The IEP process and the world of special education can be confusing and overwhelming for parents, teachers, and students, alike. But it doesn’t have to be! Learning Essentials has teamed up with experts to give you valuable insights into the IEP process and special education —and it’s free!
Executive Director Wendy Taylor hosts educators, psychologists, and other medical providers who provide pro tips on what to ask, what to bring, and what to take away from your next special education interaction. This is a podcast series you will not want to miss!
IEP Strategy
Season 2
Episode 14: Helping Boys Succeed In School With Rich Weinfeld
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
Season 2
IEP Strategy
Transition Considerations For Older Students & Preschool
Season 2
Episode 13: Social Media And Mental Health
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
Season 2
IEP Strategy
Blind, Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Season 2
Episode 12: Understanding AT At The IEP
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
Season 2
IEP Strategy
Predetermination
Season 2: Episode 11
Outside Of The Box Support For Autism
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
Season 2: Episode 11
IEP Strategy
Manifestation Determination
Season 2
Episode 10: Medical vs. Educational With Karin Walsh
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
Season 2
IEP Strategy
Behavior Plans & Accommodations
Season 2
Episode 9: Guiding Parents & IEP’s With Jennifer Fisher
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:
👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253
Season 2
IEP Strategy
Alternative Assessments
Season 2
Episode 8: Smile To Succeed With Kirt Manecke
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:
👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253
Season 2
IEP Strategy
The Difference Between Accommodations & Modifications
Season 2
Episode 7: ADHD And Girls With Amanda Sovik-Johnston
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/3AAV253Season 2
IEP Strategy
Teacher Of Record, Tracking IEP Progress & Data Collection
Season 2: Episode 6
Navigating Special Education: The Power Of Building Positive Parent-Educator Relationships
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:
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- 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/3AAV253Season 2: Episode 6
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IEP Strategy
Notifying Parents Of Progress
Season 2: Episode 5
Dyslexia In The Digital Age With Jennette Roberes
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
Season 2: Episode 5
IEP Strategy
Support & Training For School Personnel
Season 2: Episode 4
Deciphering Verbal Behaviors And ABA With Rose Griffin
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
Season 2: Episode 4
IEP Strategy
Transporation
Season 2: Episode 3
All Things OCD With Hannah Breckenridge
🔑 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
Season 2: Episode 3
IEP Strategy
PE & Adaptive PE
Season 2: Episode 2
Gifted And Distractable - 2E
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
Season 2: Episode 2
IEP Strategy
Related Services Roles
Season 2 Premiere: Episode 1
The Three D’s With Dr. Lauren
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
Season 2 Premiere: Episode 1
IEP Strategy
Related Services
IEP Strategy
Short Term Objectives & Benchmarks
IEP Strategy
Episode 33
Response to Intervention and Supporting Students with Jayson Davies, OTR/L,
Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, is the host of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast and has been a school-based occupational therapist since 2012. With experience as both a contracted therapist and an “in-house” employee for two distinctly different districts, Jayson has had the opportunity to appreciate the differences between both small-rural and large-suburban districts. In 2014, Jayson earned his Certification in Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) to better serve his students. Recently, Jayson has put forth his efforts toward educating therapists on how they incorporate themselves into tiered, collaborative programming and managing their workloads. Jayson is excited to help build knowledge among school-based OTs and educators through the OT Schoolhouse podcast, conference & courses
Episode Brief:
Today, we welcome Jayson Davies, a school based Occupational Therapist (OT) Practitioner, to talk all about the RTIA and RTIB approaches to supporting students and teachers. Join us as we discover new information about the three tiers of these approaches and how the IEP team and students can benefit from the input of not only Occupational Therapists, but all the professionals involved in the process.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Breaking down the three tiers of RTI:
- Tier One, First And Best Instruction: Providing the teacher and support staff with more information and tools to better support classrooms as a whole.
- Tier Two, Smaller Group Focus: Identifying the percentage of students who would benefit from more focused, out of classroom activities and support sessions.
- Tier Three, Moving To Evaluation or Back To Tier Two Or Tier One: Students in this tier should not be here very long. More focused attention to these students will result in evaluation for special education or a move to a lower tier.
