The IEP Game Plan

Octavia Walker
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  • Parenting

The IEP Game Plan Podcast helps busy Moms navigate special education with clarity, confidence and strategy-both inside and outside the IEP meeting.  Hosted by Octavia Walker, IEP Strategist and Mom of a child with autism, this podcast is designed for parents raising children with autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other special education needs who want to better understand the IEP process and confidently advocate for their child. IEP meetings can feel overwhelming. Between special education terminology, legal requirements under IDEA, and the pressure to make decisions in the moment, many parents leave meetings confused about what just happened or unsure of what to do next. Inside each episode, Octavia breaks down the special education process in a clear, practical way so parents can approach IEP meetings with confidence and strategy. You’ll learn how to: • prepare for IEP meetings and review IEP documents • understand IEP goals, services, and progress data • ask the right questions during meetings • recognize when something in the IEP process isn’t working • confidently advocate for your child’s educational needs But this podcast is also about what happens outside the IEP meeting. Because raising a child with special needs affects every part of life — your time, your energy, your relationships, and sometimes even your identity as a parent. The IEP Game Plan Podcast helps Moms not only navigate the special education system, but also find clarity, confidence, and balance in the process. Because your child deserves a strong advocate — and that advocate is you. If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting feeling overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure of your next step, this podcast will help you create a clear game plan moving forward.

Episodes

  1. May 14

    Ep 9: Behavior Plans in IEPs: FBAs, BIPs, and What Parents Should Look For

    When behavior starts impacting learning at school, parents often begin hearing terms like:  👉 FBA  👉 BIP  👉 behavior intervention  👉 crisis plan …and for many families, it can feel overwhelming fast. In this episode of The IEP Game Plan, we break down what Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) are REALLY supposed to do — and what parents should actually look for when behavior supports are being discussed at school. Because behavior is rarely “random.” And too often, schools focus on stopping behaviors instead of identifying:  ✔️ the pattern  ✔️ the trigger  ✔️ the missing skill  ✔️ and the support the child actually needs In this episode, we discuss: What an FBA is and how the process typically worksWhy identifying patterns mattersWhat parents should look for in an FBAWhat should actually be included in a BIPWhy positive reinforcement mattersQuestions parents should ask about crisis plansHow BIPs should work together with the IEPWhy behavior plans should be reviewed more than once per yearMost importantly… This episode reminds parents that behavior plans should create support — not shame. Because behavior is usually the LAST thing we see…  👉 but not where the problem started. If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting feeling unsure about what just happened or what to do next, I created a short training to help you review everything and follow up with clarity. When an IEP Meeting Doesn’t Go Well: What To Do Next 👉 Get the training here: https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/products/when-an-iep-meeting-doesnt-go 🎁 Free Resource for Moms If you want to feel more prepared going into your next IEP meeting, download my free guide: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s IEP 👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide

    15 min

  2. Apr 30

    Ep 8: IEP Behavior: Why Your Child Is Acting Out at School (It’s Not What You Think)

    If your child has an IEP and is struggling with behavior at school… you’re not alone—and it may not be what you think. In this episode, we’re talking about IEP behavior and why behavior problems often show up when the right supports are not in place. Because here’s the truth: Behavior is not just something to fix.  👉 Behavior is communication.  👉 Behavior is often a sign that your child’s needs are not being fully supported. We’re connecting the dots between:  IEP evaluations  IEP goals  accommodations  service minutes  and behavior at school  So you can better understand why your child may be acting out, shutting down, or struggling in the classroom. If your child:  avoids schoolwork  has emotional outbursts  struggles with attention or transitions  or isn’t making progress despite having an IEP  👉 This episode will help you understand what may really be going on. We’ll also talk about:  why behavior is often the outcome—not the root problem  what to look for in your child’s IEP  and how unmet needs can show up as behavior challenges  And in the next episode, we’re breaking down:  👉 FBAs (Functional Behavior Assessments)  👉 BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans)  👉 and what schools don’t always get right when it comes to behavior 🎯 NEXT STEPS If you’ve ever felt unsure about your child’s IEP or why they’re not making progress… I created a short training that walks you through: ✔ what to review  ✔what to look for  ✔ and how to follow up 👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/products/when-an-iep-meeting-doesnt-go If you’re just getting started… Download my free guide: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s IEP 👉https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide

    5 min

  3. Apr 23

    Ep 7: IEP Accommodations & Service Minutes: Why Your Child Isn’t Making Progress

    If your child’s IEP looks good on paper… but they’re still not making the progress you expected… There’s a good chance the issue isn’t just the IEP goals. In this episode, we’re breaking down two areas that are often overlooked—but make a huge difference in whether your child actually makes progress: 👉 IEP accommodations  👉IEP service minutes You’ll learn the difference between the two, why they both matter, and how they should connect back to your child’s evaluation and IEP goals. Because here’s the truth: Support that isn’t individualized…  or service minutes that don’t match your child’s needs… can leave your child stuck—even with a well-written IEP. We’re also talking about why it’s so important to actually “do the math” when it comes to service minutes—and what to look for beyond just the numbers. And if things still aren’t adding up? This episode sets the stage for what we’ll cover next—behavior—and how unmet needs often show up in ways parents aren’t expecting. Next Steps If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting unsure what to do next… 🎯 I created a short training that walks you through: ✔ what to review  ✔ what to look for  ✔ how to follow up 👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/products/when-an-iep-meeting-doesnt-go And if you’re just getting started… 📘 Download my free guide:  5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s IEP  👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide 👉 Data, documentation, and parent input — that’s what drives strong IEPs.

    5 min

  4. Apr 16

    Ep 6: Your Child’s IEP Evaluation: What You’re Missing (And Why It Matters)

    Your child’s IEP evaluation is one of the most important documents in the entire process… But it’s also one of the most misunderstood. A lot of times, it’s reviewed quickly… filled with numbers and terminology… …and parents are left thinking: 👉 “Okay… but what does this actually mean?”  👉 “How does this connect to my child’s IEP?” And here’s the truth… The evaluation is there. It’s being used… 👉 but not always to its full potential. And that’s where we start to see gaps. Gaps between: 👉 what the evaluation is saying  👉 and what actually shows up in your child’s IEP In this episode, we’re breaking down: 👉 what you might be missing in your child’s evaluation  👉 what to start paying attention to  👉 and how it should be guiding goals, services, and decisions Because when you understand the evaluation… 👉 everything else starts to make more sense. Next Steps If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting unsure what to do next… 🎯 I created a short training that walks you through: ✔ what to review  ✔ what to look for  ✔ how to follow up 👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/products/when-an-iep-meeting-doesnt-go And if you’re just getting started… 📘 Download my free guide:  5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s IEP  👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide 👉 Data, documentation, and parent input — that’s what drives strong IEPs.

    6 min

  5. Apr 8

    Ep 5: Why Your Child’s IEP Goals Don’t Make Sense (And What to Look For)

    If you’ve ever looked at your child’s IEP goals and thought… 👉 “This sounds good… but what does it actually mean?” 👉 “How do I know if they’re actually making progress?” You’re not alone. A lot of IEP goals sound professional — but leave parents confused. And when goals aren’t clear… 👉 progress isn’t clear 👉 services don’t always align 👉 and meetings feel frustrating In this episode, we’re breaking down: 👉 why so many IEP goals don’t make sense 👉 what might be missing 👉 and what you should be paying attention to So you can start to feel more confident reading and understanding your child’s IEP. This episode builds on our conversation about data and documentation — because your child’s goals should be coming directly from data… and ultimately, their evaluation. 🎯 Next Steps If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting unsure what to do next… I created a short training that walks you through: ✔ what to review ✔ what to look for ✔ how to follow up 👉https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/products/when-an-iep-meeting-doesnt-go 📘 Free Guide:  5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s IEP  👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide 👉 Data, documentation, and parent input — that’s what drives strong IEPs.

    7 min

  6. Apr 1

    Ep 4: The Double D's of an IEP: Data, Documentation and What Parents Need to Know

    The Double D’s of an IEP: Data, Documentation, and What Parents Need to Know Most IEP meetings sound productive… but aren’t always grounded in clear data and documentation. And that’s why decisions can feel confusing, rushed, or hard to follow. In this episode, we’re breaking down what I call the Double D’s of an IEP — and why they matter more than most parents realize. Because when data and documentation aren’t clear, meetings can feel overwhelming and hard to navigate. But when they are? 👉 Everything starts to make more sense. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: • What “data” really means in an IEP (and why parents have data too) • Why documentation is just as important as the data itself • How lack of data and documentation leads to vague goals and unclear decisions • What to listen for during meetings so you’re not left second guessing • Why this directly impacts your child’s IEP goals 🎧 What’s coming next: Episode 5 → How IEP goals should actually be written Episode 6 → The evaluation report (the most overlooked — but most valuable — document in the IEP process) 🎯 Ready for your next step? If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting feeling unsure about what just happened or what to do next, I created a short training to help you review everything and follow up with a clear strategy. When an IEP Meeting Doesn’t Go Well: What To Do Next 👉 Get the training here: https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/products/when-an-iep-meeting-doesnt-go 🎁 Free Resource for Moms If you want to feel more prepared going into your next IEP meeting, download my free guide: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s IEP 👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide 🎙️ Subscribe & Review If this episode helped you, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s coming next in this series. And if you know another mom navigating the IEP process, share this episode with her.

