Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

Welcome to the official start of summer and to our exciting conversation with author, innovator, researcher,  educator and teacher, and entrepreneur, Barbara Fernandes, as we discuss her involvement in technology. Barbara Fernandes, an award-winning Brazilian-American Speech-Language Pathologist, immigrated to the United States as an adult with very limited English skills. She went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in her field, founding two businesses and revolutionizing her field with nearly seventy successful product launches to date. She has released 70 apps in the iOS app store.Show Highlights:Barbara shares what initially drew her into technology and how she decided to continue working in her field.Barbara knew what types of technology was needed in the speech-language field, so building the apps related to speech-language was a natural fit.Barbara tells about her development of Smarty Symbols, which has been adopted as the symbol of choice in many other technology technologies developed in the field.  https://www.smartyearsapps.com/barbara-fernandes-2/ Vickie, Amanda, and Barbara discuss the importance of photos matching what kids are familiar with; ie. not using obsolete phone pictures but using present-day phone picturesWhen ipads were introduced into education, many people thought technology would be too expensive and that students would destroy the devices. Barbara shares how expensive apps were in the beginning. There has been such a progression with the availability of technology within and outside of the classroom and it is much more widely accepted now. The use of technology has been a gradual progression.Barbara says there are many outdoor/community places where kids do not have access to their devices. (museums, pools, beaches, waiting rooms, etc.)Communication boards installed in various places help kids when they do not have their devices. This is something for which Barbara advocates within her area in Texas.Technology can go beyond the classroom and Barbara shares about attending a meeting at city hall, where she convinced the city to purchase a communication board.Thank you for listening! Links/ResourcesConnect with Barbara:InstagramLinkedInSmart Years Apps websiteConnect with the IEP Podcast:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

We made it! This long and awful school year is finally over. It was its own unique beast unlike any other with so many challenges. COVID has disrupted two full school years now, so we have high hopes for a more normal upcoming school year. With that in mind, accommodations are a big part of the IEP for any student, and this conversation takes a closer look. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!Maggie Staub has been an educator and learning specialist for over ten years. Most of her career has been spent in NYC, working in public, private, and international schools with students from Pre-K through 10th grade. Most recently, Maggie has worked for an educational technology company to make learning evaluations and support services more accessible. Her excitement comes from reaching more students, breaking down barriers, and educating families about what can help their child learn best. Show Highlights:How “accommodations” are defined as giving students different tools and modalities to help them learnWhy the biggest challenges are in educating teachers and parents about accommodationsWhy being very clear about accommodations shows the individualization for each studentWhat Maggie would say to teachers who are skeptical about accommodationsA look at the future real-world implications of accommodationsWhy teachers need to identify the overall goal of what they want from the student in that momentMaggie shares a success story of working with an ADHD student and helping to level the parents’ anxiety about accommodations with a perspective shiftLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Today’s guest takes us on a fascinating and educational journey into ableism,  the study of disabilities and prejudices of disabilities.Dr. Michelle Nario-Redmond, a social psychologist at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, joins Amanda and Vickie to discuss changing people’s perceptions about disability.Michelle is the author of Ableism: The Causes and Consequences of Disability Prejudice, and the mom of a 23-year old daughter with spina bifida, who was raised to be a proud, disabled woman.Show Highlights:Michelle provides an overview of the origins of ableism, and of which literature can be found in political science, psychoanalysis, psychology, and disability studies.There are several distinct sources of prejudice that impact individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, such as:an evolutionary/biological basis for fear: humans have a need to feel safe and secure, and might have avoided those who signaled poor health, even in those instances where there was no contamination factor. the fear of becoming disabled, since most disability is acquired through spinal cord injury or old age.how the media portrays individuals.Ableism is the study of prejudice and discrimination against people who are considered to have a disability.The ABC’s of ableism: A - attitudes B - behaviorsC - cognitions Michelle addresses the preferred language to use when referring to the disabled. Are they “living with a disability” or do they “have” a disability? Just ask the person their preference! Everyone will have a reason why they prefer one term over the other.“Experiencing” a mental health “condition” is a kinder way than saying “mental illness” because the latter term pathologizes those who have depression, schizophrenia, etc.There’s a new hashtag out from people working in this field doing disability studies and activism, reminding others that disability isn’t a bad word: #saytheword.Although born of existing legislation, when we continue to use the words “special needs” we occlude the notion that these are human needs and civil rights.Michelle, Amanda, and Vickie discuss essential and non-essential qualifiers in the context of a conversation, and the “R” word.Peer-pressure holds a lot of power. One way to speak up when someone is being micro-aggressive is to ask, “What did you mean by that?” Michelle shares a personal story and the resulting lesson she learned when she made a faux pas during an encounter with a young woman with Down’s Syndrome at a theme park.Michelle discusses her next steps, which include policy issues.Links/Resources:Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.Get the Book Here! Read Excerpts Here!Ableism: The Causes and Consequences of Disability Prejudice, by Dr. Michelle Nario-Redmond Mentioned Hashtags:#saytheword#cripthevote

There is nothing lighthearted about this episode as we come to you with heavy hearts today. Here we are on the heels of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and every parent and teacher has strong emotions about what happened. This fresh tragedy brings to mind the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012, and some of us “elder millennials” even remember the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. Whatever your thoughts are about gun control, this is much more than a political issue; it’s about advocacy for children and their safety. Show Highlights:Why we feel that our platform to advocate for children’s best interests makes it our duty to make changeWhy our children’s physical safety is priority #1 in everything we doWhat needs to be done next: we have to take action through legislation and who we electWhy the big issue is that our government has made it easier to get a gun than to do almost everything elseThe bottom line: We need to limit the guns that are available—through legislation.What to do right now: “Go hug your kiddos.”

In the world of education, we focus so much attention on academic progress and the details of those IEP meetings. One aspect of education that is often overlooked is the role that play and leisure can have in reaching students, improving their communication skills and self-confidence, and learning to engage with others while having fun. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!Rose Griffin has unique expertise in teaching play and leisure skills that can be enjoyed over a lifetime. She has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 20 years and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for 10 years, making her one of less than 500 people in the world with this dual certification. Five years ago, she started her own business, ABA Speech, and has created products, courses, and a podcast, Autism Outreach. Through these efforts, Rose serves people all over the world. Rose’s next career move is to step away from her work in public schools, which will give her more opportunities to help students and families through her private practice. Show Highlights:Why Rose pursued dual certification to help more autistic kidsWhy collaboration from speech/language pathologists, teachers, and parents is essentialHow Rose incorporates play and leisure into her work in her private practice and with students in schoolHow play and leisure are definedWhy play and leisure skills are lifetime skills that begin with shared games and fun activities with family and friendsHow teachers can support more play and leisure into school daysWhy play can take many formsRose shares a success story about a student playing “Simon Says”Thank you for listening! Links/Resources:Connect with Rose and check out her courses, products, blogs, trainings, and podcast:  www.abaspeech.org  Find Rose’s podcast, Autism Outreach.Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

The end of the school year is happening over the next few weeks all around the country. Like us, many parents, teachers, and professionals are involved in IEP meetings galore. We believe that parents need to be empowered to take an active role in the IEP process. Join us to learn more from our expert guest!Beth Liesenfeld is the host of the Elevate Your Advocacy podcast and the founder of Parent Friendly OT. After learning ASL and interacting with deaf people, Beth worked with children with special needs and became certified as an adaptive horseback riding instructor. She figured out that occupational therapy was her “sweet spot,” and she worked in a clinical setting in early intervention, outpatient therapy, and in-home therapy. After seeing how the OT world functions outside the school system, Beth transitioned into schools. After participating in 80 IEP meetings each year, she learned the jargon and understood the process, now using her knowledge to help other parents learn what they need to know. With this big-picture view in our post-pandemic world, she stays busy with side hustles in investment and real estate fields, along with focusing on Parent Friendly OT.  Show Highlights: How Parent Friendly OT offers workshops, courses, and summits to help others understand the OT process and help parents map out their parent input planWhy the parent is THE expert on the child, knowing what works and what doesn’t work with that childWhy the parent should be the accountability partner for the IEP teamHow an IEP meeting without the parent’s input feels empty and ineffectiveWhat Beth tells parents about their role in IEP meetings in setting the vision and expectations and focusing the team’s effortWhy parents should communicate in IEP meetings about what language and measures to use to meet their child’s needsBeth shares a success story from her experience with a middle school student’s parent Links/Resources:Thank you for listening! Connect with Beth and check out her courses and products: www. parentfriendlyot.comFind Beth’s podcast, Elevate Your Advocacy.Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

