. The question “can I get an IEP in high school?” can be answered with a short “Yes.” However, the issue itself has many layers, so I…
Phonemic Awareness The other day, my 13-year-old sports son fan and I had a short but confusing discussion. I knew he was looking at a sports-something on Instagram, and it was the first day of NBA free agency. “Mom, what does resigned mean?” I explained to him that it means to quit, as in quitting…
Private Schools and IEPs This topic makes me sad. Because it’s so super deflating for parents. Many times, attending a private school is a tradition for families. Then, they have a child who requires an IEP. That brings on their private school reality check, as far as private schools and IEPs and special education. So…
Can you Win a Due Process Hearing without a lawyer? We’d do anything for our kids. Anything. And since some of us have been dealt a less than a favorable hand, that can mean doing battle with your school district over what type of education your child receives. And sometimes that battle leaves us no…
Guidelines and Justification for a 1:1 Aide/Para on an IEP. Some schools call them 1:1 aides, some call them paraprofessionals. Here in my state, we call them PCAs. Yes, another special education acronym. But, regardless of what your state calls it, you landed here because you think that your child needs a 1:1 during the…
IEP Transition Goals for Postsecondary or Job I was leery of how I could use the word “postsecondary” and not create any confusion. To be clear, there are no IEPs in college. A student can get a 504 plan, but is not entitled to special education in college. But, it certainly is a realistic goal…
Sexual Relationship IEP Goals Sexual relationships are a part of every adult’s life. Whether or not we want to think about it or talk about it, we must. If you are expecting that your disabled child will live independently, this is something they likely will encounter–sexual urges and the opportunity to act upon them. Have…
Personal Safety and Community Participation Originally, I had this giant article with a list of over 300 independent living skills. Many of you, teachers and parents, said it was too overwhelming. So, I’m breaking it down. This way, teachers and parents can use it as a guide for what their child needs to be independent…
Personal Hygiene IEP Goals Personal hygiene skills is something that many of us take for granted. If you do not pick up on social cues, and your interoception is different because of your neurodivergence, you may not notice these things. But, others will! That’s for sure. And some things, like managing your medication, can be…
Shopping and Banking Independent Living Skills Originally, I had this giant article with a list of over 300 independent living skills. Many of you, teachers and parents, said it was too overwhelming. So, I’m breaking it down. This way, teachers and parents can use it as a guide for what their child needs to be…
Transition IEP Goals We all want our kids to live as independently as possible. Sometimes when I think about it, I kinda can’t believe that my Dad just dropped me off somewhere 150 miles away and expected me to figure it out. They never gave me any instruction, just expected me to learn by watching….
Independent Functioning IEP Goals for Life Skills Before I get started with this list of Life Skills Functional Goals for an IEP, I want to make one thing clear. That is, remember, IEPs are all about the “I.” Any student who has life skills listed as an area of need can have life skills IEP…
Life Skills Classroom | Special Education Resource Room I really hate the term life skills. I mean, after all, we ALL need life skills. It’s just that what each person needs to be taught varies greatly. But, if your child has an IEP, and depending on their skill set, a “life skills classroom” or “life…
Functional Money Skills Remember when we were little, and we thought nickels were worth more than dimes, just because they were bigger? Ah, those were the days. As part of adulting, we need to teach our kids practical money skills. Money as a topic usually falls under functional math. However, for kids with IEPs, it…
Mental Health Tips for Moms Being an IEP mom is no easy task. In addition to all the other mom chores we do, we have the added burden of learning the cumbersome IEP process. And it’s a process that isn’t exactly parent friendly. It’s no wonder our mental health can decline. Mental health should not…
First Week of Special Education I’m a crazy over planner. While everyone is just trying to get through to the end of a school year, I’m already planning for the first week of school activities in special education for next year. I know, it’s a bit over the top. But here’s the thing. By the…
