The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Dr. Chad A. Rose, an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri and the Director of the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab. Dr. Rose shares insights on bullying and cyberbullying, particularly focusing on neurodivergent learners and vulnerable students. The conversation covers effective strategies to prevent bullying, empower bystanders, and foster social skills in students with disabilities. Dr. Rose’s research on school-wide social-emotional learning and skill-based interventions provides actionable takeaways for educators and parents alike. Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Review the Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist Listen to the Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist Connect with Chad A. Rose, Ph.D.: University Profile: Chad A. Rose Bully Prevention Lab: Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab Mentioned Resources: StopBullying.gov – A comprehensive resource for bullying prevention and state laws. Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center – Support and resources, especially for students with disabilities. Cyberbullying Research Center – Focused on online safety and bullying prevention strategies. Related Podcast Episodes from The Special Ed Strategist: Episode 12: Cyberbullying and the IEP Process – Understanding how to integrate bullying prevention into an IEP. Episode 18: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners with Social Skills – Techniques for fostering social communication in special education. Episode 22: Empowering Parents to Advocate in Bullying Cases – Tools for parents navigating bullying incidents involving students with disabilities.

In this episode, Wendy Taylor breaks down Section 504 and shares essential advocacy strategies to help parents and educators secure the right accommodations for students with disabilities. From understanding 504 plans to out-of-the-box accommodations and dispute resolution tips, Wendy equips listeners with practical tools to navigate the special education system effectively. Episode Highlights: What is Section 504?: A federal law that ensures students with disabilities have equal access to education through tailored accommodations. Creative Accommodations: Beyond extended time, consider options like flexible scheduling, chunking assignments, and alternative assessments. Advocacy Tips: Be specific, present data, build positive relationships, and know your rights to effectively advocate for your student. About Wendy Taylor: Wendy Taylor is an Educational Therapist and IEP Coach with over 19 years of experience. She leads Learning Essentials, specializing in special education services like reading intervention and executive function support. Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Website: Learning Essentials Review the Podcast: Apple Podcasts Listen: The Special Ed Strategist Resources: Wrightslaw – Special education law and advocacy. OCR – Section 504 resources. NDRN – Disability rights support. Complementary Episodes: Ep. 12: IEPs vs. 504 Plans: Key Differences Ep. 25: Building Collaborative School Relationships Ep. 39: Navigating the IEP Process Thanks for listening! Like, subscribe, and share for more special education insights.

Episode Overview In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Susanna Peace Lavelle, an author, speaker, life coach, and advocate dedicated to supporting the disability community. Susanna shares her personal journey as a mother to a daughter with multiple diagnoses, including autism, and how this experience has shaped her life's work. The conversation covers the highs and lows of navigating the world of special needs parenting, strategies for advocacy, and practical advice for parents seeking support in their child’s educational journey. About the Guest: Susanna Peace Lavelle Susanna Peace Lavelle is an accomplished author, professional life coach, and advocate for families navigating the challenges of special needs. She founded her mission on helping parents unlock their potential while supporting their children. Susanna’s book, Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism, offers insights into her experiences and the lessons learned through raising her daughter, Arizona. Resources Mentioned in the Episode We Are Brave Together: A supportive community for moms of children with special needs. Website Regional Centers for Developmental Disabilities: Services and support available for families dealing with special needs. Visit your local regional center for more information. Parent Support Organizations: Seek out local advocacy groups that can help guide you through the IEP process. Complementary Episodes on The Special Ed Strategist Podcast To expand on the topics discussed in this episode, check out these related episodes: Episode 12: Navigating the IEP Process: From Assessment to Action – A deep dive into understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and how to advocate for your child. Episode 18: Empowering Parents in Special Education – Tips and strategies for parents to become strong advocates for their children in educational settings. Episode 24: Building Resilience in Children with Special Needs – Techniques and approaches to help children with disabilities develop resilience and emotional strength. Connect with Susanna Peace Lavelle For more information about Susanna Peace Lavelle, her work, or to reach out directly: Website: https://www.susannapeacelovell.com/  Book: Amazon Link  Contact Wendy Taylor Stay connected with Wendy Taylor and explore more resources on special education: Instagram: Learning Essentials Instagram LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor LinkedIn Facebook: Learning Essentials Facebook Website: Learning Essentials Website Review Podcast: Apple Podcasts Listen to Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing it with someone who might benefit from the insights shared by Susanna and Wendy. Don't forget to subscribe to The Special Ed Strategist Podcast for more episodes that empower and inform families navigating special education.

