Summary

We’re diving deep into the world of holistic learning, and we’ve got some game-changing insights and strategies lined up to empower your child or student. 🌟

Here are the key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

1️⃣ Discover the Alexander Technique: We’ll explore how this technique can boost physical well-being and enhance your child’s learning journey. Unlock their full potential for success in school and in life.

2️⃣ Embrace Individuality: Join us in celebrating unique abilities and learning styles. Our guest, Gabriella Czaja, will provide expert guidance on how to fuel growth and confidence in every child.

3️⃣ Teach Effective Learning: Equip kids with essential learning skills. We’ll be sharing practical tips to help guide them through their educational journey.

👂 Tune in now to join the conversation on special education. Whether you’re a newcomer to this field or a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s come together to bridge gaps, access services, and create killer Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). 📚

And if you love what you hear, show us some social media love by following Learning Essentials. Share this episode with friends who can benefit. Together, we can empower more children and families to grow and learn. 👍

A big shoutout to our incredible special education community. Your support is invaluable, and we appreciate each and every one of you. Let’s make today great and continue our mission to empower kids through holistic learning! 💪 #SpecialEducation #HolisticLearning #EmpowerKids 🌟

Tune in now and let’s embark on this educational journey together!

Resources: 

• Gabrielle Czaja and Education 
• Developmental Reflexes and Alexander Technique, The Developing Self 2021 Conference (Video Presentation by Gabrielle) 
• The Ready List,introduction 
• The Ready List,  videos and handouts specifically for kids 
• The Developing Self, Alexander Technique in Education 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabrielleCzajaPT/

Episode Brief: 

Joining us today is Destiny Huff, a mental health professional and mom turned advocate! She guides us through some of the key points of being present and on top of the IEP process. You’ll learn about what you can do to keep yourself healthy as a parent and some best practices for being a positive communicator in this one. Tag along as we unravel some of the best ways to become an active member of the planning team and explore the expertise Destiny shares with us.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

You don’t have to do this alone:

• Take The First Step: The first step is to start with a mental health professional. They can help you understand a diagnosis and what to expect in the near future as far as the process goes. They may even be able to help with more testing.
• Forget The Term High Functioning: Use this as a reminder that you need to monitor how you communicate and make sure that your preferred methods of communication are being considered.
• The Three Key Areas Of The IEP: Present levels for both academic and functional performance, the annual goals, which should be clear and attainable, and appropriate modifications and accommodations for your student. Make sure all three are there!

🗣️ Connect With Destiny: www.destinyhuffconsulting.com

👋🏻 Find Her On Social: @destinyhuff_iep_advocate & Destiny Huff On Facebook

🌐 More From The Episode:

• Parentcenterhub.org 
• Remind App

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

• Understanding AT At The IEP
• Alternative Assessments
• Least Restrictive Environments

Episode Brief: 

You may have never met a group of amazing professionals quite like The Childhood Collective! Join us as we talk through some of the best practices for students with ADHD. Tune in and get ready to be more prepared for that upcoming IEP or 504 meeting! This amazing conversation will get you feeling more confident for the journey ahead.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

ADHD Can Be A Challenge, But We’re Here For It:

• Evaluations: Find a way to complete both a school based evaluation and a medical or private evaluation if you suspect ADHD. This can give you more data to work with.
• Accommodations: Be weary of accommodation banks…all accommodations should be personalized to your child. Some general support might apply, but the best support is person centered.
• Being A Parent: Remember: You ARE part of the IEP team and are your child’s best advocate. Include yourself, ask questions, seek evaluation, and advocate for what your child needs for the full scope of their life.

🗣️ The Childhood Collective: https://bit.ly/3XsBQAD 

📕 Get The Free Guide: https://bit.ly/44gQ4qv      

👋🏻 Connect On Social: https://bit.ly/3JC1lcX 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Listen in and listen up to this amazing conversation with Dr. Myava Clark and her son Chris Clark Jr. as we discuss their strategies for staying safe and healthy online and on social media. Their new application, CASEN, will give children and students a chance to practice online skills, recognize bullying, and so much more.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Social Media is a new world:

• Have Open Conversations: Empower your children to feel safe to share their experiences with you so that if something does go wrong online, they’ll tell you.
• Procure Your Digital Circle: Focus on creating a friends list of actual friends and teach your children to be careful with who they add.
• Social Media Skills Are Life Skills: Let’s work together to make social media skills a priority–when it comes down to it, these skills apply to the rest of life too!