🗣️ Get In Touch With Jayson Davies: https://bit.ly/3Tsq1aT
Jayson Also Mentioned:
Sped Note: https://bit.ly/3EZU4lQ
Tools To Grow: https://bit.ly/3z3JFlg
👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3TruqKW
IEP Strategy
Measurable IEP Goals
IEP Strategy
Episode 32
Why Different is Awesome with Stacey Montgomery
IEP Strategy
Academic and Functional Present Levels
IEP Strategy
Episode 31
Behavior, School Refusal, and How to Support with Ariel Kornblum, PsyD, BCBA, LBA
IEP Strategy
Parent Participation
IEP Strategy
IEP Strategy
IEP Team Members
Episode 30
Parent Role in the IEP and three often missed opportunities for parent advocacy (that helps professionals help their kids, too!) with BETH Liesenfeld, MOT, OTR/L
Episode 30
Episode 29
Special Education Teacher Shortage, FAPE, IEPs, & Educational Services with Special Education Boss, Karen Mayer-Cunningham
Episode 28
The Role GI Health and Psychology Have on The Brain-Gut Connection with Ali Navidi, PsyD
Episode 28
Episode 27
How to Student - organize, plan and independence with Hannah Ross, ET/P
Episode 26
Lifejacket of Support for Educators with Jenny Mills, M.Ed.
Episode 26
Episode 25
Identifying and Supporting Struggling Readers with Natalie Powell, ET, C-SLDI, Dyslexia Specialist
Episode 24
Mechanisms of Working Memory with Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist
Episode 24
Episode 23
All Things ADHD with Dr. Sarah Cheyette, Pediatric Neurologist
Episode 22
Inclusive Education Project with Amanda Selogie, Esq., and Vickie Brett, Esq.
Episode 22
Episode 21
Creating an Intentional IEP with Stephanie DeLussey
Episode 20
ADHD, Executive Functions, and the Language Connection with Michael McLeod, CCC-SLP
Episode 20
Episode 19
All Things Speech-Language Pathology with Gabriele Nicolet, MA, CCC-SLP
Episode 18
Behavior has a Purpose with Allison Edwards, LPC, RPT
Episode 18
Episode 17
Empowerment through Vision with Dr. Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, FIAOMC
Episode 16
College Insider Tips- Psst! It’s not all academics! with Andrea Malkin Brenner, PhD
Episode 16
Episode 15
IEP 101 - Three Keys to Writing an Exceptional IEP with Megan Ward, M.Ed.
Episode 14
School Reentry: Trauma, Anxiety, Support with Kelly Fradin, MD
Episode 14
Episode 13
In It For the Long Haul - Managing Challenges with Complex Kids, with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, PCC, CPCC
Episode 12
Nonverbal Learning Disability: What You NEED to Know with Susan Blumberg, PhD
Episode 12
Episode 11
If you sit at an IEP table, YOU belong here, with Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed, Master IEP Coach
Episode 10
Deep Dive Into Special Education Law During COVID With Brian K. Gruber, Esq
Episode 10
Episode 9
This Ship Is Sinking: Parents of Children with Disabilities Need a Lifeline with Laura Lorenzen, MSW.
Episode 8
What have you done to prepare yourself for college during this pandemic? With Heidi Waibel
Episode 8
Episode 7
Special Needs Navigator with Eric Jorgensen, MS, MBA, ChSNC
Episode 6
Coexisting Autism, ADHD and Anxiety: understanding and treating complicated problems with Dan Shapiro, M.D.
Episode 6
Episode 5
Girls and Women with Autism with Dr. Donna Henderson
Episode 4
Special Education in Independent Schools with Peter Braverman
Episode 4
Episode 3
IEP’s, Supplementary Aids & Technology with Joan Green, M.A. CCC-SLP
Episode 2
ADHD and IEP with Carey Heller, PsyD
Episode 2
Episode1
Vision Statement, IEP and College with Anne Tulkin, MS
Want more than an Essential Learning Tip pep talk? Take a deep dive with Wendy Taylor, Executive Director of Learning Essentials, as she explores IEP topics that systematically guide you through the process. Get the educational insight and professional help you need to confidently advocate for your child. Join our Special Education Collaborative. Click to learn more.