The pandemic brought many changes to the world of education, including how children with specific needs can access the services available to them. We still have SO far to go, and many changes need to happen to help parents and their children get the help they deserve. Join us to learn more!ToniAnn Loftus is a speech-language pathologist in private practice in Manhattan. After working at the Rebecca School in midtown Manhattan for ten years, she had her son during the pandemic. Knowing that her niche is teaching kids based on their passions and individual differences, she pivoted and opened her private practice, Seaport Speech and Feeding. Her practice is a licensed professional speech, language, and feeding therapy provider for children and young adults in NYC. Show Highlights:How ToniAnn had to pivot, along with many others, as a result of the pandemicToniAnn explains the new legislation in NY about parents’ choices about services for their kidsHow DIR Floortime and ABA are different–and why ToniAnn embraces the Floortime approachHow small things, like a comfortable sitting position, can affect everything about a child’s engagement in a classroomWhy we need to change and evolve as the world around us does–but we are still fighting an uphill battleHow ToniAnn’s experience at the Rebecca School (a non-approved private school) positioned her to be an expert courtroom witness in many casesHow ludicrous it is for someone in a courtroom to make decisions regarding a child’s education when they have never metWhy parents need to know that they can file for services for their children who need them—and the immense financial burden for those who don’t fileHow the system is massively overloaded in NYC with people going on a 6-8 month waitlist for speech therapy assessmentsHow ToniAnn feels about the new guidelines from the American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening! Connect with ToniAnn: Instagram or at  Seaport Speech and FeedingEmail ToniAnn:  [email protected]  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Challenging behavior is a constant problem for teachers and parents in both general education and special education classrooms. Our guest today provides insight into the best ways to collect and use behavior data to formulate workable solutions. Join us to learn more!Christine Reeve is the creator of Autism Classroom Resources, an online community for special educators. Coming from a long line of teachers in her family, Christine is also the sister of someone who would clearly have qualified for Autism services. With a background in psychology, Christine is a board-certified behavior analyst with a doctorate in clinical psychology. She spent most of her career working in special education in various positions and has worked alongside special educators in over 1000 classrooms across the country. She does virtual training and a podcast about special education classrooms and supporting students in general and special education who have disabilities and disorders. Her online membership site for special educators provides support, resources, and professional development for special education classrooms and teachers.  Show Highlights:The difficulty with multiple perspectives and interests in IEP meetingsWhat Christine wishes every IEP team would know and understand about behaviorThe need for good data and clearly defined terminology in IEP meetingsHow to best collect behavior data and use it properly toward solutionsHow behavior disabilities are often misinterpreted, especially in general education students The impact of the “hidden curriculum” for students with ASDThank you for listening! Links/Resources:Connect with Christine and find a FREE resource library for teachers and parents: www.autismclassroomresources.comConnect with Christine on Facebook.Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Today’s show is a follow-up to Episode 210 about transitions between learning levels and milestones. In this conversation, we take a close look specifically at the Transition Plan from high school forward. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights:Why transition plans MUST be part of the student’s IEP by age 16 and can include college, employment, and additional life skillsWhy the options for exiting high school can be either a diploma or a certificate of completion, depending on the student’s needsWhy the transition plan should include student goals with baselines and the goals and services that will help them achieve those goalsWhy the transition plan should come from a true and realistic estimate of the student’s wants, needs, and desiresWhy the transition plan should come out of a deep, realistic conversation that includes the child’s input and doesn’t set them up with unrealistic expectations about life after high schoolHow to dive deeper to discover other jobs and professions that the student hasn’t thought of yetWhy the transition plan may cover vocational training, post-secondary education, jobs and employment, and independent livingHow to tie self-advocacy into the transition plan’s attainable goalsWhy other activities should be woven into the transition plan as opportunities to practice vocational and life skills, such as booking appointments, using public transportation, banking, etc. Why parents need to consider the transfer of educational rights, limited conservatorships, and power of attorney for a child who isn’t ready to handle things on their own Links/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Here we are in April already! Spring Breaks have happened and are happening at this time all around the country. As we move forward in the countdown to the last few weeks of the school year, we want to use this episode to talk about transition IEP meetings that should be happening as a student moves from one setting to another, like from preschool to kindergarten, from elementary to middle school, and from middle school to high school. We are breaking it down with information and tips you need to know in dealing with your IEP team. Join us!Show Highlights:Why the preschool to kindergarten transition is important as a child progresses from pre-academic goals to a new environment with learning goalsThe difference between regular IEP meetings and transition IEP meetings in identifying accommodations, goals, and servicesCommon transition levels as a student moves through the educational systemTypical IEP topics covered in the transition from elementary to middle school and middle school to high schoolWhy parents should write a letter to new teachers with a copy of the IEP, and how students moving into high school can write their own letter to practice self-advocacyHow to make decisions about elective choices, especially for 5th graders and 8th graders in transition yearsHow transition IEP meetings can prevent problems as the new school year gets started next year–so ask for a transition IEP meeting now!Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:Resources: FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

As we are in the final push of the school year, it’s a good time to check in with others and their mental wellness after the pandemic trauma of the last two years. Students, parents, and teachers have all felt the mental and emotional drain, and the toll on learning has been enormous. Social skills and emotions have EVERYTHING to do with how a student learns, and today’s guest is a proven expert. Ironically, the day of recording for this episode is Social Emotional Learning Day, so our topic today is very timely. Join us to learn more!Jess Grace, aka “Miss Jess,” is a Social Emotional learning consultant and the founder of Social and Kind. She has worked with kids ages 2-25 for over 20 years in many different environments, working with kids with autism and developmental delays. Her work in schools as a speech language pathology assistant showed her the need in helping kids learn social skills and communication. After moving back to southern California, she decided to focus her work on social groups, helping kids of all ages  stock their toolbox with skills to defeat their worries and find their superpowers. Her practice includes facilitating social groups after school and on weekends, supporting kids in schools, and training teachers to best support their students. She is also a yoga and mindfulness teacher, which serves her well in the work she does with students. Show Highlights:Why emotions are tied into every part of a student’s educationThe basis for the social emotional curriculum that Jess implements: kindness, bravery, resilience, and inclusionHow social emotional learning is an umbrella that covers feelings, acceptance, tolerance, empathy, and compassionHow building tolerance and inclusion in kids at an early age helps them develop empathyHow Jess works to challenge teachers and parents to look at kids’ behavior and challenges through a different lensHow Jess works with students in practical ways to help them build self-esteem and confidence through positive affirmations, breathwork, tools, etc.Why kids-and their teachers-need to learn resilience and flexibilityThank you for listening!  Links/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concernsFacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.Connect with Jess: www.socialandkind.com and Instagram

Inclusion advocate and author, Nate Trainor, joins us on the podcast today to discuss his personal fight for inclusion. Nate shares his personal journal of exclusion along with what his personal mission is today. Not only are we joined by Nate on today’s episode, but we are excited to also speak to Nate’s mother, Jean Trainor, and his 6th-grade teacher and family friend, Shelby. Nate is an advocate for the acceptance of people with disabilities.Nate is nonverbal due to having a rare disorder called Joubert Syndrome. He uses supported typing to communicate and believes everyone should have the right to communicate.Show Highlights:Nate shares why it was so important for him to write his book, Nate’s Triumph.Nate shares how easy inclusion can be with the proper support.Nate shares some of his favorite memories.Struggles plague Nate like everyone else. He shares some of his greatest.People judge Nate for having a disability.Keep working toward your goals is an important message from Nate.Nate asks educators to presume competence in their students.Nate shares his hope for the future.Jean talks about Nate’s disability and how she assisted him with writing his book.Shelby says anyone who questions inclusion should read Nate’s book.Shelby says she determined methods to include Nate in everything when she was his teacher. Learn more about Nate Trainor:Nate’s Triumph, by Nate TrainorLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Angela Jean Louis to the podcast today. Dr. Angela is a political scientist, educational advocate and has designed educational frameworks for academic success. Dr. Angela left academia to start her business, Leadership Concepts Institute, LLC,  a personal growth and professional development company. She works with businesses, educational institutions, and individuals.In today’s episode, we will be discussing homeschooling with a public school mindset. Dr. Angela shares her passion for education, diversity, and conclusion. She shares how her background, experience, and passion drives her to help a diverse community of parents, educators, and students. Show Highlights: Dr. Angela shares how her systems have been personally tested and used by her Dr. Angela shares how she researched what made students successful School and family frameworks need to match for kids to become successful Dr. Angela speaks about why she wrote the curriculum, Leaning Into Dyslexia Vickie, Amanda and Dr. Angela discuss the importance of students having both emotional and academic success Having a dyslexic son helped Dr. Angela craft a curriculum that helps other dyslexic students succeed  Links/Resources:Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. Connect with Dr. Angela:DrAngelaLifeCoach.comK12.com (program Dr. Angela recommends)ThriveTribe on Facebook 

Here we are, moving right along in 2022! We just attended our virtual annual national conference, which is always very helpful for us. It’s always great to learn what is going on in our field with other attorneys across the country and hear about the current hot topics in special education. Today’s show gives a great perspective on supporting students and families through the IEP process. Wendy Taylor is the executive director of Learning Essentials. She is an Educational Therapist, qualified Orton-Gillingham practitioner, trained Educational Diagnostician, and skilled IEP coach. She started The Special Ed Strategist podcast, which was formerly called the IEP Essentials podcast. Wendy is the mom of three boys who loves supporting kids with all kinds of special needs and learning differences with the goal of finding out how to support students and their families in school and life. With a son who is a brain cancer survivor, Wendy has learned how to approach special needs as a parent, in addition to her professional background and training. This experience in seeing “both sides” of special education has helped fuel her passion for supporting families with resources and being their trusted advocate. Show Highlights:Why it really does take “a village” to give proper support to a student with special learning needsWhy the IEP process needs to take a long-term, bigger picture view for student success in later lifeThe importance of specific strategies for classroom success beyond the clinical terminologyWhat parents should look for in assessments for individualized instruction for their child regarding their weaknesses and vulnerabilitiesThe importance of clear communication between all parents and educators involved in the IEP meeting What can be done to help parents further and prevent their frustration and irritation in the IEP processHow parents can be better included in the IEP process by understanding their rights, what they can ask for, and what they can expectWendy shares a success story about her work with a 10th-grade student and direct reading intervention Thank you for listening!  Links/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.Connect with Wendy:  www.learningessentialsedu.com  Find Learning Essentials on Facebook and Instagram.Find The Special Ed Strategist podcast.

As the school year continues in full swing with in-person learning, inclusion has never been a more important topic. Today’s conversation takes a deep dive into inclusion through the eyes of a new documentary film. Join us! Hilda and Olivier are filmmakers and parents of their son, Emilio. Through their documentary, Forget Me Not, they share the personal impact of NYC’s segregated education system as they fight for Emilio’s right to be educated alongside his peers. The film gives a rare look at what inclusive education can look like and how it can lead to a more inclusive society where every child can reach their full potential. The film lives up to its powerful title as it shines the spotlight on the kids who are often forgotten and underrepresented in their education. Show Highlights: How Hilda’s background in special education became more meaningful when their son was born with Down Syndrome, an event that changed the course of their family in every way How Olivier knew nothing about special education or Down Syndrome until Emilio’s birth How they set out to make a film about inclusive education as they experienced segregation in the education of their son Why many people aren’t aware of what goes on in our educational system for students with disabilities How breaking up segregated classrooms while students are young helps them understand the differences in how people learn How the documentary makes people aware of the benefits of inclusion and spurs them to take action to help change the system Why Hilda and Olivier hope the film encourages parents to raise their voices about what their children can do--even with disabilities How some parents don’t have the knowledge base or resources to advocate for their child’s education How lasting change will happen when people want to make a difference Learn more about Hilda, Olivier, and their documentary film: https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.com Find the film’s Facebook page: Forget Me Not Documentary Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

We are focusing today on one of our favorite topics: inclusion. Our guest shares how he is working with districts across the country to bring more inclusion, along with the most common misconception most educators have about inclusivity. Join us to learn more!Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), the founder of Think Inclusive, and the host of the Think Inclusive podcast. Show Highlights:How MCIE began 30 years ago and continues as a non-profit today, working with students, families, and education departments around the countryWhy restructuring and reimagining is the key to inclusion–not hiring more staffHow inclusivity CAN meet the special needs of studentsWhy it’s a false assumption that students can’t make progress on goals and objectives in a general education classroomWhat Tim has noticed about a renewed focus on educational equityWhy districts are using grant money to hire organizations like MCIE for help with inclusive practicesWhy the MCIE approach is a multi-year program that doesn’t bring change overnight but takes a long-term view of change (Tim shares an example of how it works to bring more inclusion.) How Tim’s podcast, Think Inclusive, began as a Twitter feed and has been going strong for ten years! Thank you for listening!  Links/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:Facebook

We are always interested in how speech and language pathologists are providing their services and collaborating with school districts. Join us for a conversation with today’s guest about her experience working with students. Suzanne Aldrich has been a speech therapist for over a decade. After starting her career working with adults, she moved into the public school system to work with young students. She travels to work with and evaluate children in preschools and elementary schools.Show Highlights:How Suzanne’s work with adults helped her develop a new perspective on working with childrenWhat Suzanne is seeing in school-based evaluations and in her meetings with parentsCommon questions parents have when their preschooler sees a speech and language pathologistHow speech and language goals and academic goals require collaboration among teachers and therapistsWhy working with a student one-on-one may not always be preferable over a group settingHow a language processing deficit can handicap a student across multiple areasHow Suzanne’s private practice work has her traveling to homes and preschools to do informal evaluations and collaborate with school personnelSuzanne’s advice for parents in evaluating their preschooler regarding sentences, vocabulary, and other basic abilitiesWhy some parents are hesitant to take advantage of services because of the stigma of special educationSuzanne shares a success story about a child with apraxia who has made great strides Thank you for listening!  Links/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.Connect with Suzanne:  www.playingspeech.com and Instagram.

It’s always interesting to see how things in special education law can be similar from state to state–and yet so different in many ways. Join us for an inside look with today’s guest.Lisa Hernandez is a special education attorney in New Jersey. She is a mom of three who came to this field because one of her children has disabilities. With a background in disability discrimination and employment discrimination, Lisa has been advocating for her child and for her friends’ children for over a decade. She handles special education litigation in NJ, a state which does not have a good reputation for inclusive education.Show Highlights: Why many parents shy away from inclusive education programsLisa shares a 2007 case that highlights NJ’s poor reputation in special educationHow the attitude in court cases has become the drive to win litigation rather than to prevent it in the first placeWhy parents don’t know how to navigate the “legal arena” without the agency that the law intendedHow special education hearings compare and contrast in NJ and CAWhy more school districts are filing for due process sooner than beforeHow Lisa’s blog, ThinkSpEd, provides families with information and a deeper understanding about special educationWhy parents don’t know what they can ask for regarding their kids’ needs and evaluationsLisa shares a big win that happened with her own son after being told to “manage her expectations”Thank you for listening!  Links/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.Connect with Lisa: www.thinksped.com and Facebook. 