🗣️ Connect With CASEN: casenllc.com

🌐 Connect On Social:

• Dr. Clark: https://bit.ly/43BQ9oP
• Chris Clark: https://bit.ly/3X4yh3o

👋🏻 CASEN Instagram: https://bit.ly/45WMOSK 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Rich Weinfeld lends us some of his expert knowledge and key insight to some of the current struggles that specifically male students are facing. We also get into strategies and best approaches for parents and professionals when supporting boys to be successful. Follow along as we discover some new things to think about when supporting boys in school.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

It is up to parents and professionals to focus on change:

• Focus On And Nurture The Strengths: Spend more time highlighting and identifying strengths of your student. Consider professional support or assessments to learn more about your child.
• Be Curious: Curiosity can spark amazing results for your student or child. Be curious about how you can help them learn and at the IEP meeting.
• Be Objective: Try to see things from the perspective of the student. This will help create new and better ways to support the student to learn and thrive in school and eventually adult life.

🗣️ Get The Book And More: https://shorturl.at/biowW 

🫱🏼‍🫲🏼 Meet WEG Advocacy Group: www.wegadvocacy.com/

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Tune in and listen up for this one! We go into a deep dive about everything Social Media, how it relates to your kiddo, and some things to keep an eye out for as you and your family traverse the digital world. Jaclyn Halpern guides through this amazing conversation and you won’t want to miss it!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Social media has pro’s and con’s:

• Build A Foundation: Be open with your children about Social Media, both the good and the bad to create a base of trust and understanding.
• 5:1 Rule: There are going to be negative interactions sometimes with your child. Try practicing 5 positive things (can be small) to every one negative emotion that pops up.
• How To Spot Possible Cyberbullying: Look for signs like fear or anxiety when using a smart device or even avoidance of devices. Encourage your kids to speak up if they feel uncomfortable online.

🗣️ Learn More About Dr. Halpern: https://bit.ly/3VSuTIc 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Courtney Burnett joins us today to walk us through everything assistive technology, ways to advocate for your student, and how to identify what communication devices may be available to your child. You’ll get some amazing nuggets of information from this one so be sure to have that notepad ready as we discuss all things AT at the IEP!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Communication doesn’t always fit in the same box:

• Defining AT & AAC: AT: Assistive Technology and AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Both can be accessed to support your child in school.
• Make Your Child Part Of The Process: Pay attention to what devices or programs work for your student. Remind them that just because they learn differently that doesn’t make them less than anyone else!
• Hire Support: You don’t have to be in high conflict to want support. The things you want and communicate to the IEP team are essential. A coach or partner can make sure everything is addressed at the IEP table.

🗣️ Learn More About Courtney: https://bit.ly/40DYWEh 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Tag along as we have an AMAZING conversation with Donna Henderson & Sarah Wayland about supporting your child in positive and effective ways. This episode is loaded with tips and guidance for both parents and professionals who support children living with Autism. You’ll gain some practical insight on how altering your approach to support means positive outcomes for your child.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Everyone is different…The same goes for Autism:

• The Power Of Validation: Try working validation into the way you interact with and support your child. Just remember: there’s a difference between encouragement and validation.
• Reframe Your View: Autism can come with strengths that shine the best when recognized and utilized in the right way. How can we frame support to highlight your child’s strengths?
• Communication: There’s no right or wrong way to communicate. Kids that are on the Autism Spectrum need to know how to communicate and be true to themselves. This looks different for everyone!

🗣️ Explore Guiding Exceptional Parents: www.guidingexceptionalparents.com 

🫂 Connect With Their Online Community: www.thebehaviorrevolution.com 

🫱🏼‍🫲🏼 Connect With Donna Henderson: drdonnahenderson.com 

📖 Order Their Book: https://amzn.to/3L4OJw6 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Today we are joined by the ever-amazing Karin Walsh who shares with us her unique insight and approach to bridging the gap between the medical and educational models of supporting our students. You’ll take away a ton of good ideas, guidance, and most of all resources to further help you approach the IEP table.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

The difference between Educational & Medical:

• Trust Your Instincts: Asl questions. Follow up. Be proactive in your child’s support and trust your gut feeling as you go through assessments and the IEP process.
• Medical Teams In The IEP: You can include medical professionals at the IEP table. Made easier these days with virtual meeting options.
• Understand Your Report: Reports from medical professionals can be long. Make sure you read everything and ask questions about what you do not understand. This can change how accommodations look for your student.

🗣️ Connect With Children’s National: https://childrensnational.org/ 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Stepping into the world of Special Education can be challenging–with today’s episodes we are joined by Jennifer Fisher who expertly guides through the differences of EMT, 504’s, and IEP’s. Join us as we discover new tips and guidance to take before, during, and after important assessments and meetings with the school.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Be Prepared And Ask Questions:

• Bring Tangibles To The Meeting: Gather writing samples or even video snapshots of what you’re seeing at home. This gives what you say even more power and credibility.
• Utilize The Prior Written Notice: Review and amend the PWN if you notice inaccuracies or missing items. Always keep any PWN’s you receive.
• What Do You Want From The School? Be specific with what you want for your child and ask for it. The school can do more than you might think and you can set the stage for support.

🗣️ Learn More About Jennifer: https://bit.ly/3LCNjd5 

🌐 Download Resources Jennifer Mentioned:

• IEP & Section 504 Plan Resource
• Parental Input Sheet

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Have you ever called a business and felt like you weren’t heard? Maybe you could tell that the employee was not happy to be on the phone. Well, today we talk about the power of a smile with Kirt Manecke, author and business owner! We cover strategies to support your teen to adapt and develop their social and professional skills and the critical role they play in both social and work life.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

It all starts with a smile:

• The Power Of A Smile: Think about how we teach how to properly greet others, proper phone etiquette, and cleaning up social media accounts
• Set High Expectations: Be the role model for your teen and start with baby steps. Consider volunteering opportunities to practice positive social and professional skills.
• Role Play: Practice at home, at school, at the park with your teen whenever you can. Combine expectations with modeling to set the stage for success.

🗣️ Learn More About Kirt And Get His Book: https://bit.ly/3Jf9uV9      

🌐 Other Places To Get In Touch With Kirt: 

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• LinkedIn Company Page
• Youtube
• Pinterest

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Did you know that girls are underdiagnosed when it comes to ADHD? Today we dive into what ADHD is, what it looks like in girls, and how you as parents and professionals can provide better support at home and in the classroom. Make sure to listen to the amazing suggestions and strategies we highlight for advocating for testing and the path parents can follow to seek a diagnosis.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Be Patient and Focus On Data:

• Start With The Pediatrician: If you notice some concerning behavior, start with your Pediatrician to begin testing for ADHD.
• ADHD Isn’t All Hyper Behavior: Girls especially can experience the harder to see type of ADHD and it is important to pick up on these not so obvious signs.

• Accommodations Are Available: From extra time to preferential seating, we all need to make sure that accommodations are unique to every student. Try asking your child what works and what doesn’t.

🗣️ Connect With Amanda And Virginia Family Therapy: https://bit.ly/3KkcMaf     

• Listen To The Active & Connected Families Podcast: https://apple.co/3YXBpO4 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Unlock the power of positive communication with the IEP team with Tamara Jacobson and Peggy Bud as we talk through creating a third voice in the landscape of Special Education. In this conversation you’ll discover the 5 C’s to positive relationships and how your approach and partnership with the IEP team benefits your child. This is truly one to not skip!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Positive Communication Is Powerful:

• • Be Mindful Of The Third Voice: Come together as a team to build a positive partnership. Whether you’re a parent or a professional, we can keep the student at the forefront of our efforts.
  • Keep The Dialogue Open: Consider a pre-meeting to demystify questions for parents and ensure that parents feel they are an equal member.
  • Evidence-Based Data For Parents: Consider taking videos or utilizing charts at home to share with the IEP team. Real data can’t be argued with and is one of your best tools as a parent for advocacy.

🗣️ Connect With Tamara And Peggy & Order Their Book: https://bit.ly/3X8s9pb    

• Other Ways To Connect:

• LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3DEfgwk 

• Online: https://bit.ly/3I0fpgb 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief:
You won’t want to miss Jennette Roberes as we demystify the world of dyslexia and the breadcrumbs we can follow to get our students the support they need. Jennette shares so MANY resources in our discussion and after listening you’ll have the tools you need to work with your school for support related to dyslexia.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Start Early & Follow The Breadcrumbs:
Check Out Resources: Follow the breadcrumbs of behavior to know what your next steps should be. Is it time for a screening?
How Do You Want To Change The World?: Ask your kids this question and watch for the light bulb to go off.
Dyslexia & Technology: What field of tech could your child be passionate about? Explore medical, educational, and recreational fields of tech with your student.

