The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

The Special Ed Strategist Podcast
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The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

The IEP process and the world of special education can be confusing and overwhelming for parents, teachers, and students, alike. But it doesn’t have to be! Learning Essentials has teamed up with experts to give you valuable insights into the IEP process and the world of special education —and it’s free! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P as she hosts educators, psychologists, and other medical providers who provide pro tips on what to ask, what to bring, and what to take away from your next special education interaction. This is a podcast series you will not want to miss!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in K-12 Education with Rachel Archambault

    In this powerful episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor welcomes Rachel Archambault, M.A., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist and trauma-informed care advocate. Rachel shares her journey from experiencing trauma firsthand at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to becoming a leading voice in trauma-informed education. Learn how educators can implement practical, mindset-shifting strategies to create safer, more supportive learning environments for all students. 3 Key Takeaways from the Episode: Trauma-Informed Care is a Mindset Shift, Not a Checklist: Educators should shift from asking “What’s wrong with this student?” to “What happened to this student?” and adjust their approach to reduce harm, foster safety, and support learning. Language Matters – Small Adjustments Can Have a Big Impact: Removing violent phrases like “shoot me an email” and choosing more precise, neutral language helps create a safer, less triggering environment for students and staff. Safety, Choice, and Trust Build Strong Learning Environments: The six pillars of trauma-informed care (Safety, Choice, Collaboration, Trust, Empowerment, and Cultural Sensitivity) guide educators to create spaces where students can shift from survival mode into their “learning brain.” Connect with Rachel Archambault: Website: www.ptsdslp.com Instagram: @ptsd.slp Facebook: @ptsd.slp LinkedIn: Rachel Archambault Email: rachel@ptsdslp.com  Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Book: What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk ACEs Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences): CDC ACE Study SAMHSA's Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care (Source of the Six Pillars): SAMHSA Trauma-Informed Approach Child Life Specialist Field (Mentioned as a career of interest by Rachel): Association of Child Life Professionals Connect with Wendy: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Course: Cracking the Code

    54 min
  2. IEPs Aren’t Just for Academics – How to Advocate for Non-Academic Needs

    FEB 11

    IEPs Aren’t Just for Academics – How to Advocate for Non-Academic Needs

    IEPs Aren’t Just for Academics – How to Advocate for Non-Academic Needs IEPs aren’t just about grades! In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor breaks down how IEPs can – and should – support non-academic needs, including social-emotional skills, executive function, behavior, life skills, and related services like OT, speech, and counseling. Learn how to request functional performance evaluations, craft SMART goals, and advocate for accommodations that ensure your child’s success beyond the classroom. Wendy shares key advocacy strategies and the exact language you can use in IEP meetings to push for the support your child deserves. Need help advocating for your child’s IEP? Check out Wendy’s course, Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility: Click here 🔗 Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes of The Special Ed Strategist! Share this episode with a fellow parent who needs to hear it.

    10 min
  3. In the Cortex: Primitive Reflexes, Children's Behavior, And Brain Reorganization

    FEB 4

    In the Cortex: Primitive Reflexes, Children's Behavior, And Brain Reorganization

    Join The Special Ed Strategist podcast for an eye-opening conversation with Dani and Paloma, founders of In the Cortex. Experts in neurodevelopment and brain reorganization, Dani and Paloma explain how retained primitive reflexes impact children’s behavior, learning, and emotional regulation. Discover actionable strategies, including targeted movements, to help rewire the brain and support kids both at home and in school. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and therapists looking to unlock a child’s full potential. Key Takeaways: Primitive Reflexes: Learn what they are, why they’re crucial for development, and how they impact behavior if not integrated. Brain Reorganization: Targeted movements can help rewire the brain for better focus, emotional regulation, and learning outcomes. School Accommodations: Tips for advocating for supportive classroom strategies and accommodations through IEPs and 504 Plans. Practical Tools: Simple, daily exercises that can make a big difference in a child’s behavior and learning journey. Connect with Dani and Paloma from In the Cortex: Website: In the Cortex Instagram: @inthecortex_us Brain Reorganization Bundle: Explore the Program Brain Assessment: Take the Assessment Discount Code: Use WENDY for $27 off your first payment of their program! Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @LearningEssentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Cracking the Code Course: Enroll Now For more resources and support, follow Wendy and explore her educational tools!

