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ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents
ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents
Author: monicatrost
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Description
ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents is your go-to guide for understanding the IEP process—without the overwhelm.
Hosted by Monica Trost, a Licensed Educational Psychologist (#4660) and parent, this podcast breaks down special education terms, systems, and strategies in clear, bite-sized episodes. Each week, we walk through one IEP concept from A to Z—like accommodations, behavior plans, and extended school year—along with real-life stories and practical tips you can actually use.
Whether you’re new to special education or deep in the IEP world, these episodes are designed to help you build confidence, feel more informed, and advocate with clarity.
📎 Free companion handouts available for every episode at www.preparedparentadvocate.com
Hosted by Monica Trost, a Licensed Educational Psychologist (#4660) and parent, this podcast breaks down special education terms, systems, and strategies in clear, bite-sized episodes. Each week, we walk through one IEP concept from A to Z—like accommodations, behavior plans, and extended school year—along with real-life stories and practical tips you can actually use.
Whether you’re new to special education or deep in the IEP world, these episodes are designed to help you build confidence, feel more informed, and advocate with clarity.
📎 Free companion handouts available for every episode at www.preparedparentadvocate.com
59 Episodes
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In this enlightening episode of ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents, Monica Trost sits down with licensed educational psychologist and executive functioning coach, Suzanne Pickell. Together, they unravel the complexities of executive functioning, a term often used but not fully understood. Suzanne explains what executive functioning entails, including skills like planning, organization, and task initiation. She shares insights on how parents can assess their child's executive functioning skills through rating scales and direct measures, while also providing practical strategies for supporting their development.
Listeners will learn about the importance of scaffolding in helping children gain independence in their executive functioning skills, and how to manage expectations around progress. Monica and Suzanne discuss the significance of metacognition and self-awareness, emphasizing the need for children to understand their own learning processes. Tune in to discover effective tools and strategies that can empower both parents and children to navigate the challenges of executive functioning in a supportive and understanding environment.
🎁 Sign up to the newsletter: https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/abc-podcast-subscribe
📸 Follow Monica on Instagram: @preparedparentadvocate
🛠 Need an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, Licensed Educational Psychologist #4660.
Reach out to Suzanne: https://www.primedpotential.com/
Disclaimer: podcast is for educational purposes only.
In this episode of ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents, Monica sits down with Brittany Payne, a speech language pathologist, and Melissa McDonough, an occupational therapist, to explore the powerful partnership between speech and occupational therapy in supporting children’s development. They discuss their collaborative approach, sharing insights on how co-treating enhances therapy outcomes and addresses the unique needs of students. Brittany and Melissa highlight the importance of sensory regulation in communication and how working together allows them to create tailored strategies for each child. The conversation also delves into the differences between public and non-public school settings, the role of support staff like SLPAs, and the innovative outdoor therapy program they co-founded, Nature Speaks, aimed at fostering social skills in a natural setting. Tune in to learn how these dynamic professionals are making a difference in the lives of children and families.
🎁 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/abc-podcast-subscribe
📸 Follow Brittany and Melissa on Instagram: @naturespeakzbayarea
🛠 Need an independent educational evaluation? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for Monica Trost, Licensed Educational Psychologist #4660.
Disclaimer: Podcast is for educational purposes only.
In this episode of ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents, Monica Trost sits down with Priscilla Ngo, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in early childhood. They explore the vital role parents play in supporting their young children, especially during the challenging early years. Priscilla shares her insights on the importance of parent involvement in therapy, the unique dynamics of family systems, and how empowering parents can lead to meaningful changes for children. They discuss the shift parents experience from feeling overwhelmed to becoming confident advocates, and the significance of understanding developmental stages. Tune in for practical advice on navigating the transition from early intervention to school settings and learn how effective communication with school teams can enhance your child's educational experience. This episode is packed with valuable strategies for parents looking to support their child's growth and development.
🎁 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/abc-podcast-subscribe
📸 Follow Priscilla on Instagram: @nyotherapy
🛠 Need an independent educational evaluation (IEE)? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com to learn more with Monica Trost, Licensed Educational Psychologist #4660.
Podcast is for educational purposes only.
In this insightful episode of ABC of the IEP, we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Danielle Gordon. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Danielle shares her expertise on how ABA can effectively support children with autism and their families. We explore the core principles of ABA, the importance of building rapport, and how to create meaningful, individualized learning plans that prioritize a child's quality of life. Danielle also discusses the nuances of behavior intervention plans and the significance of communication between parents and educators in ensuring a child's success across different environments. Whether you're new to the IEP process or looking to deepen your understanding of ABA, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
Monica Trost is a licensed educational psychologist, and mother of children with disabilities. She conducts independent educational evaluations (IEEs) in the East Bay Area, CA., specializing in autism and preschool/elementary transitions.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.
Newsletter: https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Danielle Gordon, MA, BCBA, LBA, is a seasoned Board Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the field of autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Since beginning her career in 2006, she has remained deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families through evidence-based interventions and compassionate, individualized care.
Contact Danielle at www.daniellegordonBCBA.com
Disclaimer: podcast is for educational purposes only.
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of giftedness with Dr. Kandece Skinner from Pivotal Pathways Psychology. Join us as we explore the misconceptions surrounding gifted assessments in California's public schools, the importance of recognizing twice exceptional students, and how parents can advocate for their child's unique educational needs. Dr. Skinner shares her insights on the evaluation process, what to look for in a gifted assessment, and the collaborative approach families can take when navigating the school system. This conversation is packed with valuable information for parents seeking to understand and support their gifted children.
Monica Trost is a licensed educational psychologist, and mother of children with disabilities. She conducts independent educational evaluations (IEEs) in the East Bay Area, CA, specializing in autism, and the preschool and early elementary school transitions
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.
Sign up to the newsletter: https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/abc-podcast-subscribe
Dr. Kandece Skinner is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting students, families, and schools in achieving positive educational and mental health outcomes. Dr. Skinner specializes in evaluating learning differences, ADHD, Autism, and emotional/behavioral differences. She utilizes a collaborative and inclusive approach that honors individual strengths while addressing barriers to learning and emotional well-being.
Contact Kandece Skinner: https://www.pivotalpathwayseps.com/
Disclaimer: podcast is for educational purposes only.