🗣️ Discover Bearly Articulating: https://bit.ly/3D6dKTm

More Resources From Jennette:
      International Dyslexia Association: https://bit.ly/3kBigCG
      University Of Michigan Dyslexia Help Site: https://bit.ly/3D6V8mh
      British Dyslexia Association: https://bit.ly/2n0FxRd
Screening Tools:
      Barely Articulating: https://bit.ly/3wF6p9P
Get Jennette’s Book:
      Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HjVFDH
For Professionals:
Explore implicit bias and professional growth by researching DEI or DEIJ and make connections with organizations that can support you to grow for your students.

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief:
On this episode we are focusing on all things ABA as we talk with Rose Griffin about deciphering verbal behaviors and understanding how support and services can help students in the classroom and in their social lives. Get ready to learn about ABA therapies and what you can do to get these services for your child and onto the IEP!

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Parents…Make Sure You Advocate:
Ask For An FBA: Parents are the ones who can and should formally request for a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) if they feel it could benefit their child.
Control The Environment: What can we do to modify the environment to support learning and communication?
Be A Strong Parent: As a parent- seek support, find your community, and as always, trust your gut!

🗣️ Get In Touch With Rose Griffin And ABA Speech: https://bit.ly/3CzKiVg
Explore A Free Master Class:
Toddler And Preschool Age: https://bit.ly/3CzuUZl
School Age: https://bit.ly/3QopkyB

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

🔑 Key Takeaways:
OCD Comes In A Lot Of Forms:
Higher Occurrence In The Neurodivergent Population: Hannah told us about a couple of age ranges where OCD is more commonly noticed, these include 9-12 years old and 19-21 years old and may be attributed to transitional stressors.
You’ll Need A Team: Communication, education, and collaboration are key to successfully supporting students with OCD or anxiety
You’re The Model: Don’t forget to try to model behavior, narrating behaviors, and even encouraging curiosity about feelings. This can support more positive outcomes!

🗣️ Get In Touch With Hannah and OCD-DC: https://bit.ly/3hSJGmI
Resources That Hannah Mentioned:
International OCD Foundation: https://bit.ly/2Lt58fM
MidAtlantic Center For OCD & Anxiety: https://bit.ly/3I3vuSK
SPACE Treatment And Education: https://bit.ly/3YK3Yj3

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief:
Today we jump into the world of 2E students and adults with Julie Skolnick of With Understanding Comes Calm. You won’t want to miss all the tips, resources, and guidance Julie shares with us about supporting 2E kids and adults. Tune in, relax, and get ready to take an amazing journey with Julie.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
2E Students & Adults:
Layered Cake Of Giftedness: You have your frosting, smart and bright potential, and asynchronous development and learning preferences.
Reframing: Consider making things positive and highlighting super powers.
The Parent Pivot: Think about how you can pivot to the frontal lobe of your child to guide them and ask them questions. Remember: Reiterate!

🗣️ Learn More About With Understanding Comes Calm: https://bit.ly/3Y7xIpy
Other 2E Resources Julie Mentioned:
National Association For Gifted Children (NAGC): https://bit.ly/3Hq0mwb
SENG Gifted: https://bit.ly/2YI8Aak

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief:
Join us on our first episode of season two as we do a deep dive into “d-cubed” (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia) with Dr. Lauren from Think Dyslexia! Together we demystify the two lesser known D’s of d-cubed and discuss signs, barriers, and strategies to support your student with these types of learning differences.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Demystifying D-Cubed:
Math Is A Language Of Its Own: Dr. Lauren said that Math is like its own language and that approaching it this way can support students with dyscalculia.
Dysgraphia Is A Language Based Disability: This can impact both your student’s writing and fine motor skills.
Multi-Sensory Supports: Make sure to double check that teachers, staff, or professionals have the right training to best support your student.

🗣️ Get In Touch With Dr. Lauren & Think Dyslexic: https://bit.ly/3OqcOxq
Listen To The 5 Questions Podcast From Dr. Lauren: https://bit.ly/3VvFM1A
Tools To Grow: https://bit.ly/3VeJyvH

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253