Once a child has been identified as a student with a learning disability, it can be tough for the IEP team to come to agreement on IEP goals. After all, depending on the disability, the child may have needs in reading, writing, vocabulary and much more. And, reading is so much more than reading. It’s…
The school called CPS on me! Sometimes I hear the stories and think “How, how did we get here?” And, many times I’ve seen a parent seek assistance and many parents chime in, “That’s illegal, they can’t do that!” Sigh. I wish it was that simple. Yes, it is illegal. But IEP retaliation happens. School…
The IEP Team had a Meeting without You. Let’s be honest, not everyone fully understands the IEP process and what it entails. It’s a complicated beast and can make you scream. I’ve addressed issues similar to this in other posts, but a common theme that I encounter with parents is unrealistic expectations. What do I…
How to get a 504 Plan Before I get to the steps of how to ask for a 504 plan for your child, I feel the need to get on my soapbox for a moment. If you don’t want to read my rant, feel free to skip past the photo. Ok, so here goes. 504 Education…
IEP Issues Hurdles slow you down. If you know they are there, you can run faster than if you don’t know they are there. But if you know that they are there, and have the opportunity to remove them, you’ll be faster yet. Hurdles. It’s a good analogy in these IEP scenarios. I mean, you’re…
Due Process Special Education Should I file for special education due process? Special Education Due Process is one of a parent’s rights in Procedural Safeguards. It is very serious, and in my opinion, should only be done as a last resort. This means that you have exhausted all other means of the IEP process including…
Auditory Processing Disorder The other day, my younger son and I were on my tablet. We were choosing team gear to purchase for his new AAU basketball team. I was looking at the website and he was on his phone, and he was describing things to me and asking me questions (what size do I…
Autism and Elopement One concept or behavior that you may be exposed to as an IEP parent is elopement. Unfortunately, I am not talking about the fun kind of elopement. The kind where you run off to Vegas or some tropical island and marry your love. This is the type where your child is so…
IEP Parent Participation Nothing disappoints me more than when I hear about a parent not learning the IEP process and maximizing their rights in the process. Look, not judging here. Mostly. Ok, so I am getting a little judgy here. But here’s the thing. Not knowing and using your IDEA given rights is detrimental to…
A printable list of Accommodations for Anxiety for an IEP or 504 Plan, to get you on the path to a more peaceful and calm day for your child at school.
Working Memory IEP goals Does your child struggle with Working Memory issues, and you want them added to the IEP? Have you heard parents talk about working memory skills, but you’re not sure what they are? Ok, remember these? I’m dating myself a bit, I know. But these are a great example of how we…
Middle School and High School IEPs Before we get started on things to think about for your middle school IEP or high school IEP, there are a few things parents should know. First, middle school or high school is not a concept addressed in IDEA. IDEA does not require nor call for anything special to…
When was IDEA passed? IDEA was first passed in 1975 as Federal legislation. However, its history began much before that. The history of special education and learning disabilities is an interesting one. It was activists and allies who paved the way, and we must soldier on for them. While I don’t excuse anyone’s behavior or…
FBAs and Behavior Plans FBAs and Behavior Plans are a common component of IEPs. And, after 12 years of advocacy, I’m seeing the same issues over and over. Most importantly–they often don’t work. The same kids are being suspended, failing grades, and being ostracized by both peers and staff. I’m going to outline some common…
Special Education Terms Look, since this is a monster of an article, I’ll be brief. I’ve been sitting on this for literally years–years ago someone asked if I would publish it on my site. I am just now getting around to this giant PDF list of special education terms. Not all IEP terms and acronyms…
IEP Attorney For many families, there comes a time in your IEP journey that you and the school reach an impasse. You’ve gone back and forth and had many meetings over many months. Now, you’re staring down an IEP that you don’t think is sufficient for your child. Or, maybe there was one egregious incident–either…
Assistive Technology AAC Questions about Assistive Technology are some of the most common ones that we receive as advocates. How do I get an AT device? How do I know which AAC or Assistive Technology device to choose? Who pays for assistive technology? Assistive Technology is a support or service that has many names. Many…
