The Collaborative IEP

If you’ve ever looked at your child and thought, “How can someone so smart fall apart over a planner, a backpack, or one tiny assignment?” — this episode is going to feel like a deep breath.Today I’m talking about something I’m seeing everywhere right now: executive functioning struggles that masquerade as motivation or behavior issues. Between advocacy work, school visits, and conversations with families, I’m hearing the same themes — kids who want to do well but genuinely can’t keep up with the planning, organizing, remembering, and transitioning that school demands.I break down what executive functioning really is, why it tanks for some kids (especially around puberty), and the simple supports that make a huge difference at home and at school.Here’s what I cover:• Why executive functioning struggles aren’t “won’t do” problems — they’re “can’t do yet” • How visual agendas and checklists make task initiation and follow-through so much easier • Using timers to support transitions, attention, and emotional regulation • Chunking big assignments so kids don’t shut down before they even start • Helping kids self-monitor and understand what “successful” looks like • How to trial supports at home and then communicate what works to school teamsIf you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. These quick wins can bring immediate relief — and give your child the structure and support they need to feel capable again.

If you’ve ever sat in an IEP meeting thinking, “How on earth are multilingual families supposed to navigate this?” — this episode is going to feel like a deep breath and a flashlight.I’m joined by Colleen, a speech-language pathologist turned advocate who spends her days doing two things most people only talk about: supporting bilingual learners in early intervention and showing up at the IEP table alongside families who need a knowledgeable partner in their corner. She’s the real deal — part SLP, part advocate, and fully committed to helping parents participate meaningfully in a process that wasn’t designed with them in mind.We dig into what actually gets in the way for multilingual families, why translation and interpretation aren’t “nice to have” but legally required, and how school teams can stop relying on Google Translate as a strategy (spoiler: it’s not a strategy).In this episode, we discuss: • The rights to translated documents and qualified interpreters — and why timelines are so murky • How incomplete or software-generated translations derail meaningful participation • The difference between a true language disorder and a language difference • Why proper bilingual assessment matters (and what happens when it doesn’t) • Classroom supports that help multilingual learners and everyone else • Where families can start when they can’t find a bilingual advocate in their areaIf you’ve been feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help families who don’t speak English navigate the IEP process, take a breath — this conversation will leave you informed, encouraged, and better equipped to create a truly accessible path forward for every child.Where To Find ColleenWebsiteInstagram

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s struggles with reading are actually connected to ADHD, learning differences, confidence, or all of the above, this episode is going to feel like a giant exhale.I’m joined by Megan Penrod, founder of Developing Readers Academy, who brings a fresh, whole-child approach to literacy. Yes, she teaches phonics. Yes, she uses Orton-Gillingham. But she also teaches kids what neurons are, how their brains grow, and why a mistake isn’t a failure — it’s a “pot of gold” that helps build a new pathway. (Honestly? I want someone to talk to me like that.)Megan and I dig into what actually helps struggling readers make progress, why confidence and self-talk matter just as much as decoding skills, and how parents can feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. Her approach blends evidence-based reading instruction with emotional resilience and brain science — and the results speak for themselves.In this episode, we discuss: • Why traditional reading interventions sometimes fall flat • How understanding the brain boosts reading confidence • The “ADHD Success Triangle” and where reading fits in • What families really need to know to support struggling learners • Why mistakes are golden (literally) when it comes to building new neural pathwaysIf you’ve been feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure about the next right step for your child, take a breath — this episode will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and better equipped to move forward with clarity.Where To Find MeganWebsiteInstagram

Have you ever wanted to talk to me on the phone while I'm driving? Didn't think so... but this week you get the opportunity anyway!!! Sit in traffic and talk inclusion with me! I've had several friends, clients, and educators raise this question over the last couple of weeks: How much modification is appropriate for a student? Is there a limit, a tipping point, that would determine that a child's placement shouldn't be in the general education classroom? And if a child is accessing GenEd with a lot of modifications, what does assessment look like? I've been asked that enough recently that I honestly started to question what I knew, so I've gone back and read - oh, I don't know - about 4 books on special education that EdD students read, 4 books on inclusive ed, and a couple on behavior - and I came up with the same answers. (And no, while this episode gives a great example of my rambly head, I'm not crazy!)Please enjoy my diatribe on inclusion and modification!

