Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive

Special Education Strategist
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Overwhelmed, lost, dismissed in IEP/504 systems — seeking help, clarity, and support? You're not alone! Hosted by Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, a certified educational therapist, IEP coach, and parent advocate with over 20 years of experience helping families navigate special education. Wendy is the founder of Learning Essentials and a trusted voice in decoding IEPs, literacy challenges, and executive function needs. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or professional, Wendy brings compassionate expertise, real-life strategies, and empowering guidance to help you support the child you care about.

  1. Different Thinkers: Turning a Diagnosis into Empowerment

    4D AGO

    Different Thinkers: Turning a Diagnosis into Empowerment

    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor sits down with pediatric neuropsychologists Dr. Yael Rothman and Dr. Katia Fredriksen—co-authors of the Different Thinkers children’s book series—to explore how families can help children understand diagnoses with compassion and clarity. With a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens, they offer practical ways to shift conversations from “what’s wrong” to “what’s unique,” empowering both home life and school advocacy. Three Key Takeaways: Reframe diagnosis as a narrative shift toward understanding, not limitation. Use personalized storytelling and concrete examples to highlight what the child does best. Equip children with words and self‑advocacy tools early and revisit them as they grow. Listeners: Connect with me, Wendy Taylor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy‑taylor‑7106b6a6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE Website & Course: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com | Cracking the Code: https://learningessentialsedu.com/course/ Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the‑special‑ed‑strategist‑podcast‑with‑wendy‑taylor‑m‑ed‑et‑p/id1639953041 Other platforms: https://pod.link/1639953041

    50 min
  2. Building Independence One Microstep at a Time

    SEP 9

    Building Independence One Microstep at a Time

    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor sits down with Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA, founder of Zeal Behavior Analysis, and Dr. Christine Drew, BCBA-D, Assistant Professor at Auburn University, to discuss their groundbreaking book, Spectrum of Independence: How to Teach Your Neurodiverse Child Daily Life Skills. Kristin and Christine share practical, science-backed strategies for helping neurodiverse children gain independence—one “microstep” at a time. From scaffolding skills at home to collaborating with IEP teams at school, this conversation empowers parents to reduce overwhelm, celebrate small wins, and build confidence for both kids and families. Three Key Takeaways: Small Steps, Big Wins: Break routines into microsteps to build confidence and independence without overwhelm. Home-to-School Bridge: Align daily routines at home with IEP goals to support skills that are relevant across settings. Progress Over Perfection: Independence looks messy sometimes—celebrate the small victories along the way. Connect with Wendy (Host): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy‑taylor‑7106b6a6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE Website & Courses: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com | Cracking the Code: https://learningessentialsedu.com/course/ Connect with the Guests: Spectrum of Independence website: https://www.spectrumofindependence.com/

    1h 4m
  3. How Will the General Education Teacher Know What’s in My Child’s IEP?

    AUG 12

    How Will the General Education Teacher Know What’s in My Child’s IEP?

    In this solo episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, unpacks a question many parents whisper with concern: How will the general education teacher know—and follow—my child’s IEP? Discover what the law requires, what often happens in practice, and proactive ways you can bridge the gap between the IEP document and daily classroom implementation. 3 Key Takeaways Ask the right questions: Clarify how general education teachers are updated after an IEP is finalized. Share a one-page student snapshot: Highlight strengths, needs, and preferred strategies in a friendly, visual format. Foster ongoing collaboration: Keep communication open, start with gratitude, and track patterns at home to share with the team. Contact Wendy Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: TutoringLE Explore the Course Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility – Learn the 4 Es and unlock services your child deserves: Click here

    9 min
  4. Listener Favorite: Complex Kids: Navigating Autism, ADHD & Anxiety with Dr. Dan Shapiro

    AUG 5

    Listener Favorite: Complex Kids: Navigating Autism, ADHD & Anxiety with Dr. Dan Shapiro

    Understanding your child's unique behaviors can feel overwhelming—but clarity is possible. In this empowering, listener-favorite episode from our archives, host Wendy Taylor welcomes Dr. Dan Shapiro, renowned developmental-behavioral pediatrician, author, and founder of the Parent Child Journey. Dr. Shapiro demystifies the complexities of autism, ADHD, and anxiety by explaining how these conditions interact and providing practical strategies tailored to your child's everyday needs. Three Essential Takeaways: Discover how autism, ADHD, and anxiety can coexist and fluctuate, explained through Dr. Shapiro's accessible "brakes too tight vs. brakes too loose" analogy. Learn why functional assessments that track specific daily triggers and behaviors are more insightful than a diagnosis alone. Get practical guidance on medication, therapy, and educational interventions, focusing on prioritizing realistic, achievable goals—small wins over sweeping changes. Connect with Wendy Taylor (Learning Essentials): Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Website Cracking the Code Course Connect with Dr. Dan Shapiro: Parent Child Journey Website A compassionate and informative conversation for any parent feeling uncertain about supporting their child's complex developmental needs.