Special Education Kindergarten When you hear most special ed parents discussing “transition,” most of the time they are talking about the older transition when the child is either graduating or aging out of the system. But, the kindergarten transition is important and so often overlooked. I’m not scolding parents, I get it. Many times we…
How to Not Cry at your IEP Meeting. Is it any wonder that Moms cry at IEP Meetings? Pretend I’ve invited you to your child’s school for a meeting. And this meeting will involve you and 5-10 people you do not really know, but in many ways, they hold the keys to your child’s destiny…
What is a Frayer Model? A FRAYER MODEL is a graphic organizer that helps students clarify the meaning of vocabulary words they encounter while listening, reading, and viewing texts. They can be used before reading to activate background knowledge, during reading to monitor vocabulary, or after reading to assess vocabulary. The Frayer Model is a…
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling In recent years, many of us were thrown into some version of homeschooling that we never planned on. Those experiences have caused many parents to reevaluate their IEP situation, their family situation and wonder…should I just homeschool my child? Making the decision to homeschool your child is huge and one…
Why your IEP needs a Vision Statement It’s called the Black Hole of 21. Once you are comfortably settled into the IEP world and get to know other moms, you’ll hear complaining and worrying about “transition.” Transition means many things, but in our world, it means the time period when the child is completing 12th…
Can a School Demand Medical Information? I can’t believe that I am even doing a blog post on this topic. But it’s only Tuesday and it has already come up three times in our Facebook group. We’ve had several situations where a school or IEP team member has asked or demanded medical information or access…
How to Stop Stressing over IEP Meetings I was waiting in the lobby. Mom pulled into the parking lot, made her way towards me. “I’m so nervous!” she whispered. “Don’t be. We got this.” And we did. My mind drifted to other parents in our Facebook group who often express similar sentiments before a meeting….
IRLP Individual Remote Learning Plan Yesterday a blog reader asked if I could further explain IRLP. IRLP stands for Individual Remote Learning Plan. It’s a new concept and document as a result of the pandemic. And, I am going to explain what an IRLP is, however, I do so with great hesitation. And that is…
Sex Ed and the Disabled Child Yep! I’m going there! This topic makes some people uncomfortable and I know it’s difficult to even think of our typical children as sexual beings, let alone our children with special needs. But, like it or not, they will mature, they will go through these changes, so it’s up…
Fine Motor Skills on your IEP Remember this? Did you know that way back when…when Tupperware invented this toy, that you were using fine motor skills to play with it? If you’re a Gen X’er like me, you definitely remember this Tupperware toy. When I was young enough to play with this toy, IEPs didn’t…
Seizure Action Plan I could handle the not talking. I could handle the stimming. I could handle the developmental delays. And the picky eating, and the clumsiness due to poor motor planning, and the meltdowns. But seizures might break me. I have PTSD from watching him have so many seizures. When he has a bad…
Retaking Tests Accommodation Allowing a student to retake a test is a very common IEP accommodation. And, at first glance, it seems like a reasonable one. Reasonable? Sure. Helpful….mmm, not so sure. Last week I completed a post about extended time on tests. This accommodation goes with that one, and both are seen together, frequently,…
Online and Virtual Learning Accommodations Some kids really struggle with online distance learning, and need some accommodation ideas. Particularly those with attention, sensory, and other related issues. And, there are a lot of kids out there who loathe Zoom and online classes. Some love it, others not so much. But, even as kids return to…
IEP Binder Organization for Parents Most of us have various stacks of papers and folders around our house, but when we need it, it is still hard to find what you want. Am I right? I am so excited about this. This is an idea that I have had in my head for quite some…
Extended Time on Tests Back when I was in high school (and no, not leaning on my cane and wagging my finger) we did not have cell phones. We did the “call collect and hang up” thing. And, when we got our driver’s licenses, most of us got jalopies as cars. They were old, rusty,…