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling all the things—family, advocacy, work, and maybe a touch of “why am I like this?”—this episode is for you.I’m joined by Dr. Angelyn Franks, a speech-language pathologist turned mindfulness researcher, to talk about what burnout really looks like and how we can actually start managing stress in ways that work for us. We go deep into the difference between real, values-aligned self-care and the kind that just feels like another chore on your to-do list. (Spoiler: if your “relaxing” pedicure feels like a task, it might be time to rethink it.)We also talk about the science behind chronic stress, why our bodies sometimes betray us, and how a little humor—plus maybe some “boob ice”—can go a long way in resetting your nervous system.In this episode, we discuss :Why traditional self-care often backfires (and what’s actually helpful)The four hidden stress triggers that make your body go “nuts”How to recognize burnout before you hit the wallPractical ways to align self-care with your values so it actually worksIf you’ve been feeling wired, tired, or just plain done, take a deep breath. This episode is your reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup—but you can refill it in ways that feel right for you.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:08 Funny Story and Weekly Challenge00:52 Inversions and Self-Care Strategies02:05 Boob Ice and Coping Mechanisms04:21 Guest Introduction: Angelyn Franks04:59 Mindfulness and Stress Management07:55 Burnout and Chronic Stress13:37 Understanding Stress and Self-Care14:37 Strategies for Managing Stress16:04 Recognizing Stress Symptoms27:25 Relative and Absolute Stressors34:43 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Angelyn

What happens when the people who protect our students’ rights are suddenly… gone?In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s happening inside the U.S. Department of Education—why hundreds of staff in special education and civil rights offices were laid off, what the courts are saying about it, and how it all connects to the larger story of a government shutdown that’s using our most vulnerable students as leverage.I know—heavy stuff. But stay with me. This isn’t about panic; it’s about empowerment. My goal is to help you understand the facts so you can advocate confidently for your child, your students, or your community.In this episode, I share:What triggered the mass layoffs at the Department of Education—and which offices were hit hardestHow the American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump lawsuit led to a temporary restraining order (and what that really means)Why IDEA and students’ rights still stand—but why enforcement could become dangerously thinWhat this could mean for states, schools, and families in the coming monthsPractical steps you can take right now to make sure your child’s education plan is protectedThis moment in education feels unsettling—but knowledge is power. We can’t control the headlines, but we can make sure our ducks are in a row, our documentation is tight, and our advocacy is strong.If you’re ready to understand what’s happening—and how to prepare without spiraling into overwhelm—this episode will help you do just that.

What if something as simple as a nickname could change everything about how someone feels included?In this episode, I'm getting personal about belonging—what it means, how we create it, and why it matters so deeply for our kids (especially those with disabilities navigating school and community spaces).Drawing from my experiences as a mom, teacher, coaching, student, athlete, and human, I explore the surprising power of nicknames and small, intentional gestures that say "I see you. You belong here."In this episode, I share:Why feeling loved and safe matters more than we realize (insights from my family law background)The "JB" effect: How Jack's middle school team used nicknames to create instant connectionSimple strategies anyone can use: call-and-response, playful greetings, and building inside jokesWhat makes a great coach (or teacher, or aide): my community vs. technique frameworkWhy belonging isn't just a feeling—it's something we can actively buildWhether you're a parent advocating for your child, an educator looking to strengthen your classroom community, or anyone who wants to create more inclusive spaces, this episode explores belonging in a practical way. Plus: Why you should be grateful this isn't smell-o-vision. (Trust me on this one—let's just say it involves a 90-pound black lab and a skunk.)Have thoughts on belonging? I'd love to hear from you via email or DM on Instagram/Facebook.

"School choice" sounds empowering — but for kids with IEPs and 504s, it often means fewer protections, fewer services, and fewer options.This week on the podcast, I’m breaking down what school choice really is, how it’s being pushed at the federal and state levels, and what it means for children with disabilities.🎧 Listen now and learn how these policies could impact your child — and what you can do before making a move.