Today’s show covers the topic of critical disability studies as they relate to creating inclusive early childhood environments. We will take a hard look at what inclusion really means and why it’s not happening in many classrooms. Join us for a closer look! Nicole Eilers lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children. She studied child development and family studies and went on to work as a special education teacher in a PreK classroom. Her next position was as a special ed teacher at a hospital school for students with long-term hospitalizations and those who were homebound with an identified disability. Her role was to support the students as they transitioned back into classrooms, which she did while working on her master’s degree in early intervention and family studies. Reading more about disability studies in education coupled with the work she was doing made her question how we are approaching inclusion and special ed. Nicole is now pursuing her Ph. D. full-time at UNC-Chapel Hill. Show Highlights: Highlights of critical disability studies focusing on three areas: external factors, how we perceive “normal,” and the lived experiences of the students What it means to have an inclusive classroom How teachers can allow students to better understand each other and have meaningful connections, especially those with disabilities How our attitudes are inadvertently teaching kids not to talk about disabilities Why teachers need to dedicate time in the classroom for conversations about inclusions, so students can give input and collaborate What it means to look through the lens of inclusivity concerning educational goals We want your questions about inclusivity in the real world for a future show! Connect with Nicole: On Instagram Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions! Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Today’s conversation gives an interesting perspective on speech therapy. Join us to learn why sensory integration is a crucial component for autistic students with learning challenges.  Jessie Ginsburg is a sensory integration-trained speech and language pathologist. From southern California, Jessie ended up working in Washington, DC, where she connected with Jake Greenspan, the co-founder of Floortime Therapy; this encounter set the course for Jessie’s work. When she returned to southern California, she opened her own practice and now trains other therapists in how to better support their autistic students.  Show Highlights:  Jessie explains the basics of sensory integration and how it affects our behaviors and reactions Why therapists and teachers need to have more training in sensory integration to help kids learn to regulate themselves How kids are classified in IEP meetings as lazy, defiant, etc. when no one understands what they are trying to communicate Why working with kids on regulation and engagement helps solve a lot of speech and language problems in natural ways How the system is overlooking integral, foundational pieces, like why kids feel loved, safe, and connected when they establish relationships with those around them How Jessie’s sensory certificate programs are training therapists all over the world  Why we need to teach kids the WHY of regulation strategies so they can incorporate them and learn to initiate them on their own How self-advocacy comes when kids learn sensory strategies for themselves Why sensory strategies shouldn’t be labeled as a “break” but should be built into learning How acceptance, understanding, and normalization come when kids learn early that everyone is different in how they learn and cope How social media is helping promote a newfound acceptance of disabilities and limitations  Links/Resources:Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.Connect with Jessie: www.pediatrictherapyplayhouse.com, Facebook, and  Instagram. 

With more school closures and changes in quarantine guidelines, there is not much consistency across school districts right now. This timely episode covers more ways to have access to technology and appropriate apps for students of all ages with special needs. Join us to learn more! Zafer Elcik is the co-founder of Otsimo, a platform that provides inclusive apps for students across the world for early and intensive education, communication, and speech. Show Highlights: Zafer’s story of growing up (in Turkey) with a younger brother with autism How Zafer realized how technology could enhance his brother’s education, skills development, communication, and speech How Otsimo uses video modeling and peer mimicking to help with speech development How the apps are being widely used by teachers, parents, and school districts to help students learn Why Zafer’s apps are unique in the field: No ads to lure kids into making purchases Positive reinforcement used in the games Customizable, personalized games structured to the child’s needs Less animation that conventional apps How Otsimo’s licensing guidelines allow affordable special education to every household and classroom that need it Connect with Zafer: By email, or visit the website to download the app. Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Today’s show focuses on different ways to deliver educational services and a school district doing it the right way. The key is changing mindset from the established educational culture that has made people believe that “separate is better.” Join us to learn more!Kurt Schneider has served as superintendent of the TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 for more than six years. Suzanne Sands is the president of TrueNorth’s Leadership Council, and she’s been in this school board-like role for six years. TrueNorth finds ways to deliver services to all students in new and different ways based on what the research says: that there are better outcomes when kids are together in schools. Kurt and Suzanne will share why their approach is working and how the transformational work of TrueNorth has impacted the broader educational community.Show Highlights:How educational cooperatives work to be leaders with resources and support for all students of all diverse backgrounds as they partner with school districtsHow the cooperative is challenging the established structure for all kidsThe big vision at TrueNorth: to be committed to the possibilities of EVERY learner EVERY dayThe value and meaning of the name change to “TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804”The value in the language used around “inclusive education”Hands-on approaches that have brought successful outcomes in inclusion, transitions, and early interventionsWhy much of the work is in shifting mindsets that all kids are “gen ed kids”How Kurt and Suzanne have seen that students and families well-connected to teachers and classrooms have fared better during the pandemic, and those who were more isolated before the pandemic have only struggled moreTips for other districts who want to take a similar approach as TrueNorth: work from the ground level to educate everyone (parents, teachers, students, and board members) about the best practices around inclusionThe importance of collaboration, communication, and specific support for teachers to build a culture of unity, participation, and sharingSuccess stories from Kurt and Suzanne Find TrueNorth on their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Welcome to 2022 and a brand-new episode of the Inclusive Education Project podcast! As we enter the spring semester (and year THREE of the pandemic!), we’re hearing a lot more noise about the teacher and support staff shortage, so we’ll be exploring that, as well as sharing strategies on how to make it all as painless as possible.Show Highlights:Reasons for the staffing shortageBut children are resilient…right?The potential issues with long-term subsWhy parents and kids should be prepped for staffing changesWhat has made this last school year more difficult When regression happensTips for getting the most benefit from aidesHindsight and looking-forward thoughtsLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

NOTE: Hi, everyone! We've stepped away from the podcast for a short break, but we'll be back soon with great new content. Meantime, please enjoy listening to some of our most popular episodes from the archive!Our guest today describes herself as a “veteran educator, survivor of burnout, and a self-care advocate.”Kayland Lamar coaches educators on self-care practices and boundary-setting in the classroom. If a healthy work-life balance and proactive personal wellness habits seem out of reach for you, then you will definitely want to listen to the tips that Kayland has to share with us, for the classroom and beyond.Kayland Lamar is a high school science teacher who loves her job, loves her students, and teaches at the same high school from which she graduated.Show Highlights:Kayland relates her personal story of burnout that she experienced during her first official teaching job.How setting boundaries can help us find the proper work-life balance.Kayland describes the relationship she has with her students.Being vulnerable with her students lets them know that she has a life outside of the classroom, too.Developing routines with her students helps to set them at ease and know what to expect each day.“Family Fun Friday” - the students have to earn it, but here’s an idea that Kayland occasionally implements in the classroom.How Kayland helped her students weather the COVID storm. Connect with Kayland!Visit her website, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter!Thank you for listening!Links/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

NOTE: Hi, everyone! We've stepped away from the podcast for a short break, but we'll be back soon with great new content. Meantime, please enjoy listening to some of our most popular episodes from the archive!Today’s guest is Diana Pastora Carson, a self-described sibling advocate and a big fan of her brother, Joaquin, who spent 15 years of his life in an institution. Joaquin’s family fought for three years to bring him home, and he fully supports and endorses the way Diana shares their family story. Diana has been an elementary educator for over 30 years in both general and special education. A lecturer for a Disability and Society course through San Diego State University, Diana also teaches other disability and inclusion courses through SDSU and a local community college. She’s a public speaker, inclusion visionary, and community activist who has also done a TEDtalk. With two terms on the board of Disability Rights California, she currently serves on the board of directors for Disability Voices United. Last year, she helped produce a series for Ability magazine in which she interviewed 50 experts and activists in the field of disability. Diana is the author of Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability Into Diversity Work in K-12 Schools & Communities and the children’s book, Ed Roberts: CHAMPION of Disability Rights. In addition to starting her own podcast soon, Diana’s upcoming endeavors include launching an online course about disability awareness through a social justice lens.Join us for a closer look at disability awareness and how inclusion in the classroom can benefit every student.Show Highlights:How inclusivity in education has changed--and what it means todayA specific example of how Diana used a Marc Anthony song to help a non-speaking student engage with his classmates and the curriculum in her classroomWhy a general education setting is best for most children with disabilities, even if their work output is very differentHow life quality is impacted by the early years of social and emotional opportunitiesDiana’s advice about the best way for teachers, administrators, and parents to establish more inclusion in schoolsWhat it takes to change people’s hearts and minds about inclusion and disability awarenessSteps to bring disability awareness and justice Connect with Diana!Visit her websiteDownload Diana’s FREE ebook: The Five Keys to Going Beyond Awareness Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

NOTE: Hi, everyone! We've stepped away from the podcast for a short break, but we'll be back soon with great new content. Meantime, please enjoy listening to some of our most popular episodes from the archive!We’re excited to bring you this great conversation with Mallory, Katie, and Lori from The Childhood Collective.Mallory, Katie, and Lori all have experience working with neurodiverse kids: kids with ADHD, learning and language differences, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders.Once families receive a diagnosis, they often feel underprepared to know how to parent their kids. This is where The Childhood Collective comes in, helping parents on their journey after diagnosis by providing resources and follow-up.Stay tuned for some wonderful insights!Show Highlights:The Childhood Collective educates parents about how to help their kids at home through online courses.Learning about their child’s diagnoses and how their brains work helps parents to understand why certain behaviors are happening.Mallory, Katie, and Lori share their individual experiences working with neurodiverse children.Connection with your child is so much more important than feeling the constant need to correct.Anxiety can present in many different ways in our children.Tips and tricks for parents with neurodiverse kids.Strive to have the kind of relationship with your child where they feel safe coming to you with their struggles and challenges, without fear of punishment or criticism.Behavioral modeling can be an important, positive influence on any child, including the neurodiverse.Connect with The Childhood Collective:For support, resources, their blog, online classes, and more! You are welcome to send them an Email.You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