Modified School Days and IEPs If your child has an IEP or 504, can they get a shortened school day or modified school schedule as an accommodation? The short answer is yes. But, it’s not a simple yes/no question. There are many considerations for the IEP team to discuss to ensure that your child still…
Can the School Remove Supports and Services from the IEP? This is probably the number one reason that parents dread IEP meetings. Right? For the most part, we expect to be told “No” when we ask for something to be added, even if we have the data. But the school removing items…yikes! It’s a major…
School Refusal and Avoidance Think about this for a minute. What is the worst job you ever had? The job you hated more than anything? It was so bad that at night you had trouble sleeping because you were already stressed about going in the morning. Or, you hated getting up in the morning to…
Compensatory Education and Compensatory Services If your school district does not give your child the special education services they are supposed to, you may be able to get what is known as compensatory education. AKA Comp Ed, for short. The pandemic has schools engaging in many more comp ed and comp services discussions than ever…
Is there a Dyscalculia Test? This is a scenario that has been coming up more frequently lately. As parents become more informed, we are better able to advocate for our kids. If you go back even 10-20 years, not many parents had even heard of learning disabilities like dyscalculia. Thanks largely in part to the…
Social Awareness You know how when we were little, and you wanted a sleepover with a friend, and one of our parents would come home, and we’d know instantly if we could ask for that sleepover we wanted or not. Right? Just the way your dad put his keys down, or your mom sighed, you…
Sample Letter to Request IEP Evaluations You will definitely want to bookmark or pin this post. I have often said that one of the biggest IEP mistakes that parents make is not doing everything in writing. The worst case scenario is that you end up in a Due Process Hearing. And then, what will matter…
IEP Evaluations Different variations of questions come up about IEP evaluations all the time. Parents are unclear about timelines, what tests to ask for and sometimes get confused with the IEP re-evaluation process. As a result, after 8 years of this blog, at one point I had a dozen posts about IEP evaluations, IEP re-evaluations,…
IEP Re-evaluations Ok, so here we go. I used to have IEP re-evaluation information in my post about IEP evaluations. But, I’ve since decided that IEP re-evals are worthy of their own post. Initial evals are sort of their own beast, since that is what gets the IEP process started. But, with re-evaluations, parents have…
Watching a School’s CCTV of your Child If you ask the average American, they will tell you that their activities are captured by a video camera approximately 10x per day. But the actual number? Closer to 75, according to IPVM. Technology has advanced so much in recent years, that installing, recording and storing this video…
IEP Advocate “$2000?!?!” my husband exclaimed. “Do we really need this for him?” “Become an IEP/Special Education Advocate!” the flyer said. We were looking at a brochure that my son’s preschool had sent home to parents. It was a 12-week course on how to become a Special Education Advocate. It looked thorough. And, Kevin was…
Social Skills IEP Goals It’s no secret that many kids with disabilities struggle socially and struggle to build and maintain friendships. When Brian tells me stories of kids at school who sound like they have a disability of some kind, I always encourage (read: nag!) him to go the extra step. I encourage him to…
Become an IEP Special Education Advocate I never intended to become a Special Education Advocate. I took some IEP training because my disabled son was a toddler and I thought that the information would be good to have. Then, the 2008 recession hit, and I found myself unemployed. For me, it definitely was one of…
Specially Designed Instruction Specially Designed Instruction, or SDIs, is actually one of my favorite things to talk about when it comes to IEPs. The name itself turns people off, I mean, it’s a weird phrase. But it’s so super important. And, I can’t even tell you how many IEPs that I encounter that have NO…
Communication Plan for Parents I remember I was working with this client one time. We had held an IEP meeting, and we were wrapping up a few loose ends. Together we drafted an email to send to the IEP team, and she (parent) sent it from her email. She then forwarded it to me. I…
Kindergarten IEP Goals and Objectives So, there’s a reason why I am now just doing this post after the blog is more than 10 years old. I am philosophically opposed to this list. It doesn’t make sense to make a list of kindergarten IEP goals. No, really, stay with me here. Remember, IEPs are needs-driven….