What really works when a child has ADHD and/or ODD? In this insightful (and delightfully real) conversation, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Schwartz—a special educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and PhD in cognitive and physical disabilities—to unpack practical, research-backed strategies for kids who need more than “preferential seating and extra time.” Together, Dr. Rachel and I explore:Top-down vs. bottom-up strategies—and why matching the right approach matters.The role of executive functioning, motivation, and social skills in everyday success.How sleep, nutrition, movement, medication, and therapy all play a part in regulation.The misunderstood link between ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and perfectionism.Why regulation always comes before academics—and how parents and educators can shift expectations to support learning.This isn’t a cookie-cutter checklist—it’s a compassionate, practical roadmap for supporting kids (and sometimes ourselves) with ADHD and ODD in ways that actually work. 📌 Resources Mentioned by Dr. Schwartz:https://www.additudemag.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopw5WRjHlN6F4NPP_3yz9Np3S-TFVa-gzDpaKdNxVe8pHWnvRP0 https://www.russellbarkley.org https://chadd.org https://a.co/d/16ga60Y https://a.co/d/6L6FdTq  If you’ve ever wondered why the usual interventions don’t always click—or how to better advocate for tailored supports—this episode is packed with the wisdom and tools you need.

We're wrapping up our look at the University of Florida Literacy Institute (ULFI)'s reading interventions by checking out some of the tools they have in their online toolbox. These include a Blending Board, A Word Work Mat, the Decodable Readers, and their training videos. I will pull them all up and give you a Behind the Scenes look into what UFLI instruction may look like. Then, we'll wrap ups til a list of questions that you can ask your child's team to ensure if it is porposing UFLI (or any other reading program that has or has not been giving the official Orton Gillingham (OG) stamp of approval.  Resources Mentioned: Lesson Planning and Implementation: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/UFLIFoundations_Implementation_Support.pdf Fidelity Checklist: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UFLI-Foundations-Implementation-Fidelity-Checklist.pdf Word Work Mat: I used one of these with Jack before I got IMSE trained, and it was magic! https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UFLI-Printable-Word-Work-Mat-Updated-July-2024.pdf Decodables: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UFLI-Supplemental-Decodable-Passages.pdfDaily Lesson Plans: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/foundations/toolbox/

In this episode we're still pulling the curtain back a little more on Orton Gillingham and UFLI's Lesson Planner. We're looking at each step of the 2-day lesson plan and talking bout what instruction looks like. That leads to some really important questions you can ask to ensure that your child is receiving multi-sensory, explicit, sequential, systematic, cumulative, diagnostic, and structured yet flexible instruction. Since I'm trained in IMSE, I provide a little insight into how UFLI and IMSE differ, which may also lead to some helpful questions and insights.

“My child is in a reading intervention… but is it really OG?” If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone — and this week’s episode will help you find the answer. I've had so many schools say they're doing OG when they're really doing anything BUT ... buuuttttt it's hard for the lay advocate/parent to know how to understand what they are doing, and what they SHOULD be doing! That's why I've decided to dive into a popular curriculum, UFLI, to give you nitty gritty examples, lists of questions you can ask, and additional insights that will help ensure that whey they say, "We're doing OG, they're actually doing OG." I’m sharing:🔑 What makes a program truly OG📚 How UFLI + IMSE model those principles📝 The daily lesson structure you should be seeingGrab your headphones — this one’s packed with insight you can use right away. 

New school year, new routines… and sometimes new frustrations.In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down the most common pitfalls at the beginning of the school year for IEP teams—and what you can do about them.From vague “good day/bad day” reports, to scheduling mix-ups, to delays in services, these are issues I see every single year. The good news? They’re fixable—and I’ll share practical strategies you can use to set the year up for success.🎧 Listen now and take one big step toward smoother IEP collaboration this fall.

If you’ve ever made an All About Me book for your child (and if you’ve ever listened to this podcast!), you know how helpful it can be. It’s a simple way to introduce your child to teachers and staff, share their strengths, and explain their needs in a clear, approachable way.But here’s the part many parents don’t realize: an All About Me book can also serve as a legal protection tool.In this week’s episode of the The Collaborative IEP Podcast, I break down why this parent-friendly tool isn’t just cute or helpful—but why it can also be a key piece of documentation if you ever face disputes with your school team.You’ll learn:Why the law requires schools to consider parent input (and how your book counts!).How an All About Me book documents that the school had knowledge of your child’s unique needs.Ways to use it in IEP meetings, Prior Written Notices, and even due process hearings.Practical tips to make sure your book is both approachable for teachers and effective for legal protection.This is one of those simple strategies that builds both connection and protection—and it doesn’t take hours of legal prep to get started.If you’ve never made an All About Me book, this episode will inspire you to start. And if you already have one, I’ll show you how to use it strategically so it does double duty: welcoming your child’s team and protecting your child’s rights.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:13 The Importance of Legal Rights in IEPs01:39 Personal Anecdotes and Back-to-School Chaos04:57 All About Me Books: A Legal Perspective07:05 Creating Effective All About Me Books17:43 Practical Legal Uses and Documentation25:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