NOTE: Hi, everyone! We've stepped away from the podcast for a short break, but we'll be back soon with great new content. Meantime, please enjoy listening to some of our most popular episodes from the archive!We’re so thrilled to have Caroline Hines as our guest today. Caroline is a Social-Emotional School Counselor at a public charter school here in California, and she shares with us the advantages that having a dedicated counselor onsite provides, how kindness is taught through each grade level, plus she offers tips on how you can foster more kindness right in your own home. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!Show Highlights:Caroline explains her role as a Social-Emotional School Counselor.Having a dedicated Social Emotional Counselor at a school site gives the school an advantage as far as being able to build social-emotional learning.Kindness is the platform used to establish the school’s culture.Caroline shares the philosophy of her “Kind Kids Club”.Caroline breaks down the kindness-learning focus of each grade level.How COVID has affected the transition from distance learning, to hybrid, to in-person learning.What a kindness challenge looks like.Tips for parents to help get kindness in their home.Thank you for listening!Connect with Caroline:Follow Caroline on InstagramLinks/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

NOTE: Hi, everyone! We've stepped away from the podcast for a short break, but we'll be back soon with great new content. Meantime, please enjoy listening to some of our most popular episodes from the archive!When kids experience challenges meeting certain expectations, that can result in their frustration, which can often lead to concerning behaviors if they’re not equipped with the necessary skills to adapt. Our guest today trains parents, educators, and clinicians in an evidence-based treatment called the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. Be sure to tune in to this intriguing and insightful conversation and learn about all the benefits that CPS has to offer!Ross W. Greene, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who lives in Freeport, Maine. He is the New York Times bestselling author of the influential books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost and Found, and Raising Human Beings. He is the founding director of the non-profit, Lives in the Balance, which provides a vast array of free resources on the CPS model that is described in his books.Show Highlights: Dr. Greene’s non-profit advocates on behalf of kids with concerning behaviors and their caregivers by helping people solve problems with kids, rather than giving them detentions, suspensions, and expulsions.Concerning behaviors are simply the way that a kid is communicating to us that they’re having difficulty meeting certain expectations.If we only modify concerning behaviors, then the kid is still having problems meeting those expectations. However, if we solve those problems with kids, and help them better meet expectations, then the concerning behaviors subside.Dr. Greene details the CPS model.According to Dr. Greene, “crisis prevention” is a misnomer. It’s actually “crisis management”, and he explains more.The Kids We Lose is an exposé that hopes to raise awareness of how horrible it is for kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, not only because they’re struggling, but for what we do to them in the name of helping.Dr. Greene shares what he's working on next.Thank you for listening!Connect with Dr. Greene!His websiteLives in the BalanceCPS ConnectionThe Kids We Lose (Documentary)True Crisis Prevention Links/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

We always feel that we are “on the same page” when our guest is a passionate advocate for students. Today’s guest explains the work she does with pediatric assessments to help the parents and teachers of struggling learners. Join us to learn more!Dr. Karen Wilson is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in pediatric assessments. She evaluates kids from age 4 through early adulthood where a struggle to learn indicates a suspected neurodevelopmental disorder. She figures out whether the problem is an executive functioning issue, attention deficit, or inappropriate instruction. By evaluating various areas, she can pinpoint the reason for the struggle and formulate a plan for success for the child at home and at school.Show Highlights:How parents are referred to a neuropsychologist, and why Karen can offer meaningful helpWhy parents and teachers might rationalize the decision to put off a professional assessment, which delays lifechanging interventions for the studentHow students can enjoy the learning process more when they don’t have to work as hard to learn and succeedWhat Karen notices about how red flags show up at different times for students, based on their individual strengths and weaknessesThe need for universal screenings for kindergarten studentsWhy it might seem like there are more struggling learners now than in the pastHow a teacher’s referral is usually for the child to see a pediatrician when they suspect a problemWhy parent and teacher observations and rating forms are a crucial part of the professional assessment and diagnosis Connect with Dr. Karen: www.westlaneuro.comLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. 

We continue to see compounded challenges in this school year. Today’s show focuses on the vital role school counselors can play in advocating for students and supporting student success, even in the uncertainty of a pandemic. Join us to learn more!Caroline Hines is an elementary school counselor in Sacramento, CA. Unlike many school counselors, Caroline is a social-emotional counselor who supports students and families, making sure her school is a kind and caring place where students feel safe, included, accepted, and cared for. Her last appearance on the podcast was about how schools and parents can promote kindness, and today’s conversation focuses on the unique challenges in our current school year.Show Highlights:How school counselors wear many hats that differ greatly from school to schoolWhat Caroline notices about this school year and its challengesHow our brains are wired to handle short bursts of stress rather than long, sustained periods of stressHow COVID adds extra stress because of the uncertainty of each day, along with the capacity to handle everyday challengesThe reality of the learning gap for students who haven’t had a normal school year for more than two yearsThe difficulty for teachers in challenging above-grade-level learners while supporting students who are behindThe need to revamp homework purposes and policies to account for students who are already behindHow parents and teachers feel scared, helpless, and uncertain about what comes nextWhy our “new normal,” whenever it comes, needs to address the socioemotional needs of students betterHow MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) is helping in Caroline’s school with a whole-child focus Thank you for listening!Connect with Caroline:On Instagram or via email: [email protected]/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

Today’s conversation is with a guest recommended to us, and we are excited to hear her perspective. We are highlighting the immense challenges within the legal system for attorneys, parents, and students, especially how situations can vary from one state to another. Join us to learn more!Stacey Gahagan practices statewide in North Carolina. Her firm, with five attorneys, is the largest in NC that focuses on special education law. Stacey was in education for 19 years before she went to law school. From teacher to administrator, Stacey has “worn every hat at the IEP table,” except that of a speech therapist. After becoming an attorney, she realized her desire for fairness and her passion for education was leading her into this area. After leaving a salaried job, she started her own firm and has been able to make a difference in the area of inclusion in NC.Show Highlights:How Stacey’s unique background, experience, and expertise allow her to assist parentsWhy families are up against a wall in their fight for more inclusion in NCHow Stacey sees the impact for each individual childHow due process cases are handled in NC vs. CAHow the playing field is not fair in NC, where the burden of proof is on the parent and the decision of the school district is “presumed to be correct”How Stacey’s current case in litigation began in 2014How answers and procedures differ from one district to anotherWhy 85-95% of the cases settle out of court in both CA and NC unless special circumstances are presentWhy few students are put in non-public schools in NC, as compared to CAThe challenges when a judge’s track record shows them never favoring the parentThe challenges for small law firms because of non-attorney advocates in NC’s two-tier system Thank you for listening!Connect with Stacey: www.ncgplaw.comLinks/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. 

Today’s show is a replay of the Thriving Special Families podcast hosted by Crystal Sanford. We appeared as guests on Crystal’s live podcast on September 22; the episode is titled “Compensatory Education: Where Are We Now?” You can view the video podcast on YouTube or find the link on Crystal’s website. She is a consultant with Sandford Autism Consulting and is passionate about working with families and community members. It was nice to talk to someone who understands the nuances of compensatory education. We dove deep into the topic, along with tips and tricks for getting compensatory education in this time of COVID. Join us to learn more! Show Highlights: How Vickie and Amanda were led to become special education attorneys How compensatory education is defined as “a way to put a student in the place they would have been if not deprived of special education-related services” How the comp ed law is an equitable remedy for the harm that has occurred; it can be educational services for the student OR reimbursement to the parents for private educational services How comp ed is a little different now in the time of COVID How parents get access to comp ed with the options of an IEP meeting, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, etc. Why it does not matter if one or all students regressed because every student with an IEP has rights and protections; many districts received additional funding to provide services during COVID--so the excuses are not valid! Tips for parents: the first step is an IEP meeting after in-person learning has gone on for at least 30 days; ask the IEP team how they are addressing the learning regression; ask for work samples, test results, and assessments; and consider asking for a private, independent assessment How a parent knows when it is time to see an attorney (There is a two-year statute of limitations.) Options for parents if the school is found negligible (Ex: reading interventions) The need that comp ed services be individualized and customized Highlights of Amanda and Vickie’s Inclusive Education Project: a non-profit organization providing legal services and a weekly podcast Connect with Crystal To access autism and IEP resources: www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Find the Thriving Special Families podcast: Thriving Special Families - YouTube Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