Delaying your Child’s Kindergarten One popular theme among parents is redshirting your kindergartener. That is, the practice of not enrolling them in kindergarten the year that they are able to attend, but waiting a year so that they enter older. The thinking is that the child will have an extra year to develop, mature, learn…
Self-Advocacy IEP Goals We do so much for our kids, and we mean well. But time marches on whether we want it to or not. We have to prepare our kids for independence and life on their own. As scary a thought as that is sometimes. Every person, not just IEP students, should have self…
504 Plan Accommodations List You want ideas to submit to the IEP team, but you just don’t know where to start. Well, here you go! You asked for it, you got it! I’ve received many reader requests for a list of SDIs or strategies. I hope this list of SDIs, strategies, and accommodations for an…
IEP Negativity Recently there was a lively discussion in our Facebook group. A teacher said something inappropriate to a student. Not sexual or anything like that, just unprofessional. But I took a lot of grief from members because I presented the teacher’s side. After all, she had been criticized on social media by the parents….
The IEP Process As many of you know, along with this website, there is a very large Facebook group. And, at least once a week it comes up. The question of “Should I be emailing the IEP team….” and 90% of the time, the answer is YES. For me, the IEP process is not something…
What can I do about missed therapy hours at school? I hear this question a lot. And this is an area where there is a huge amount of misinformation. No, they do not have to pay you. The district also does not have to arrange for private outside therapy. I mean, if you get that…
Yes, your IEP can Have Academic and Non-Academic Goals. Today, I had heard this phrase three times before 6 am. Yes, really. See, every morning I get up and grab my coffee. Before the kids get up I check my blog for any emergencies and then I go to the Facebook group to approve posts…
How to tell when you have a crappy IEP. I’ve attended more IEP meetings than I can count. Or even care to count. I get it–parents only call in a Special Education Advocate when there’s trouble. If you were happy with things, you wouldn’t need help, right? But what that means is that as an…
Interpreting IEP Evaluations For me, both as a Special Education Advocate and a Parent, I find the hardest part of the IEP process to be the IEP eligibility evaluations. For each re-evaluation, my son (or my clients) may receive upward of 10-12 assessments. That’s a dozen protocols I have to look up, read and understand….
Written Expression Writing is not a simple task. It involves a complex process of using and coordinating various cognitive processes. Thus, a lot of students, especially those with disabilities, find the task challenging. Writing proficiency is vital for success both inside and outside the classroom. It is crucial to identify classroom practices and writing instructions…
Getting Started in the World of IEPs IEP stands for Individual Education Plan. It is just what it says. Children with disabilities are entitled to a “free and appropriate education” but what that looks like for each child is Individual. The concept of Special Education has only been around at the national level since 1975….