    53 min
  5. Is Pull-Out Support Helping or Hurting? Navigating Special Ed Services with Clarity

    JUL 29

    Is Pull-Out Support Helping or Hurting? Navigating Special Ed Services with Clarity

    Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P and special education strategist, alongside guest Jackie Beach—early childhood expert and founder of Rally Family Support—as they unpack the real impact of pull-out vs. push-in services. Are students gaining what they need or missing what matters most? This episode is part of our 12-week, parent-focused summer series answering real IEP questions with real strategies. 3 Key Takeaways Ask the right questions: Timing, impact, and provider consistency matter. Balance is everything: A strong IEP should support both learning and belonging. Collaboration counts: General and special ed teams must align goals to keep kids connected. Resources Mentioned Learn more about LRE (Least Restrictive Environment): Center for Parent Information and Resources Understand your rights under IDEA: Wrightslaw’s Parent Guide to IDEA Visualize service time: Use this sample IEP service tracker from Understood.org Contact Wendy Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: TutoringLE Explore the Course Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility – Learn the 4 Es and unlock services your child deserves: Click here Listen & Subscribe Apple: The Special Ed Strategist with Wendy Taylor All platforms: pod.link/1639953041 Connect with Jackie Beach Jackie Beach is the founder of Rally Family Support and an expert in early childhood systems and family engagement. Learn more: https://www.rallysupportsfamilies.com/

    9 min
  6. Listener Favorite: Girls with Autism: Why We’re Missing the Signs with Dr. Donna Henderson

    JUL 15

    Listener Favorite: Girls with Autism: Why We’re Missing the Signs with Dr. Donna Henderson

    This listener favorite is especially important because it sheds light on how often autistic girls are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply missed—keeping them from the support they truly need to thrive. Dr. Donna Henderson, a clinical neuropsychologist and expert in autism in women and girls, joins Wendy to break down the subtle signs, the cost of delayed diagnosis, and how families and clinicians can better support these bright, complex learners. 3 Key Takeaways Autism in girls often presents as anxiety, perfectionism, or social exhaustion. Camouflaging behaviors can mask serious needs. A correct diagnosis brings not just services—but understanding and peace. Connect with Dr. Donna Henderson Website Email: dhenderson@stixrud.com

    1h 3m
  7. What Makes a Goal Realistic? How to Know If Your Child’s IEP Goals Are Too Easy (or Too Much)

    JUL 8

    What Makes a Goal Realistic? How to Know If Your Child’s IEP Goals Are Too Easy (or Too Much)

    What does a realistic IEP goal actually look like? In this episode of our Summer Question Series, host Wendy Taylor is joined by Jackie Beach, M.Ed., founder of Rally Family Support, to unpack the “just right” goal—ambitious yet achievable. Learn how to collaborate with your school team, trust your gut, and use data (from home and school) to shape meaningful goals that support the whole child. Because goals only matter if they help your child grow. Key Takeaways: A good goal balances challenge with achievability—aim for growth, not shutdown. Parent-school collaboration thrives when you bring data, clarity, and curiosity to the table. Use SMART goals to guide IEP conversations and create shared expectations. Connect with Jackie Beach Website: www.RallyFamilySupport.com Instagram: @rallyfamilysupport Email: jbeach@rallysupportsfamilies.com  Connect with Wendy Taylor Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Listen on Apple Podcasts: The Special Ed Strategist Or your favorite app: Podcast Link Additional Resources For parents who want to dive deeper into IEP goal-setting and school collaboration: SMART IEP Goal Guide – Wrightslaw Parent Center Hub: Understanding IEP Goals Understood.org: IEP Goal Examples by Disability

    17 min
  8. What Do IEP Services Actually Look Like?

    JUN 24

    What Do IEP Services Actually Look Like?

    Ever stare at your child’s IEP and wonder, “What actually happens during those service minutes?” You’re not alone—and we’re breaking it down. In this kickoff to our 12-week summer series, host Wendy Taylor and co-host Jackie Beach dive into what related services like speech, OT, and behavioral support really look like in the school day. You’ll learn the difference between push-in, pull-out, and consult models—and why asking “who, where, and how” matters just as much as the number of minutes. This episode arms you with real questions, real strategies, and real confidence. 3 Key Takeaways Service clarity matters – Ask who, what, where, why, and how your child receives related services: pull‑out, push‑in, consult. Context drives success – Understanding where and how OT, speech, and behavior services happen shapes more effective IEP planning. Collaborate purposefully – Go in informed, curious, and collaborative—alignment promotes teamwork and reduces overwhelm. Connect with Wendy & Jackie Wendy Taylor / Learning Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Cracking the Code course: https://learningessentialsedu.com/course/ Jackie Beach – Founder & Executive Director of Rally Family Support; early-childhood advocate and parent coach Website: rallysupportsfamilies.com

    15 min
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5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Overwhelmed, lost, dismissed in IEP/504 systems — seeking help, clarity, and support? You're not alone! Hosted by Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, a certified educational therapist, IEP coach, and parent advocate with over 20 years of experience helping families navigate special education. Wendy is the founder of Learning Essentials and a trusted voice in decoding IEPs, literacy challenges, and executive function needs. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or professional, Wendy brings compassionate expertise, real-life strategies, and empowering guidance to help you support the child you care about.

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