We have said it before: this school year is like no other. Now we are all dealing with the uncertainty of an upcoming holiday season that may be very stressful for parents, teachers, and students. There are simple practices and tools we can use with people of all ages to manage and reduce stress. Join us to learn more!Lynn Jimenez is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Connect-Flow-Grow Coaching & Therapy. Her past experiences include school mental health, foster care, and substance abuse prevention. She has taught prevention through restorative practices in general education and has taught teachers how to integrate social and emotional learning and conversations into their teaching style in their classrooms. As a mom of three boys, Lynn has practiced these skills at home, which has transformed their family experience as the boys have learned to interact better with each other.Show Highlights:Why the strategies used in special education should be used by all general education teachersHow Lynn originally taught families how to talk to kids about stress and dove into the physiology of the stress response systemWhat Lynn wants people to understand about stress as we move into the holiday seasonHow daily self-care practices can help manage stress--and can be modeled for kidsHow this year is different for students who spent most or all of the previous school year learning virtually---and how holiday gatherings (hopefully) will be happening but might be overwhelmingA personal example from Lynn’s family that brought open communication and clarity through a stressful experience with her youngest son; as a result, they have more intimacy and stronger relationships todayWhy it’s important for parents and teachers to admit when they “lose it” and need a breakWhy basic emotional regulation skills need to be taught in schools beginning at the kindergarten levelOther helpful stress management tips: meditate, be in nature, and teach kids to name three things they see, hear, touch, and smell (this teaches mindfulness)Why being in nature can translate into family activities to reduce stress and things that teachers can do at school to help stressed studentsHow Lynn teaches adults to scale their emotions from 1-10 by having them determine the size and intensity of their emotion( this is a coping regulation activity); kids can scale with small, medium, and large, which allows them to see their progress quicklyHow Connect-Flow-Grow brings together all Lynn’s endeavors to teach people about stress and becoming aware of their feelings so they can have more control; find out more about her programs and classes for managing and reducing stress on her website Thank you for listening!Connect with Lynn:www.connectflowgrow.comFind Connect-Flow-Grow on InstagramLinks/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. 

It’s safe to say that everyone in education is being stretched to their limits. Earlier optimism back in the summer has given way to a sense of drudgery that we find ourselves back in the same COVID-impacted situations as in the previous school year. We are excited to have today’s guest, a teacher and advocate, to share her perspective. Join us to learn more!Jessica Keogh has an undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder from birth that limits her physical abilities and keeps her in a wheelchair. Despite her disability, she’s been a special education teacher for the past ten years. She also runs the nonprofit Faith Above My Ability, which educates people and advocates for people with disabilities. The main goals of the organization are to change the narrative around disability, advocate for policy changes, and develop curricula that are truly inclusive.Show Highlights:An overview of this school year from Jessica’s viewpoint in light of the lack of paraprofessionalsHow administrations are dealing with the challenges by mass hiring efforts and being open to teachers’ suggestionsHow Jessica’s district implemented cyber programs but remains committed to in-person learningJessica’s advocacy work for people with disabilities, especially the new law in Pennsylvania around income limits for disabled people (The law goes into effect in December 2021.)Jessica’s advice for those who want to advocate: Start with your story.Build your community and talk to others.Talk to local legislators and introduce yourself to them.Don’t be afraid to start small with local politics.How Jessica plans to celebrate in December when the new bill becomes a lawHow Jessica has shared her story with her students and colleagues Connect with Jessica: www.faithabovemyability.orgFind Faith Above My Ability on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. 

We are all dealing with the regression that some of our students have experienced through these COVID-affected times. We went from having a hope of real innovation of inclusive education to a focus on mere survival. Today’s guest shares insights into the evidence-based need for inclusion, practical steps to bring inclusion, and the barriers that still remain in school systems. Join us to learn more!Diane Ryndak is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Department of Specialized Education Services in relation to students with significant disabilities. She works in teacher training for undergraduates and doctoral students, and she works closely with school districts to bring systemic reform for improved student outcomes.Show Highlights:How Diane was led at an early age into advocating for marginalized studentsHow Diane works in teacher training and affecting state policies regarding inclusive educational services for students with disabilitiesWhy most school districts as a whole are resistant to inclusive educationHow segregated education has been established as the acceptable way to do things because of the support and attention that special needs students receiveWhat the research shows about the level of engagement and instruction that students in inclusive classrooms receive from teachers AND peersHow problems with inclusion occur when kids with IEPs transition from early childhood to kindergarten (95% of them will NEVER get back in general education classes once they are segregated!)Why the focus should be on preventing kids with disabilities from going into self-contained classrooms in the first placeThe big challenge for parents: Without universal preschool, their options are limited when early intervention identifies their child with special needsWhy the focus has to be on specific strategies to address the barriers that are keeping a student from the general education classroom Two ways to address the need: Provide coaching and mentoring support for current teachers through professional development.Evaluate teacher education programs to prepare new teachers to co-plan, co-implement, and co-evaluate in the generalized education classroom.            Connect with Diane:Email: [email protected] inclusive education resources for parents, teachers, and administrators: www.tiescenter.orgLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

We are all in the middle of the adventure that has become this school year. The only certainty seems to be that uncertainty continues, and we have to make adjustments along the way. Gratitude is a mindset that has become more relevant than ever, and teaching gratitude practices can help set our students up for success in the classroom right now and in their lives for the future. Join us for a closer look at learning to live with gratitude and intention!Nicole Thomson is a wife, mom, teacher, author, and entrepreneur in Ontario, Canada. She co-authored the Love Math Journal and wrote the children’s book, The Little Things: Finding Gratitude in Life’s Simple Moments. As a new business owner of The Fulfilled Classroom, Nicole uses her talents to help teachers live better lives. Her focus is on living with gratitude, setting intentions, and finding fulfillment in and out of the classroom.Show Highlights:Get to know Nicole, a lifelong teacher from the kindergarten to college levelWhat is gratitude, and why is it important for our students?Why gratitude has to be practiced before it becomes second natureHow gratitude benefits kids from a young ageExamples of gratitude practices for the classroom: read-aloud books, sharing verbally, bulletin boards to highlight gratitude, challenges for students to notice the little things each day, etc.How to use things you hear and things you see as triggers for moments of gratitudeNicole’s messages to teachers, parents, and administrators about how gratitude benefits our students: Gratitude brings more optimism, patience, happiness, and empathy.Gratitude helps with healthy sleep patterns and immune system, decision-making, self-esteem, and resilience. Connect with Nicole:The Fulfilled Classroom Website, and on Facebook and InstagramBooks by Nicole Thomson:Love Math JournalThe Little Things: Finding Gratitude in Life’s Simple MomentsLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

As the school year continues in full swing with in-person learning, inclusion has never been a more important topic. Today’s conversation takes a deep dive into inclusion through the eyes of a new documentary film. Join us!Hilda and Olivier are filmmakers and parents of their son, Emilio. Through their documentary, Forget Me Not, they share the personal impact of NYC’s segregated education system as they fight for Emilio’s right to be educated alongside his peers. The film gives a rare look at what inclusive education can look like and how it can lead to a more inclusive society where every child can reach their full potential. The film lives up to its powerful title as it shines the spotlight on the kids who are often forgotten and underrepresented in their education.Show Highlights:How Hilda’s background in special education became more meaningful when their son was born with Down Syndrome, an event that changed the course of their family in every wayHow Olivier knew nothing about special education or Down Syndrome until Emilio’s birthHow they set out to make a film about inclusive education as they experienced segregation in the education of their sonWhy many people aren’t aware of what goes on in our educational system for students with disabilitiesHow breaking up segregated classrooms while students are young helps them understand the differences in how people learnHow the documentary makes people aware of the benefits of inclusion and spurs them to take action to help change the systemWhy Hilda and Olivier hope the film encourages parents to raise their voices about what their children can do--even with disabilitiesHow some parents don’t have the knowledge base or resources to advocate for their child’s educationHow lasting change will happen when people want to make a difference Learn more about Hilda, Olivier, and their documentary film:https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.comFind the film’s Facebook page: Forget Me Not DocumentaryLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