Important items that must be on your child’s IEP. “I got a call to pick up my daughter today because she put a child in a choke hold.” And of course this child with an IEP was on her way to a suspension. That’s what one of our group members posted recently. Sounds awful, right?…
IEP Vocational Assessment “She likes to braid hair.” Several years ago, I was an Educational Surrogate for a teen in a neighboring county. That sentence was her entire IEP transition plan. Seriously, that was it. And, she had been transition age for 2 years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 only…
Following Directions Many people — kids and adults — have trouble following directions. They don’t seem to “listen” when they’re asked to do a task, whether it’s taking out the garbage or taking care of a pet. Even if there’s a negative consequence, they don’t do what they’ve been asked to do. Too often for learning disabled…
Receptive vs Expressive Language If your child is being evaluated for Early Intervention or Special Education Services, you may be introduced to the terms ‘receptive language skills’ or ‘expressive language skills.’ As humans, we all have communication skills. Those skills are either expressive or receptive. If you do not struggle to understand incoming communication or…
IEP Tips for Parents Raise your hand if you just LOVE going to IEP meetings. (waits) No one? Raise your hand if you drink a bottle of wine the evening of an IEP meeting? A-ha! There, now I see some hands. I often say, “You don’t know what you don’t know” and the IEP meeting…
Understanding 2E Kids Twice-exceptional or 2E kids have both exceptional abilities and disabilities. In some ways, they are gifted. However, they may also face developmental or learning challenges. In my experience as an advocate (and in a state that requires GIEPs-gifted IEPs), I have come across two main recurring themes with gifted students. One is…
ESY Extended School Year What is ESY? ESY (extended school year) is anything that extends beyond the normal six hours a day, 180 days a year. It is a provision of IDEA and is not just summer school. See ESY booklet below, IDEA regs on page 4. It can be anything (as long as the…
What is SLD? Nearly half of all disabled children are in the category of SLD, per the US Department of Education. Yet, despite it being common, I find that the category itself is largely misunderstood by both parents and teachers. There are many myths and misinformation about the SLD category. Some of these examples: That…
New Beginnings I have this love-hate relationship with winter. I live in the mid-Atlantic and the weather here is less than desirable. Sure, we have some winter days with sunshine and temperatures in the 50s. But most of January through April is cold, gray and wet. But, I use the shorter, darker days and long,…
IEP Coach Lately I have started calling myself an IEP Coach instead of an IEP Advocate or Special Education Advocate. For me, it’s not just a matter of semantics. I am changing the entire structure of my business and business model. And, while I will still be an Advocate, I am much more looking forward…
When your Aide or Para is Absent This issue has me really ticked off lately. Mostly because of how often it is happening. “I’m so sorry {mom} but I still don’t have a nurse for Student for tomorrow, Fri 9/7. Please know I reached out to all of our nurses, as well as 6 sister…
Should you take your IEP issues to the school board? I was recently approached by a school board member. The school board wanted advice on how to improve the special education climate in their school. “We’re really in the dark as far as special ed,” they told me. “We see the director when he brings…
Math IEP Goals I will never forget this one day when Kevin was a preschooler. We had an IEP meeting, and one of his proposed goals was to be able to visualize and identify what 2 of something looks like, or what 3 of something looks like. That same day, my younger son came up…
Denied an IEP or 504 because Grades are Good I had this client one time who has a phenomenal memory. I mean it, like nothing you’ve ever seen. His memory and recall were almost savant-like. In fact, he could memorize and recall so much information, he was tested and labeled as gifted at a young…
What happens if I don’t sign the IEP? Short answer: Nothing. In most cases. Only 2-3 states require a parent’s signature on the IEP to begin services. That is, after the first IEP. You usually have to sign that one to begin services. But I have heard this from more parents than I can count….
Can Schools Force or Recommend Medication? Can Schools force medication? Can a teacher ask a student if they took their medication? Can a school tell you to change your child’s medicine? Is it illegal for a school to recommend medication? Do I have to tell the school about my child’s medication? All of these questions…
RTI Response to Intervention | MTSS What is RTI at school? Who determines what RTI looks like for a kid? Can a parent refuse RTI? 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. What’s the difference between RTI and…
Can you Suspend a Student with an IEP? It happened again. You were at work, in the middle of…working. And the phone rings again. You look and see the dreaded phone number-it’s the school. And you know what is ahead. You have to go pick up your child because they’ve been suspended. Again. Here is…
AR Reading Levels The other day I did a post on the OG Approach and I thought that talking about AR Reading Levels would be a good complement to that. Because, in my experience, AR is great and useful tool. However, much like Orton Gillingham, it is misunderstood and misused. I think Accelerated Reader is…
What to Expect at an IEP Meeting My first IEP meeting did not go well. Well, wait. Kevin has been receiving services since he was 6 months old. So I had IFSP meetings and then preschool meetings. The whole time period, honestly, is foggy. But I definitely remember that my first IEP meeting with my…
IEP Meetings This is a really old post that I have been meaning to update for ages. I see the image show up on Pinterest and I just cringe because I know that the information that is on this site now is just so much better than it was in 2013. The old post didn’t…
IEP at a Glance When I was a special educator in Maryland, we provided an IEP Snapshot to all of our general educators who had a student with an IEP in their class. We knew that teachers could be overwhelmed when they saw the humongous IEPs flopped on their desks each fall. We decided to…
Maximum Length of School Bus Ride Did you know that some school students, particularly those in rural areas such as Reservations, may ride the school bus for over 2 hours one way? Not exactly rocket science to identify it as a contributing factor to absenteeism or drop out rates. Who wants to spend 4 or…
Manifestation Determination Speaking to you as a parent, I hope that you never have to know what a Manifestation Determination is. Or that you never have to request or attend a Manifestation Determination Review Meeting. But, here you are. You searched and found this article, so you need to know what a Manifestation Review is….