    6 min

  7. Mar 25

    Ep 3: When an IEP Meeting Doesn't Go Well: What to Do Next

    If you’ve ever walked out of an IEP meeting thinking, “What just happened?” — this episode is for you. In this episode, we’re talking about what to do after an IEP meeting doesn’t go well — and why what happens after the meeting matters just as much as what happens inside it. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what to review, what to look for, and how to follow up so you can move forward with confidence. 🎯 Ready for your next step? If you want a simple, step-by-step plan for what to do after an IEP meeting, I created a short training that walks you through exactly what to review, what to look for, and how to follow up. 👉 Get the training here: https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/products/when-an-iep-meeting-doesnt-go 🎁 Free Resource for Moms If you’re just getting started and want to feel more prepared going into your next IEP meeting, download my free guide: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s IEP 👉https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide

    4 min

  8. Mar 18

    Ep 2: Why the Special Education System Feels So Hard — And How to Navigate It Anyway

    If you’ve ever walked into an IEP meeting feeling like everyone else knew something you didn’t — this episode is for you. The truth is, the special education system isn’t built to feel simple or intuitive for parents. It’s built around timelines, documentation, and compliance — not clarity. And when you’re trying to keep up in a meeting while processing what’s being said about your child, it can feel overwhelming fast. But here’s the shift: You don’t need to master the entire system. You just need to understand how to navigate it. In this episode, we’re breaking down why the process feels so hard — and how you can start approaching IEP meetings with more confidence, clarity, and strategy. In this episode, we cover: • Why the special education (IEP) process can feel overwhelming  • What most parents don’t realize about how the system works  • How to shift from feeling behind to feeling more prepared  • Simple ways to start navigating IEP meetings more strategically 🎁 Free Resource for Parents If you have an upcoming IEP meeting and want to feel more prepared, I created a free guide to help you walk in with more clarity and confidence: 5 Things to Check Before Your Next IEP Meeting (So You Don’t Leave Confused Again) 👉https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide

    6 min

  9. Mar 18

    Ep 1: The Moment I Realized Getting By Wasn't Enough

    There comes a moment when you realize that “getting by” is no longer enough for your child. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal reflection on what led me to see the IEP process differently and why I knew I had to approach things with more intention, clarity, and confidence. If you’ve ever felt like you were just going through the motions in your child’s education, this episode will resonate with you. This podcast was created for moms who want to feel more in control during the IEP process and more confident advocating for their child. In this episode, we talk about: • The moment everything shifted for me as a parent  • Why “getting by” can leave important needs unaddressed  • The importance of being proactive in your child’s IEP process  • How this podcast will support you moving forward 🎁 Free Resource If you want to feel more prepared before your next IEP meeting, download my free guide: 5 Things to Check Before Your Next IEP Meeting (So You Don't Leave Confused Again)  👉 https://getting-by-is-not-enough.kit.com/iep-guide

    4 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

The IEP Game Plan Podcast helps busy Moms navigate special education with clarity, confidence and strategy-both inside and outside the IEP meeting.  Hosted by Octavia Walker, IEP Strategist and Mom of a child with autism, this podcast is designed for parents raising children with autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other special education needs who want to better understand the IEP process and confidently advocate for their child. IEP meetings can feel overwhelming. Between special education terminology, legal requirements under IDEA, and the pressure to make decisions in the moment, many parents leave meetings confused about what just happened or unsure of what to do next. Inside each episode, Octavia breaks down the special education process in a clear, practical way so parents can approach IEP meetings with confidence and strategy. You’ll learn how to: • prepare for IEP meetings and review IEP documents • understand IEP goals, services, and progress data • ask the right questions during meetings • recognize when something in the IEP process isn’t working • confidently advocate for your child’s educational needs But this podcast is also about what happens outside the IEP meeting. Because raising a child with special needs affects every part of life — your time, your energy, your relationships, and sometimes even your identity as a parent. The IEP Game Plan Podcast helps Moms not only navigate the special education system, but also find clarity, confidence, and balance in the process. Because your child deserves a strong advocate — and that advocate is you. If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting feeling overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure of your next step, this podcast will help you create a clear game plan moving forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Octavia Walker
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The IEP Game Plan