We’re in it now: another school year taking us into the great unknown. Parents, students, and educators are all living with a “wait and see” approach as we live in a state of constant adaptability in yet another pandemic school year. Join us to hear practical tips and advice from today’s guest!Chris Banks is CEO and president of the Autism Society of America. He came to the society in 2020 from a comprehensive background in human services and healthcare, and he is a proven transformational leader committed to diversity and cultural growth. We are discussing what his organization does, along with the wealth of resources provided for parents, educators, and students.Show Highlights:Chris’ background and how his role merges his prior skills, talents, and interestsChris’ message about how businesses can help change the corporate culture and shift their perspective by hiring autistic employeesWhy a focus on diversity and inclusion in education serves the best interests of the children AND the best interests of the community as a wholeHow “big picture” thinking goes beyond awareness to acceptance, inclusion, and belongingHow the Autism Society of America’s COVID-19 Toolkit is being distributed and used around the worldSilver linings of the pandemic regarding many important issues in educationWhy many autistic students have thrived academically but regressed socially during the pandemicWhy parents have to manage their own anxiety first in transitioning kids back to schooChris’ tips for easing the transition to in-person learning for autistic students: Ask for a video tour of the school to add a level of comfort for kids.Connect kids to the school’s support staff.Establish bedtime and waking routines.Take kids on social outings with masks.Create a countdown calendar and schedule.How the resources provided on The Autism Society of America’s website are relevant and timely and available through affiliates across the US Connect with the Autism Society of America:Autism SocietyOn Facebook: Autism Society of AmericaLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. 

We know the transition into motherhood is not always easy. Today’s guest works to ease the transition and help prevent burnout for moms as she brings sanity, solutions, and overall mental health into the chaotic world of motherhood. Join us to learn more!Danielle Bettmann is an early childhood development expert, parenting coach, teacher, and mom of two girls. She helps families with strong-willed tiny humans find patience, peace, and partnership. Her mission is to come alongside parents to provide mindsets and strategies that make you feel proud of how you parent. She hosts the podcast Failing Motherhood and provides many resources for parents through her website.Show Highlights:Why Danielle was inspired to focus her work on helping moms and familiesHow she identified the early childhood years as “ground zero” for familiesWhy she started Wholeheartedly, her one-on-one coaching business for parents of young childrenWhy parents come to Danielle for help when they feel inadequate in the parenting arena, need more tools, and want to do betterHow parents want to present a united front with their partner and function with more patience and cooperation in the homeHow parents are challenged in trying to mesh their parenting styles and varied upbringings as they parent their own childrenPractical tips for parents: Have a time set aside for curious conversations about how things are going, what has worked, what hasn’t worked, etc.Do research for free resources or consider reaching out to an expert for help.How the logistics of “getting help” works with appointments and time commitmentsWhy learning and growing as a parent is like strengthening a muscleDanielle’s resources, classes, and podcast for parents Connect with Danielle:Danielle’s Parenting Wholeheartedly coaching websitePodcast: Failing MotherhoodLinks/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. 

Today’s guest is Diana Pastora Carson, a self-described sibling advocate and a big fan of her brother, Joaquin, who spent 15 years of his life in an institution. Joaquin’s family fought for three years to bring him home, and he fully supports and endorses the way Diana shares their family story. Diana has been an elementary educator for over 30 years in both general and special education. A lecturer for a Disability and Society course through San Diego State University, Diana also teaches other disability and inclusion courses through SDSU and a local community college. She’s a public speaker, inclusion visionary, and community activist who has also done a TEDtalk. With two terms on the board of Disability Rights California, she currently serves on the board of directors for Disability Voices United. Last year, she helped produce a series for Ability magazine in which she interviewed 50 experts and activists in the field of disability. Diana is the author of Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability Into Diversity Work in K-12 Schools & Communities and the children’s book, Ed Roberts: CHAMPION of Disability Rights. In addition to starting her own podcast soon, Diana’s upcoming endeavors include launching an online course about disability awareness through a social justice lens.Join us for a closer look at disability awareness and how inclusion in the classroom can benefit every student.Show Highlights: How inclusivity in education has changed--and what it means todayA specific example of how Diana used a Marc Anthony song to help a non-speaking student engage with his classmates and the curriculum in her classroomWhy a general education setting is best for most children with disabilities, even if their work output is very differentHow life quality is impacted by the early years of social and emotional opportunitiesDiana’s advice about the best way for teachers, administrators, and parents to establish more inclusion in schoolsWhat it takes to change people’s hearts and minds about inclusion and disability awarenessSteps to bring disability awareness and justice Connect with Diana!Visit her websiteDownload Diana’s FREE ebook: The Five Keys to Going Beyond Awareness Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

Today’s episode is the final part of our series to kick off the new school year. Parents, students, and educators were assuming that things would be back to normal by the beginning of the 2021 school year, but we are still in a state of uncertainty. Since COVID-19 has impacted schools in many ways during the past two school years, we have seen many adjustments to learning. CA Assembly Bill 130 addresses the independent study (IS) options, not to be confused with virtual learning. We’ll dive into the bill’s provisions and what it means for school districts and your students. Join us!Show Highlights:Independent study options have existed in many variations at different schools; IS varies from virtual learning in that students are required to do a lot of work on their own without teacher instruction.IS is a common element for students with IEPs and students in special situations that require them to leave school early, arrive late, or do coursework away from school.What’s new about IS in AB 130? School districts in CA are now required to offer IS as an option to students.Why the change? The state recognized that some students aren’t comfortable with full-time in-person learning.What is independent study? Independent study is not the same as virtual learning as it requires a lot of reading and work with much less teacher instruction.The fact is that IS is not a great option for students with IEPs who may not be comfortable with 100% in-person schooling right now.Main components of AB 130:A high standard of strict curriculum instruction minutesStudent-to-teacher ratios equivalent to in-person learningAccess to Wifi for all IS studentsConcrete plans to monitor and record student participationThe problem is that not all districts are complying with the provisions of AB 130; some are only requiring a one-hour weekly check-in with a teacher.There is an exception to AB 130 that allows IS to be waived for this school year if low enrollment/participation creates an unreasonable fiscal burden for the district.Like most education bills, AB 130 pleases some advocates, but for others, it doesn’t go far enough. Listeners outside of CA should check out what’s happening with education legislation in your state for this school year. Links/Resources:Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. 

Today’s episode is part two of our three-part series to kick off the new school year. Parents, students, and educators were assuming that things would be back to normal by the beginning of the 2021 school year, but we are still in a state of uncertainty. California legislators have implemented specific steps to help students, even reaching into last school year. We are taking a closer look at Assembly Bill 104, which was passed in CA in July. We’ll dive into the provisions of the bill and what it means for your students. Join us!Show Highlights:AB 104 was passed in July and included a very quick deadline of August 15 for parents; two major components make up the bill: The pass/no pass option allows 2020-2021 students to apply for a letter grade to be changed to “pass/no pass.”The retention option allows parents to request retention in a consultation if a K-11th grade student had a D, F, or no pass grade in at least half of their course work.Another part of the bill allows for a 5th year for course recovery for students not on track to graduate after four years of high school.IF YOU MISSED THE AUGUST 15 DEADLINE, IEP meetings can be scheduled to implement these measures for your student.California colleges and universities are encouraged to accept pass/no pass grades for incoming students.     Links/Resources:Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

Today’s episode is the first in a three-part series covering guidelines for going back to school for in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. It’s hard to believe that we are here on the cusp of beginning another school year, and as with the last two school years, COVID-19 has changed everything for students, educators, and parents.Join us for this three-part guide to everything you need to know and the momentum you need to kick off a new school year. We are discussing COVID-19 guidelines, safety protocols, and the recent teacher vaccine mandate in California.Show Highlights:The Safe Schools for All Hub through the www.cde.ca.gov website is THE place to go for updates and guidelines from the CA Department of Public Health.The main components of the guidelines for schools include: recommended vaccines for everyone over age 12 and a mask mandate for all to allow less social distancing within school activitiesMask mandates (with medical exemptions) are identified as part of the best practices for schools, and districts have been busy developing their testing protocols.After a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, the requirements for returning to school are as follows: A negative COVID-19 test24 hours fever-free (without using fever-reducing medications)Improvement of all symptoms**With any positive COVID-19 test, the guideline is for the person to isolate at home for ten days, even if they have no symptomsAssembly Bill 86, approved in March, requires schools to report COVID-19 cases to their local public health department.If a vaccinated person comes into close contact (per CDC definition) with a positive COVID-19 case, they only have to quarantine if they show symptoms.These safety protocols have to be documented to account for various scenarios and posted on schools’ websites before the school year begins.The recommendation remains that schools limit non-essential visitors, volunteers, and activities for those not fully vaccinated.Why it is still important to conduct meetings virtually when possible so as to limit exposure for those under vaccination ageHand-washing hygiene and rigorous cleaning recommendations are still in place, as well as maximum social distancing when possible for school activities.As of August 11, CA Governor Newsome stated that teachers in CA be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing.CA has 6.1 million students and 550,000 teachers (about 90% of teachers are vaccinated so far) Links/Resources:Thank you for listening! We welcome your questions regarding the new school year, guidelines, and protocols, so send them in!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