When does an IEP end? When does an IEP end? How do you end an IEP? What is the IEP age range?I know what you’re thinking. “21!” is what you want to yell out. And that’s what I thought. Then a friend asked me about this. She is a knowledgeable and well-respected advocate. And I…
What are IEP Related Services? According to IDEA, these are the related services in Special Education. audiology counseling services early identification family training-counseling and home visits health services medical services nursing services nutrition services occupational therapy orientation and mobility services parent counseling and training physical therapy psychological services recreation and therapeutic recreation rehabilitative counseling services…
What IEP Parents Want You to Know A few weeks ago, a newish teacher tweeted at me. She asked what we wanted her to know. I’m never one to pass up an opportunity, so yeah! We answered. I put the query in the Facebook group for a week or so, and here are the responses….
Parent Request for IEP Meeting Timeline IDEA does not define this. Some state special education regulations have set a time limit on how long the school has to respond to your request. You can read more on how to request an IEP meeting and what to do if it’s an emergency below. How often can…
IEP Timelines How long does a school have to: respond to IEP email? schedule an IEP meeting? evaluate my child? begin services in a new school year? send me the final draft of the IEP? All those questions and more are answered below. I’ve compiled the common questions that parents ask about IEP timelines below….
How to Request an IEP Meeting This one should be filed under “blog posts I never thought I’d have to do.” I never realized how much misinformation there is surrounding asking for an IEP meeting. Who can request an IEP meeting? How do you request an IEP meeting? Can a parent request an IEP meeting…
I don’t want that IEP goal. I know I’ve told the story several times. The story of my first IEP meeting with my school district. Kevin was 4 and we were meeting about possible kindergarten transition. The overall meeting was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. So much wrong with it from start to…
What happens if your child does not meet their IEP goals? Ah, progress monitoring. I find it to be one of the most difficult areas of the IEP, as it pertains to parents. First, the data you receive usually isn’t that frequent. Most IEPs say you’ll receive data 3-4 times a year, tops. Then, when…
Educational Autism I’m sure if this has happened to you, it sure felt like a gaslighting moment. You have a child. The child sees various doctors and specialists, some of whom have diagnosed the child with autism. Then, you go to the school to ask for assistance. And you’re told that your child does not…
Confusing Legal IEP Terms There are some words in the IEP process that seem to create more chaos than cooperation. And darnit parents, there are just some words that are toxic to the collaborative environment and I wish you’d stop using them. Read on…. Let me ask you, is your child’s education appropriate? What?!?! Unless…
Functional Communication Goals One of the biggest obstacles that some IEP students have is lack of appropriate, functional communication. A lack of functional communication is often one of the biggest barriers to independence. From as early as possible, these skills should be practiced and encouraged. I remember a few months ago, I was assisting Kevin…
Should I bring donuts to the IEP meeting? I understand you want to be nice. You want to be the “cool parent.” But I still think bringing donuts to an IEP meeting is a bad idea. Here’s why. A reader recently asked me: I was talking with a coworker and she said I should never…
Does it matter what you wear to an IEP meeting? Yes. “I have an IEP meeting tomorrow, should I dress as a Storm Trooper?” Uh, no. No, you should not. One of my friends asked that on Facebook a while back. Not to a Parent Teacher Conference either! It matters. I wish it didn’t, but…
Organization/Study Skills IEP Goals 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. No one ever taught me study skills. It was just expected that all students knew how to study and learn. I think many students…
