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In this episode of the Empowered to Advocate podcast, Michelle and Dana Marie discuss the essential green flags to look for in a well-written Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
They emphasize the importance of student-centered language, effective goal setting, and the inclusion of both student and parent voices. The conversation also covers the need for a balanced approach to addressing various skill areas and the significance of progress monitoring in ensuring that goals are met.
This episode serves as a guide for parents navigating the complexities of IEPs, providing them with actionable insights to advocate for their children effectively.
Takeaways
- Student-centered language is crucial in IEPs.
- Goals should be specific, achievable, and trackable.
- Clear connections between needs, goals, and services are essential.
- All skill areas impacted by a disability should be addressed.
- Parent and student voices must be included in the IEP.
- Progress monitoring plans are necessary for tracking success.
- The new IEP template emphasizes child-centered focus.
- Goals should not be copied and pasted from previous years.
- IEPs should balance academic and social-emotional skills.
- Parents should come prepared with concerns for IEP meetings.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to IEP Green Flags
02:19 Student-Centered Language in IEPs
03:09 Setting Specific and Measurable Goals
05:24 Connecting Needs, Goals, and Services
06:13 Balancing Academic and Social-Emotional Skills
07:06 Inclusion of Student and Parent Voices
08:32 Progress Monitoring Plans
09:36 Conclusion and Future Topics
Next Steps!
We’re helping you press the easy button on back to school!
When you sign up for an Office Hours session in August or September for $45 for 45 minutes with us you also get:
✏️ our customizable Back to School letter
✏️ 15% off one future service with us!
Grab your spot by clicking HERE (https://calendly.com/empowered2advocate/back-to-school-office-hours?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMDHUBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp9tZkC5Cv7948InBLyUrNW3n_7M6H_pqh80S7dkSTDAEurShy9BySeu35XdG_aem_YE0evuaPUuKYQMUE1DcuGw)
These sessions are a perfect way to gain clarity and direction on your child's special education paperwork and any challenges you are experiencing navigating the special education process!
29 Aug 2025
The Essential Role of Parents/Caregivers in Special Education
In this episode of the Empowered to Advocate podcast, Michelle and Dana Marie discuss the importance of parental involvement in IEP meetings as the school year begins.
They outline five key reasons why parents should actively participate in these meetings, emphasizing legal rights, understanding their child's needs, accountability, consistency between home and school, and the role of parents in long-term educational goals. The conversation aims to empower parents to advocate effectively for their children in the educational system.
Takeaways
Parents are legally required to be part of the IEP team.
Being present in IEP meetings is crucial for effective advocacy.
Parents have unique insights into their child's strengths and challenges.
Accountability from parents can enhance the IEP process.
Consistency between home and school is vital for student success.
Parents help bridge gaps in communication between school years.
Long-term goals for students are best supported by parental involvement.
Effective communication can lead to better outcomes for children.
Parents should feel empowered to speak up in meetings.
Support is available for parents navigating the IEP process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to IEP Season
01:11 Legal Importance of Parental Involvement
02:49 Understanding Your Child's Needs
04:10 The Role of Accountability in IEP Meetings
08:17 Supporting Consistency Between Home and School
10:40 Long-Term Goals and Transition Planning
13:41 Conclusion and Call to Action
Next Steps!
We’re helping you press the easy button on back to school!
When you sign up for an Office Hours session in August or September for $45 for 45 minutes with us you also get:
✏️ our customizable Back to School letter
✏️ 15% off one future service with us!
Grab your spot by clicking HERE (https://calendly.com/empowered2advocate/back-to-school-office-hours?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMDHUBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp9tZkC5Cv7948InBLyUrNW3n_7M6H_pqh80S7dkSTDAEurShy9BySeu35XdG_aem_YE0evuaPUuKYQMUE1DcuGw)
These sessions are a perfect way to gain clarity and direction on your child's special education paperwork and any challenges you are experiencing navigating the special education process!
22 Aug 2025
What Happens During An Office Hour Session with Empowered 2 Advocate?
In this episode of the Empowered 2 Advocate Podcast, Dana Marie and Michelle discuss the purpose and structure of their office hours service, aimed at supporting parents navigating the special education process.
They outline common topics addressed during these sessions, including:
understanding IEPs
placement decisions
evaluations
compensatory services
effective communication strategies with school teams
Michelle and Dana Marie emphasize the importance of maximizing the time spent during office hours by focusing on specific questions and concerns.
Key Takeaways
Office hours provide a space for parents to troubleshoot special education issues.
Common topics include IEP reviews, placement decisions, and evaluations.
Parents often seek clarity on specific IEP goals and accommodations.
Placement discussions can involve transitioning between different educational settings.
Evaluations can be complex, and parents often need guidance on understanding them.
Compensatory services are a nuanced topic that requires careful discussion.
Effective communication with school teams is crucial for parents.
Office hour sessions are structured to focus on one or two specific questions.
Preparation is key to maximizing the benefit of office hour sessions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Office Hours and Support for Parents
02:52 Understanding IEPs and Special Education Processes
05:26 Placement Decisions and Evaluations
08:28 Compensatory Services and Communication Strategies
11:12 Maximizing Office Hour Sessions and Conclusion
Next Steps!
We’re helping you press the easy button on back to school!
When you sign up for an Office Hours session in August or September for $45 for 45 minutes with us you also get:
✏️ our customizable Back to School letter
✏️ 15% off one future service with us!
Grab your spot by clicking HERE (https://calendly.com/empowered2advocate/back-to-school-office-hours?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMDHUBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp9tZkC5Cv7948InBLyUrNW3n_7M6H_pqh80S7dkSTDAEurShy9BySeu35XdG_aem_YE0evuaPUuKYQMUE1DcuGw)
These sessions are a perfect way to gain clarity and direction on your child's special education paperwork and any challenges you are experiencing navigating the special education process!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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