    1h 2m
  4. Inclusive Practices and IEPs

    JAN 28

    Inclusive Practices and IEPs

    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., Executive Director of Learning Essentials and a certified educational therapist, explores how inclusive teaching practices can support meaningful participation for students with learning differences. From understanding IDEA and LRE to advocating for SMART goals and teacher training, Wendy shares actionable strategies to help parents and educators foster a supportive learning environment. Key Takeaways: Inclusion is about creating meaningful participation and engagement for all students, not just physical placement in classrooms. IEPs serve as a roadmap for accommodations and goals that promote active involvement in general education settings. Collaboration and empathy between parents and educators are essential for successful inclusion. Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com IEP Course: Cracking the Code Like, share, and review this episode to help more families discover tools for educational success!

    12 min
  5. Helping Your Child with Big Emotions

    JAN 21

    Helping Your Child with Big Emotions

    Join The Special Ed Strategist as Dr. David Palmiter, Clinical Director at the Chesapeake Center, dives into supporting kids with big emotions. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Palmiter shares practical strategies to help parents and educators foster resilience and manage emotional challenges. Key Takeaways: Insights into ADHD and emotional regulation in children The power of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for emotional resilience How “special time” can strengthen parent-child connections Practical tools for calming emotional escalations Connect with Wendy Taylor Instagram: @LearningEssentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Learn More About Dr. David Palmiter Website: Chesapeake Center Resources: Hectic Parents Blog

    52 min
  6. IEP Amendments and Adjustments

    JAN 14

    IEP Amendments and Adjustments

    In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor, a certified educational therapist and IEP coach with over 20 years of experience, delves into the significance of IEP amendments. She explains how these adjustments can promptly address a child's evolving educational needs without waiting for the annual review. Wendy offers practical advice on recognizing when amendments are necessary, understanding legal rights under IDEA, and fostering effective collaboration with IEP teams. Listeners will gain actionable strategies to ensure their child's IEP remains a dynamic tool for success. Contact Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @LearningEssentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Explore the 'Cracking the Code' Course: Cracking the Code Complementary Episodes: "Building Effective IEP Goals" "Transitioning Between 504 Plans and IEPs" "Parent Advocacy: Tips for Success"

    8 min
  7. Coaching Teens to Independence with Jane Singleton

    JAN 7

    Coaching Teens to Independence with Jane Singleton

    Episode Summary: Join Wendy Taylor as she sits down with Jane Singleton, founder of Launchpad for Life, a certified leadership coach and special education expert. Jane shares her journey from special educator to coach, helping parents and teens foster independence, build executive function skills, and embrace neuroinclusivity. Discover actionable strategies for transitioning from a parenting “director” to a supportive “consultant,” and learn how collaborative problem-solving can empower neurodivergent teens to thrive. Guest Bio: Jane Singleton is the founder of Launchpad for Life, specializing in bridging the gap between neurodivergent individuals and inclusive workplaces. With a Master’s degree in Special Education and 13+ years of experience as a learning and behavioral interventionist, Jane now focuses on coaching parents and teens for lasting independence and self-advocacy. As a certified leadership coach, she also works with organizations to promote neuroinclusive practices. Contact Jane Singleton: Launchpad for Life Website  LinkedIn Profile  Contact Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @LearningEssentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Podcast: Listen Here Review: Apple Podcasts Similar Episodes from The Special Ed Strategist Podcast: Episode 14: "Executive Function Strategies for Teens" Episode 22: "Fostering Independence in Neurodivergent Learners" Episode 35: "Building Self-Advocacy Skills in Special Education"

    50 min
  8. Understanding the IEP Review Process

    12/17/2024

    Understanding the IEP Review Process

    Navigating the IEP process doesn’t have to feel like entering a boardroom without a rulebook. In this episode, Wendy Taylor shares her expertise as an educator and advocate to guide you through the essentials of IEP reviews. Learn how to prepare, organize, and empower yourself as the expert on your child’s needs. Tune in to discover actionable tips and strategies for building a collaborative IEP team. Contact Me Have questions or need support? Reach out to me: Website: Learning Essentials Instagram: @LearningEssentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Access My Course Cracking the Code: Special Education Eligibility Course Review & Listen to the Podcast Review on Apple Podcasts: The Special Ed Strategist Listen on Spotify or Apple: The Special Ed Strategist Complementing Episodes: Ep. 14: Building Effective IEP Goals Ep. 27: Transitioning Between 504 Plans and IEPs Ep. 33: Parent Advocacy: Tips for Success

    17 min
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4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

The IEP process and the world of special education can be confusing and overwhelming for parents, teachers, and students, alike. But it doesn’t have to be! Learning Essentials has teamed up with experts to give you valuable insights into the IEP process and the world of special education —and it’s free! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P as she hosts educators, psychologists, and other medical providers who provide pro tips on what to ask, what to bring, and what to take away from your next special education interaction. This is a podcast series you will not want to miss!

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