We’re back, baby!!!!  Let’s catch up!  In this episode of the Collaborative IEP podcast, I open up about the recent chaos in my life—from back-to-school stresses to personal health issues and preparing to move  Griffin into college. You’ll learn why peeling wallpaper, wet hair, and general household chaos are a reflection of our hectic life. I talk about the insanity of our summer schedule before talking about Jack’s start in high school, emphasizing the importance of All About Me Books, Back to School emails, and regular communication with teachers. This heartfelt, relatable episode gives you a glimpse into my world while offering valuable advice for managing back-to-school transitions.00:00 Welcome and Life Lately Introduction01:45 Swimming Season and Summer Challenges05:20 Health Struggles and Injuries13:26 Emotional Rollercoaster of College Move-In15:44 Back to School Strategies for Special Needs26:34 Gratitude and Teacher Appreciation30:32 Membership Updates and Conclusion

Our focus this summer is to bring you quick, content-rich episodes on special education and advocacy, inspired by our latest product, the IEP Guru Academy. This week, we delve into 'Behavior and Belonging,' part of the inclusion series. We'll explore the legal supports for behavior in the IEP, discuss common barriers to inclusive education, and provide practical advocacy tips. Join me as we navigate the intricacies of supporting behavior to promote inclusivity. Don't forget to share your feedback on this series!  If you like this episode, you might like our behavior series in the IEP guru Academy00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:39 Summer Series and IEP Guru Academy05:02 Behavior and Belonging: Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion06:19 Legal Supports for Behavior in IEPs11:24 Advocacy for Better Behavior Supports13:05 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode, I wrap up our journey through Part B of IDEA, give you a quick look at Section 1419 (preschool grants), and share a personal advocacy lesson about the power of “using all the words” at the IEP table. I also invite you to help shape future episodes and highlight resources like the Collaborative IEP Membership and IEP Guru Academy to support your advocacy journey.[00:00] – Welcome & Listener Input[02:15] – Section 1419 (Preschool Grants) Overview[04:21] – Collaborative IEP Membership[05:52] – Advocacy Lesson: Use All the Words[16:07] – IEP Guru Academy[17:58] – Final Thoughts & Congratulations

Today's episode is all about the essentials of IDEA Sections 1417 and 1418. We'll dig into the responsibilities of the Secretary of Education, key prohibitions on federal mandates, confidentiality rules, and more. I'll also break down data reporting requirements and how they impact our understanding of disproportionality in special education. Tune in for a concise, sweat-free overview that will keep you in the know. 00:00 Introduction and Summer Plans01:35 Overview of Sections 1417 and 141802:19 Responsibilities of the Secretary (1417)03:51 Prohibition Against Federal Mandates (1417)05:31 Confidentiality and Personnel (1417)05:53 Model Forms (1417)06:30 Program Information (1418)09:45 Data Reporting and Technical Assistance (1418)13:57 Disproportionality and Final Thoughts (1418)14:34 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Today we dive into section 1416 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We'll cover the essentials of federal and state monitoring, state performance plans, and how these processes ensure the educational success of students with disabilities. I'll also share some personal reflections on gratitude and how it ties into effective advocacy during IEP meetings. Join me as we unpack this crucial piece of legislation while keeping it relevant and understandable for parents and educators alike.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:19 Setting the Stage for Section 141603:38 Personal Reflections and Gratitude10:32 Diving into Section 141612:47 Subsections of 1416: A to I27:00 Conclusion and Next Steps

Today, I emphasize the importance of acknowledging our 'perfectly imperfect' lives, especially during the busy IEP season. I share exciting news about my summer consulting offerings at a discount, explaining how this helps me manage the seasonal nature of my work and prepare for the fall intake. If you need help making strong cases for inclusive services or specific curricula, I'm here to assist starting this summer. Let's tackle our to-dos together and hit the ground running before the new school year begins.  Then, I’ll dive into the end of Section 1415, finishing up procedural safeguards.   These provisions have a lot of critically important help for parents and are something you won’t want to miss.  As always, I try to add my insights and experiences to help make it all make sense!