Special Education Classroom Observation “Can I observe my child’s classroom?” I’ve been hearing this one a lot lately. And unfortunately, this issue often brings out the pitchfork crowds and a plethora of bad IEP advice. So, rather than having parents pursue options that aren’t really options, I wanted to give you some clarity and options…
Toilet Training an Older Child I am wildly passionate about kids being toilet trained if it is a possibility. I never dreamed I would be a passionate advocate for toilet training. But, here I am. Lack of toileting skills is one functional IEP skill that really carries a serious stigma for our kids. It’s very…
Cost of IEP Advocates/Attorneys Your child is struggling. As a mom, you’re stressed and you’re frustrated. You want to hire an IEP advocate. Everyone keeps telling you “get a lawyer!” But, you’ve heard that they are expensive. How do you know? What do you do? What if you cannot afford a Special Education Attorney or…
Bullying at School Bullying at school. I hate it. It’s gross and happens everywhere-on the bus, at school. My standard disclaimer is that I am not an attorney, nor do I play one on the Internet. However, I do work as a Special Education Advocate so bullying is a problem I often help families with….
Parent-Teacher Conference Like other areas of our life, Parent-Teacher conferences can look different for a child with an IEP. A Parent-Teacher meeting can be stressful even in a normal year and now we have distance learning. Most schools only allow 15-20 minutes, so we’re rushed. Chances are you and your spouse had to split up…
Special Education Transportation “It’s the bus. It’s always the bus!” My former supervisor used to say that so often. So many issues around a school bus ride. Lots of kids, no seatbelts, unstructured time, no one watching them (because we want the driver watching the road, right?). And it goes on. This post is long…
IEP Cover Page Imagine for a moment that you are a teacher and it’s the first day of class. Every child is wearing a baseball cap. On the front of each hat is a phrase or two, such as: “has a lisp,” “allergic to peanuts,” “loves to read,” and you see one that says, “emotionally…
Juvenile Arthritis | IEP | 504 According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 300,000 American children have Juvenile Arthritis. The most common type of arthritis in children is called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (idiopathic means “from unknown causes”). There are several other forms of arthritis affecting children. Juvenile arthritis is a rheumatic disease or one that causes loss…
ABA Therapy in Schools “I want my child in an ABA program.” ABA therapies are very popular (and controversial). Many parents want their child in an ABA Therapy Program at school or to receive ABA therapy during school hours. It took us over a year to get my child into an ABA therapy program at…
Can an IEP be changed without parental consent? For the purposes of this post, it assumes that you (parent) already have an initial IEP in place. Your child went through the evaluation process, you had your IEP meeting and there is an agreed-upon IEP in place. And then the fun begins! (Seriously though, most of…
OHI on the IEP IDEA has 14 eligibility categories for an IEP. One of them is OHI. I find that OHI is one of the most frequently misunderstood one by parents, especially when it comes to ADHD. ADHD is, of course, a learning disability. Parents enter into the process fully expecting their child with ADHD…
Parent Counseling and Training on an IEP One little-known feature of IDEA is the section on parent training. Parents are often unaware that they can ask for training and/or counseling as part of their child’s Special Education. Many parents are intimidated because school personnel may know more about pedagogy or curriculum. But, no need to…
IEP in College? No, there are no IEPs in college. That’s a statement of fear that I hear from a lot of parents. And, it’s true. There are no IEPs in college. The following is a guest post from my friend Lynn. You may recognize her from the Facebook group. Her son, who has autism,…
CBI on your IEP Since my son has had