Special Education Inner Circle

Ever feel frustrated with the words being used at IEP meetings? You're not alone! In this episode, Catherine shares 5 critical language shifts that'll transform your IEP conversations. Whether you're a parent trying to express your child's needs or an educator aiming to build better plans, these strategies are key to simplifying the process. We're talking fewer words, with more impact. Specific statements, not vague generalizations. Gentle approaches vs harsh demands. And trust me, by the end of this episode, you'll be ready to infuse hope into every IEP discussion. With nearly 30 years in the special education trenches, I've seen these shifts work magic through some of the toughest IEP situations. So grab your favorite beverage, hit play, and let's upgrade your IEP experience together. It's time to get everyone on the same page and create plans that actually work. Ready to become an IEP conversation pro? Let's do this! Links to Learn More -  Master IEP Coach® Resources Become a Master IEP Coach® Follow Catherine on Instagram

We often hear about parents being loud at the IEP table, but what happens when a parent is not involved with the IEP process? Use these 3 steps to help parents become an active, engaged, equal member of the IEP process. Ready to become a Master IEP Coach®? Download your free Welcome Guide at www.masterIEPcoach.com

If you've ever struggled with the conversation about 1:1 aide support during the IEP process, here are 3 steps to help you get unstuck! Follow on Instagram: @catherinewhitcher Free IEP Trainings at www.IEPmasterclass.com

Madeline, host of The Rare Life Podcast, shares with us the insights of how an IEP meeting looks and feels for a parent new to the IEP process and how parents and teachers can truly build trust and confidence with each other. Whether you're new to the IEP process or seasoned in the system, you'll want to hear how Madeline is navigating her experiences.  Connect with Madeline:  Website: therarelifepodcast.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_rare_life/ Download 12 IEP Questions Every Parent and Teacher Needs to Ask: www.iepchecklist.com

Different - A Great Thing to Be with Heather of The Lucky Few. Parents and Teachers of children with disabilities know the stares and the isolation that happens when a child looks, acts, or speaks differently than others, but what if "different" was finally thought of as a... Great Thing to Be?!?! Buy the book, Different - A Great Thing to BE, on Amazon https://amzn.to/3j2y7rj Connect with Heather, Author, Speaker, Shouter of Worth, Narrative Shifter: **Email:** heather@theluckyfew.com **Web:** https://www.heatheravis.com/ **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewofficial/ Continue the Conversation in the Special Education Inner Circle: www.specialedinnercircle.com

A college education does not automatically equal quality in Special Education services. Braelan shares simple, yet strategic steps with teachers and parents to help bring more substance to a child's school day.  Connect with Braelan Martin: Blog: t.ly/uQCQ YouTube: t.ly/nGOe IG: @that_special_educator Get Your Free Weekly IEP Training: www.iepmasterclass.com

The word advocacy brings up so many emotions in Special Education, but RESEARCH based advocacy for school and therapies can help everyone find the next right step for a child! Jenny from AAPM will tell you how and share a resource she's creating for everyone! Connect with Jenny:  AUTISM ADVOCATE Parenting Magazine Inc. http://www.autismadvocatemagazine.com Get Free IEP Checklists! www.iepchecklist.com  Need more help? www.catherinewhitcher.com

Have you ever heard that ESY is only available if a child with an IEP shows regression?  If this is new information to you... it's time to become a Master IEP Coach to help yourself and others! www.masterIEPcoach.com

Language Based Learning Disabilities can feel like a mystery to parents and teachers. Dr. Franklin brings us an easy to understand perspective of how to support our struggling learners and document their progress! Connect directly with Dr. Franklin:  www.FranklinEd.com   Instagram: @Franklin_Ed_LA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Franklinedtutors Find his book on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3fgVNG6 Continue the conversation with Dr. Franklin in the Special Education Inner Circle www.SpecialEdInnerCircle.com

The expectations of parents and teachers in Special Education to drop everything for the next meeting, the latest text, or the incoming phone call is real. Now, what will you do to stop it? Get IEP help: www.catherinewhitcher.com

We need to change the way we view and treat Children's Mental Health, especially in our school system.    From Special Education strategies to stress relief steps you can take at home, Dr. Roseann helps you thinking differently about mental health! It's Gonna Be OK, purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ypZlgz Email: roseann@drroseann.com Website: https://drroseann.com/ Get your free IEP Checklist and continue learning in the Special Education Inner Circle: www.specialedinnercircle.com

