As the parent of a high school senior who has had an IEP since preschool, I have watched special education resources in Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) slowly decrease over the last ten years. Services my son received in Kindergarten are no longer available and programs he attended no longer exist. Many of the wonderful special education teachers and instructional assistants (IA) who have been a crucial part of his success have since left their positions. I don’t blame them. Special education teachers and IAs are undervalued and taken for granted when they should be our most celebrated and highest-paid educators. The proposed budget cuts to special education are the exact opposite of what we need. We already don’t have enough special educators in WCPSS. I hear stories every day from families of autistic learners who need smaller classes and fewer substitutes so their school day can be more predictable. Our amazing teachers are working so hard under unsustainable conditions. When teachers are stressed, students are stressed. When students are stressed, learning is negatively impacted. If we are serious about creating systems, schools, and classrooms where students thrive, we need more special education teachers and more programming options—not less. Many children, especially those receiving special education, don’t enter school as independent learners. They need the help of an adult to understand the directions, transition between tasks, and stay safe during the school day. Understaffed schools are less safe for students and teachers, especially when teaching neurodivergent learners who more often experience frustration that can lead to negative behavior. If WCPSS—the largest district in the state—is having to make this decision, then I can only imagine the lack of resources in more rural parts of the state. WCPSS should be considered the canary in the coal mine, sounding the alarm that we are about to fail our most vulnerable children. Listen in as I talk with my colleagues Dr. Melanie McCabe and Dr. Matt Zakreski, both psychologists who know schools and neurodivergent kids well. The impact of these proposed cuts goes beyond students receiving special education services and their teachers. It’s going to affect everyone. Links mentioned in this conversation: WCPSS School Board Special Session on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Read more about school board meetings here. Look up your board member here and send them an email! Learn more about private school vouchers here. Learn more about property tax loopholes here. Learn more about Leandro here. Learn more about the NC State Legislature not passing a budget since 2023. About Dr. Emily As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers. Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey. If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place. Let’s do this together, ~Dr. Emily **All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.** This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe
