IEP

All About your IEP: A Guide to Getting Started, for Parents.

Last Updated on September 23, 2019 by Lisa Lightner

What is an IEP? 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. That is when […]

7 Red Flags that your IEP is Garbage. {and what to do about it!}

Last Updated on January 13, 2020 by Lisa Lightner

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 […]

What to do when school says ‘we don’t do that here’ {when you’ve asked for something on the IEP}

Last Updated on February 10, 2019 by Lisa Lightner

What to do when a school says ‘we don’t do that here’ {when you’ve asked for something on the IEP} I got two inquiries recently that are very similar. Both parents asked for something on their child’s IEP and both were told, “We don’t do that here.” It happens often, actually. Can a school say […]

The Secret that will have you Stop Stressing over IEP Meetings. Yes, really.

Last Updated on January 13, 2020 by Lisa Lightner

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. […]

4 Confusing IEP terms for Parents (+2 Toxic Words I wish you’d stop using!)

Last Updated on June 25, 2019 by Lisa Lightner

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 you’re a special needs […]