The Special Ed Strategist Podcast with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P The Special Ed Strategist Podcast

🔹 In this episode of the Special Ed Strategist Podcast, Wendy Taylor delves into the world of IEP facilitation, shedding light on its significance in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

🔹 What is IEP facilitation? 🤝 It's a voluntary process where a neutral third party facilitates communication and assists in drafting the student's IEP.

🔹 Why IEP facilitation? 🤔 Wendy clarifies that it's not required for every IEP meeting, but it comes into play when issues create roadblocks or a negative atmosphere.

🔹 Wendy emphasizes the key role IEP facilitation can play in breaking through impasses and fostering a more positive IEP development process.

🔹 Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of IEP facilitation and how it can be a game-changer for families and students navigating the world of special education.

🔹 Don't miss out on expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable tips to support your child's success in special education. Subscribe to the Special Ed Strategist Podcast today! 🌟🔗 

#SpecialEducation #IEPFacilitation #StudentSuccess #SpecialEdPodcast #EducationAdvocacy 🌈📚👩‍🏫

https://pod.link/1639953041

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

Episode Brief: 
This conversation will give you some amazing insight into what transitioning between school systems looks like for all types of kids, but especially for military students with IEP’s or 504 plans. Meg Flanagan offers us her expert knowledge into translating everything you have to do while you move into manageable pieces with a well thought out plan and the right support. You won’t want to miss any of the tips and guidance that Meg shares with us in this episode!

Meg Flanagan, founder of Meg Flanagan Education Solutions LLC, is a teacher, mom and passionate special education advocate. She is dedicated to making the K-12 education experience easier for families across the US. Meg holds an M.Ed in special education and a BS in elementary education. She is a certified teacher in both elementary and special education in Massachusetts and Virginia.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
A move can be challenging, but not impossible:




Document: Ensure that you get anecdotal reports from teachers that describe your child. These can help inform the new school system on what your student needs.

Realistic Timelines: These transitions take time. Be prepared to work actively to prepare the new school for anywhere from 3-6 months prior to your move.
Offer Extra Support: Military families face a lot of different trauma in their lives. Be considerate of this fact and offer thoughtful ways to protect and include your military students and families into the school system.

🗣️ Meg’s Website: megflanagan.com/ 

📕 Get Her Book & More: megflanagan.com/shop/     

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

Follow along today as we go over the top 20 questions I get from parents!

Other solo episodes to listen to:


Understanding AT At The IEP
Alternative Assessments
Least Restrictive Environments

Episode Brief: 
We are talking about everything self-care for parents AND professionals with neurodivergent children! Join us today as we break down some essential tips with Robin Brannan, LCMFT with Better Family Therapy, and learn more about how you can work simple self-care into your routine! Consider listening to this podcast as your form of self-care for the day.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated:




Try To Keep It Simple: Self-care can be a moment to breathe or even taking control of the radio, even a long shower. However you do it, make sure you work it into your routine–it’ll only benefit your child!

Make A Friend In The Waiting Room: Having a neurodivergent child can feel isolating. Consider connecting with parents experiencing the same things as you to start when you need a good listener.

Work On Emotional Regulation: Take moments to demonstrate good emotional regulation for your child. Consider even communicating your small self-care moments or share a moment with your child.

🗣️ Connect With Better Family Therapy: www.BetterFamilyTherapy.com

🌐 Read Their Blog:



Taking Time Off As A Parent
Self Care Ideas
Strategies For Tough Moments  


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

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