It’s the end of the school year, and this will be our last episode before we break for the summer.What a year it’s been! Stick with us as we take a look back on this unusual year and its different hybrid models, issues to look out for and to make your teams aware of, and what the 2021-2022 school year may hold. We appreciate your support and remember, summer break would be a great time to listen to any of our past episodes that you may have missed!Show Highlights:When kids returned to school back in August/September, it was still all distance learning.There was a lot of repetition of content from the previous school year in this past school yearIf you have a health care plan within your IEP, you may need to get updated doctor's orders.Communicate with your team!How schools will be addressing regression.Thoughts on enrichment programs.Although it’s been a hard year for everyone, our focus should be on the child that is right in front of us.The trap of lowered expectations.September 2021 will be the jumping-off point.Although it will take some time to get our kiddos caught up academically, we can’t forget to address their mental health and social skills.Consider giving your kids a break this summer.Be mindful of the trauma a child has experienced from this pandemic.During our summer break, you can still visit our website or catch us on social media. We’ll be back soon with new content for you!  Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Carlia Oldfather, Director of Operations from Stand Up for Kids in Orange County, is our guest today! Stand Up for Kids is a national, non-profit organization that serves youth between the ages of 12-24 that are experiencing homelessness. There are twenty chapters throughout the nation.Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at this wonderful organization that is about FAR more than just getting kids off the street. You’ll be glad you did!Show Highlights:In Orange County alone, there are an estimated 31,000 homeless and at-risk youth.Carlia provides additional statistics from the school districts regarding homeless youth.A holistic approach is used when addressing the multiple needs of this at-risk population.Stand Up for Kids is big on partnering with members of the community.Carlia offers different ways for people to get involved in the programs.How COVID impacted their programs.90% of their high school seniors graduate and go on to college or full-time employment.Stand Up for Kids has four pillars of service: street outreach, outreach centers, mentoring, and apartment support.Carlia shares a heart-warming success story.If you know someone in need of services in Orange County, please call (714) 356-5437.To Find Out More or to Learn How You Can Help:StandUp For Kids - Orange County Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

If you dread hearing, “What’s for dinner tonight?”, then you’re going to LOVE today’s guest.If, like most of us, you live a busy life, have picky eaters or food allergies in your family, or just need a dash of inspiration and a serving of encouragement for answering that burning question, keep listening! Marie Fiebach is the founder of “Feed Your Family Tonight”. She is an author, podcaster, coach, and, in her own words, a “Weeknight Dinner Expert”. Marie has plenty of tips and strategies to share with us today!Show Highlights:Marie explains what motivated her to start “Feed Your Family Tonight”.Having dinner together each night as a family builds connection and stability with your children.The pandemic gave those working from home an opportunity to look at dinner differently.Marie addresses balancing different dietary needs within a family.Marie teaches others how to plan their meals around the kind of day that they’re having.“What do I need to do today, in order to be successful later in the week?”Planning WHEN you cook is almost more important than planning WHAT you cook.The importance of having (and how to plan for) backup meals.Marie reflects on the emotional burden of feeding your family.Marie shares her philosophy on base ingredients.Feeding your family is enough. It doesn’t have to be perfect all the time. Connect with Marie:Feed Your Family Tonight’s Website and InstagramGet Marie’s FREE Weekly Meal Plan Sheet Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

We’re so thrilled to have Caroline Hines as our guest today. Caroline is a Social-Emotional School Counselor at a public charter school here in California, and she shares with us the advantages that having a dedicated counselor onsite provides, how kindness is taught through each grade level, plus she offers tips on how you can foster more kindness right in your own home. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!Show Highlights:Caroline explains her role as a Social-Emotional School Counselor.Having a dedicated Social Emotional Counselor at a school site gives the school an advantage as far as being able to build social-emotional learning.Kindness is the platform used to establish the school’s culture.Caroline shares the philosophy of her “Kind Kids Club”.Caroline breaks down the kindness-learning focus of each grade level.How COVID has affected the transition from distance learning, to hybrid, to in-person learning.What a kindness challenge looks like.Tips for parents to help get kindness in their home.Connect with Caroline:Follow Caroline on Instagram Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

Our guest today describes herself as a “veteran educator, survivor of burnout, and a self-care advocate.”Kayland Lamar coaches educators on self-care practices and boundary-setting in the classroom. If a healthy work-life balance and proactive personal wellness habits seem out of reach for you, then you will definitely want to listen to the tips that Kayland has to share with us, for the classroom and beyond.Kayland Lamar is a high school science teacher who loves her job, loves her students, and teaches at the same high school from which she graduated.Show Highlights:Kayland relates her personal story of burnout that she experienced during her first official teaching job.How setting boundaries can help us find the proper work-life balance.Kayland describes the relationship she has with her students.Being vulnerable with her students lets them know that she has a life outside of the classroom, too.Developing routines with her students helps to set them at ease and know what to expect each day.“Family Fun Friday” - the students have to earn it, but here’s an idea that Kayland occasionally implements in the classroom.How Kayland helped her students weather the COVID storm.Connect with Kayland!Visit her website, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter! Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

When kids experience challenges meeting certain expectations, that can result in their frustration, which can often lead to concerning behaviors if they’re not equipped with the necessary skills to adapt. Our guest today trains parents, educators, and clinicians in an evidence-based treatment called the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. Be sure to tune in to this intriguing and insightful conversation and learn about all the benefits that CPS has to offer!Ross W. Greene, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who lives in Freeport, Maine. He is the New York Times bestselling author of the influential books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost and Found, and Raising Human Beings. He is the founding director of the non-profit, Lives in the Balance, which provides a vast array of free resources on the CPS model that is described in his books.Show Highlights:Dr. Greene’s non-profit advocates on behalf of kids with concerning behaviors and their caregivers by helping people solve problems with kids, rather than giving them detentions, suspensions, and expulsions.Concerning behaviors are simply the way that a kid is communicating to us that they’re having difficulty meeting certain expectations.If we only modify concerning behaviors, then the kid is still having problems meeting those expectations. However, if we solve those problems with kids, and help them better meet expectations, then the concerning behaviors subside.Dr. Greene details the CPS model.According to Dr. Greene, “crisis prevention” is a misnomer. It’s actually “crisis management”, and he explains more.The Kids We Lose is an exposé that hopes to raise awareness of how horrible it is for kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, not only because they’re struggling, but for what we do to them in the name of helping.Dr. Greene shares what he's working on next.Connect with Dr. Greene!His websiteLives in the BalanceCPS ConnectionThe Kids We Lose (Documentary)True Crisis Prevention Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

We’re thrilled to bring you another great interview today! Melanie Oates is a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and advocate for special needs families, including her own.Stay tuned to hear more about her amazing nonprofit, Here For A Reason, Inc., and the work she does as an advocate, the intensive research she did on behalf of her children, and the plethora of knowledge and resources she is now able to share with families who are looking to be their own best advocate for not only their children but for themselves, as well.Show Highlights:Melanie provides an overview of how her nonprofit came to be.Financial hardships for a child’s medical equipment and care happen to families even when they have seemingly great insurance coverage.Melanie addresses how she had to strategize to get her daughter the nursing care she needed.If you’d like to apply for assistance, or if you would like to make a donation, please go to Here For A Reason.Motivational speaking is Melanie’s way of encouraging others to find the successes in their own stories and to find ways that change what appear to be negatives into positives.Melanie wants to set a positive example for other African American families who may culturally have trouble sharing information about their child’s special needs.Melanie shares how her nonprofit has impacted others.Connect with Melanie!Nonprofit Website: Here For A ReasonNonprofit InstagramPersonal Website: Melanie Oates Links/Resources:Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.