I don’t want you to dread your parent teacher conferences. I really don’t. I get it–as both a seasoned special education advocate, and an IEP parent myself, I get it. It’s not always fun or ...

The world of 504 plans can be confusing—what do they actually offer, and how do you ensure your child is getting the support they need? Whether you’re exploring a 504 plan for the first time or trying ...

Navigating the IEP process can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. You know your child deserves more, but figuring out how to get there? That’s a whole different story. Whether you ...

I’m sad that we’re not going to see some family members this Christmas. But I have to admit, I’m a little excited at being able to break some bad habits. Some parts of our family exchange a lot of ...

How does a child get an IEP or 504 Plan? Someone, usually a parent or teacher, has referred the child to be evaluated for an IEP or 504 Plan. That is the first step of the IEP process and 504 plan ...

Parents, let’s just put it out there. Sometimes we are so focused on getting our kids’ needs met (and justifiably so!) that we forget that there are two or three other points of view out there. Our ...

What is the Special Education Referral Process? The special education referral process is the first step in determining if a child qualifies for special education services under IDEA (Individuals with ...

This question is one that I answer all the time. And mind you, I don’t have an answer for you. But if you’re asking–which is better an IEP or a 504? I can at least help you understand what each will ...

The special education system is rigged against parents. It’s not your imagination. It is not an even playing field. Lately, I’ve been feeling very deflated. I have written to several people I know in ...

I’ll admit, when Elf first came out, I loved him. Then I hated him. Well, not him, but I hated how competitive it was on social media. Seemed like every mom was trying to outdo all her friends with ...

To address an issue, they publish what is called a “Guidance Letter.” When responding to an individual, it is a “Dear Colleague Letter.” What they do is answer the inquiry to the person, however they ...