We're always looking for the next best thing at the IEP table. As parents and teachers, we know the importance of helping a child SHINE each and every day. To make that happen, we as the team, need to get into alignment... I can't wait to share with you a new tool that could make that happen with ease! Explore n2y and Polaris: https://www.n2y.com/ Download 12 IEP questions you MUST ask! https://www.catherinewhitcher.com/freeiepchecklists  

Catherine Hughes was living a mom's worst fear. Her child was taken from her after a bystander called authorities to report her parenting actions. Catherine Hughes did not do anything wrong, she simply needed answers. Her son finally received a diagnosis and their journey to self-advocacy is an experience you need to hear.  Connect with Catherine Hughes: The Caffeinated Advocate: www.thecaffeinatedadvocate.com Amazon: www.amazon/com/author/hughescatherine Continue the conversation as a VIP Special Education Inner Circle Member: www.specialedinnercircle.com  

How do you get a child to become more involved in reaching their speech goals? Erik gives you dozens of ideas on how to use modern games that kids love to reach higher levels of communication! Contact Erik: https://erikxraj.com/ Get the Complete Training and Your Questions Answered at www.specialedinnercircle.com  

Ever been caught in the trap of IEP meeting after IEP meeting and feeling like you're never getting anywhere? Parents and Teachers, Use these 3 steps to stop the endless cycle of unnecessary IEP meetings. More IEP help at www.specialedinnercircle.com

We know that IEPs can't provide everything a child needs for the future... sometimes we have to build our own resources in the community! Continue the conversation as a VIP Special Education Insider: www.specialedinnercircle.com   Amanda Owen is the executive director of Puzzle Pieces, a nonprofit organization based out of Owensboro, Kentucky, that serves individuals with intellectual disabilities. Amanda is also the woman behind Pieces of Me, a blog and podcast that aims to help those impacted by disabilities and other women trying to chase their dreams.  Amanda loves to connect! Find her at: Website: www.piecesofme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecesofmebyamanda/  

Have you ever thought of starting your own Special Education school?   Kelly Weaver entered the world of autism when her daughter was diagnosed at the age of 2. She successfully ran an ABA program out of her home, and after making several attempts at public school made the decision to start a school specializing in autism. Website: www.alcacenter.org   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-weaver-4901ba8   Parents and Teachers, Get Special Education Help: www.catherinewhitcher.com  

First, the school didn't believe that her son needed an IEP. Next, she had to negotiate an IEP for her daughter. Through all the assessments for her children, Jessica found out something about herself too! The COZI app is how Jessica stays organized and communicates with her husband about her busy family schedule. Download for free here: https://cozi.onelink.me/m2Mi/99c0d0f Connect with Jessica: Email: hello@jessicabeaty.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabeaty_advocate/ Connect with Catherine: www.catherinewhitcher.com for IEP resources and help hello@catherinewhitcher.com  

Surprising the "other side" at the IEP table is a guaranteed way to break trust and get off track during the IEP meeting. You must use an agenda, submit parent input, and explore all placement options BEFORE the IEP meeting. Get more IEP help at www.specialedinnercircle.com

Parents, stop looking at your neighbor's child's IEP and wanting everything they have. Teachers, stop giving cookie-cutter supports. Together we can collaborate for more! Ready to become a Master IEP Coach? https://www.catherinewhitcher.com/iepcoachinfo We can't wait for you to learn from Amanda! Amanda lives in Ohio with her husband, is a mom of 2 to Monroe, and Jackson. Her son is on the autism spectrum and he inspired her to begin her journey through advocacy in the IEP process. Amanda is a Master IEP Coach® and proudly serves family both locally and remotely to empower them to come to the iep table with confidence while working collaboratively with their team. In her free time, she enjoys teaching at her dance studio, co-hosting the Momming Autism podcast, and writing for her page Jackson’s Journey, Jackson’s Voice. Connect with Amanda https://www.facebook.com/JacksonsJourneyJacksonsVoice/ https://www.facebook.com/advocateoutloud.amanda.deluca/ https://anchor.fm/amanda-deluca Our favorite special ed law book for parents and teachers: https://amzn.to/3bXSmkE