100 episodes

Become a knowledgable parent advocate who understands the IEP system from all sides! This podcast aims to help you secure an IEP that provides a positive learning environment for your child without having to fight with the school by sharing "insider" information about school and IEP culture along with strategies effective parent advocates use to get what they need for their child!

www.TheIEPLab.com

The IEP Lab offers the Decoding IEP Data Online Workshop, self paced and supported courses, and the virtual Parent IEP Advocacy Summit in September 2022!

The Parent IEP Lab Beth Liesenfeld, MOT, OTR/L

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 27 Ratings

Become a knowledgable parent advocate who understands the IEP system from all sides! This podcast aims to help you secure an IEP that provides a positive learning environment for your child without having to fight with the school by sharing "insider" information about school and IEP culture along with strategies effective parent advocates use to get what they need for their child!

www.TheIEPLab.com

The IEP Lab offers the Decoding IEP Data Online Workshop, self paced and supported courses, and the virtual Parent IEP Advocacy Summit in September 2022!

    E143: Strength Based IEPs

    E143: Strength Based IEPs

    We all hear that we need to have our child's strengths in the IEPs...but what does that actually look like?
    Here's the main topics we are covering today:
    -Explanation of why IEPs are typically negative
    Importance of incorporating a child's strengths into the IEP Frustrations with Current IEP Practices How trengths can be pulled down into accommodations, goals, and services Three Steps for Promoting Strength-Based IEPs School Struggles Summit: https://TheIEPLab.com/schoolstrugglessummit
    Parent Advocacy Club: https://TheIEPLab.com/CLUB 
    Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode143 
     

    • 13 min
    E142: Behavior from a Trauma/Adoptive Lens with Angie Grandt

    E142: Behavior from a Trauma/Adoptive Lens with Angie Grandt

    Behavior has many different underlying layers -- and one often overlooked is trauma. Join me in learning from Angie Grandt, an adoption coach as she takes us through her advocacy journey and how to advocate for looking at that layer underneith behavior!
    In this episode we cover:
    The importance of recognizing behavioral issues rooted in trauma within the IEP process. Angie's journey from starting with a 504 plan to eventually transitioning to an IEP for her son. How collaboration and goal-driven strategies can make a world of difference in building a successful IEP. The challenges faced by small school districts in providing comprehensive resources for children with behavioral issues. The significance of coordinating outside therapy services with the child's IEP to ensure holistic support.Did you know? One fun fact from the episode: Angie's small town school district houses students from early childhood through 12th grade, all under one roof! Talk about a close-knit community! Angie's website: https://www.connectedparentswithangie.com/
    LIMITED TIME Access 30+ FREE resources with Scotti from Reframe Parenting's Bundle (including my School Support Orientation Guide!) https://TheIEPLab.com/BUNDLE
    FREE SUMMIT The School Struggles Summit from Penny at Behavior Revolution is open for registration! September 28-30th with FREE and Fast Pass Options (upgrade to Fast Pass to see the Assistive Technology Workshop mentioned in the episode!) https://TheIEPLab.com/SchoolStrugglesSummit 
    Facebook Group: 
    https://www.facebook.com/TheIEPLab 
    Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode142 

    • 28 min
    E141: Understanding the Importance of Progress Reports

    E141: Understanding the Importance of Progress Reports

    In this episode, we dive into progress reports and discuss what you need to look for and how important they are for your child's education.
    Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect in the episode:
    -An overview of the importance of progress reports and how they help gauge the effectiveness of your child's IEP.
    5 keys you'll learn:
    When to expect progress reports and how often you can advocate for additional ones, if needed. What progress reports include and how they are typically structured. Common issues parents face with progress reports and how to address them. Insight into the information provided in the progress reports and its significance. Tips on how you can take an active role in understanding and utilizing progress reports effectively. Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know that progress reports are usually released around the same time as grades? So, keep an eye out for them during that period! LIMITED TIME Access 30+ FREE resources with Scotti from Reframe Parenting's Bundle (including my School Support Orientation Guide!) https://TheIEPLab.com/BUNDLE
    FREE SUMMIT The School Struggles Summit from Penny at Behavior Revolution is open for registration! September 28-30th with FREE and Fast Pass Options (upgrade to Fast Pass to see the Assistive Technology Workshop mentioned in the episode!) https://TheIEPLab.com/SchoolStrugglesSummit 
    Facebook Group: 
    https://www.facebook.com/TheIEPLab 
    Shownotes with Transcript: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode141
     
     

    • 10 min
    E140: State Parent Centers with Erin Camper of Peak Parent Center

    E140: State Parent Centers with Erin Camper of Peak Parent Center

    Did you know that your state likely has a state parent center? I've heard from many parents that they are connected to theirs, and it's a great way to connect to your local resources!
    Join me on this week's episode with Erin Camper from Colorado's Peak Parent Center letting us know what State Parent Centers are all about!
    Hurry and get 10% off your Parent Advocacy Club Membership prior to August 31st -- just in time for our Semptemebr theme: beginning of the school year advocacy!
    Shownotes including a link to the Parent Center Hub: TheIEPLab.com/episode140 

    • 19 min
    E139: How Will The IEP Lab Support You This Year?

    E139: How Will The IEP Lab Support You This Year?

    From freebies to courses to summits, here is the plan to support you as a parent advocate this 2023-2024 school year!
    HAPPENING NOW The Ultimate Parent IEP Prep Course is open for fall enrollment until Thursday, August 24th, 2023! Go to https://TheIEPLab.com/COURSE to find out more!
    Freebie & Resource Page: https://TheIEPLab.com/freeresources 
    Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode139 
     

    • 20 min
    E138: How Many IEP Meetings Should I Have?

    E138: How Many IEP Meetings Should I Have?

    Do you know it's possible to have more than one IEP meeting (otherwise an "IEP continuation meeting?" 
    Now you do!
    But do you want 1? Or 2? Or 5?
    Maybe there isn't a magic number, but there are certainly advantages and disadvantages of multiple meetings, and we are going to discuss them all!
    We cover:
    1) The parent right to have more than one IEP meeting
    2) When to ask for a continuation meeting
    3) Case Manager personality and meeting numbers
    4) Finding your "sweet spot" of IEP meetings
    Don't forget to sign up for the FREE Advocacy Focus Workshop this Thursday evening OR Friday morning! More information at https://TheIEPLab.com/August
    Facebook Group: 
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/800719414225685/ 
    Shownotes: https://TheIEPLab.com/episode13 

    • 11 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
27 Ratings

27 Ratings

kittykat! ,

Must-listen for parents who are new to IEPs

This podcast has so many easy to understand common sense recommendations for how to understand and prepare for IEP meetings. I’m so thankful I found it!

kzooleslie ,

Wish this had been here earlier!

This is such a good way to help demystify the IEP process. I’m really thankful for the clear, organized information. I’m already thinking more proactively and feeling more confident about my kids’ spring IEPs.

K Fetter ,

This podcast is GOLD!

Beth is so knowledgeable and is a breath of fresh air for parents navigating the IEP and school system. She brings on a great variety of guests and offers so much value. As a parent and a professional in this arena, I so appreciate this podcast!

Top Podcasts In Kids & Family

Dr. Becky Kennedy
ParentData
Wondery
ABC11-WTVD
WBUR
American Public Media

You Might Also Like

Debbie Reber
Emily Kircher-Morris
Penny Williams
Holly Blanc Moses
Dave
Meg Proctor