In this solo episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor dives deep into Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the critical role it plays in supporting students with disabilities. Whether you're a parent navigating a 504 Plan for the first time or an educator looking to collaborate more effectively, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Wendy walks you through: What a 504 Plan is and how it differs from an IEP. How accommodations like extended test time, preferential seating, and assistive technology support students in general education. The importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and school staff to ensure successful student support. Innovative tools and strategies that can enhance the learning experience, from sensory breaks to interactive educational platforms. Tips for parents to uncover hidden supports and ask the right questions for their child’s individual needs. Continuous monitoring of the 504 Plan to ensure that it remains relevant as your child grows and evolves. Key Takeaways: Advocacy is essential—parents and educators need to work hand in hand to ensure the student’s success. Uncover hidden supports like sensory breaks and interactive tools that can make learning more accessible and engaging. Regularly review and adapt the 504 Plan to meet the evolving needs of the student. If you’re a parent or educator, this episode provides valuable advice to help you create a support system that truly benefits your child or student. Connect with Wendy Taylor & Learning Essentials: Instagram: Learning Essentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: Learning Essentials Don’t Forget to Review & Subscribe: Review the podcast: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: The Special Ed Strategist Join the Conversation! Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Drop a comment, share this episode with others, and keep advocating for the support that all students deserve. Keep strategizing, learning, and empowering!

Guest: Dr. Christine Waanders, a psychologist specializing in bullying prevention, IEP advocacy, and mental health support for children, especially those with neurodivergent needs.  Summary: In this episode, Dr. Christine Waanders, psychologist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), joins Wendy Taylor to discuss the pressing issue of bullying among neurodivergent students. They explore how families and educators can support students facing social challenges and how to develop effective strategies through IEPs and social-emotional learning. Christine provides valuable tips on identifying bullying behaviors, advocating for a safe school environment, and fostering resilience in children. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of a strong parent-school collaboration and offers advice on how families can find emotional support for themselves. Dr. Waanders is part of the Aggression and Bullying Prevention pillar of CHOP’s Center for Violence Prevention (CVP). Access CVP’s free, evidence-based “All About Bullying” handouts for parents and caregivers at https://violence.chop.edu. Key Topics Discussed: Prevalence of bullying in neurodivergent vs. neurotypical students How to detect signs of bullying or distress in children Strategies for parents to ask the right questions and check in with their kids Empowering students with coping skills and IEP goals to handle bullying Crafting a “safety plan” for children within the IEP Collaboration between parents, schools, and mental health professionals Role of social-emotional learning programs in schools Important Resources: Second Step: Social-emotional learning program used in schools to address conflict resolution and social skills StopBullying.gov: Federal resources for bullying prevention and response strategies  PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center: Provides resources for parents and educators to advocate against bullying Guest Links: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Center for Violence Prevention Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: Learning Essentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: Learning Essentials Review the Podcast: Apple Podcasts Podcast Link

Welcome back to The Special Ed Strategist! In today’s episode, host Wendy Taylor breaks down everything you need to know about requesting a 504 plan for your child. Whether you’re unfamiliar with 504 plans or confused about the steps involved, Wendy offers clear guidance to help you advocate for your child and ensure they receive the support they deserve. Episode Highlights: What exactly is a 504 plan? The difference between a 504 plan and an IEP Step-by-step guide to formally requesting a 504 plan Documentation you need to provide How to follow up and ensure your child’s plan is implemented Tips for working with the school team and involving your child in the process Extra Tips: Always document communication and meetings Involve your child in the conversation to empower them Keep checking in to make sure the 504 plan is being followed and working effectively Connect with Wendy: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Love the podcast? Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or listen on your favorite platform. Keep advocating for your child’s success! Additional Resources Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Understood Expert Parent Training Program  Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights - Section 504 FAQ National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) - Section 504 Information Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) - Section 504 Guidance

Key Takeaways: The brain’s role in anxiety and why neurodivergent kids experience it more intensely. Understanding avoidance behavior and how to address it. The importance of early intervention to prevent long-term issues like depression. Why Listen: This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and professionals seeking to support children with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. Dr. Namazi offers expert advice in an easy-to-understand, actionable way. Resources: PDA North America SPACE Treatment Connect with Wendy: Instagram: @learningessentials Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe Tune in to learn actionable strategies to better support neurodivergent kids with anxiety!

Welcome to Season 4 of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast! In this episode, Wendy Taylor, your host and Special Ed Strategist, dives deep into an important but often under-discussed topic: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This solo episode breaks down everything you need to know about how 504 Plans differ from IEPs, how they work, and how you can effectively advocate for your child's rights in the public school system. Key Takeaways: What is Section 504? Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations in the general education environment, removing barriers to learning. It’s designed to prevent discrimination and allow students to have equal access to education. 504 vs. IEP: What’s the Difference? While an IEP provides specialized instruction, a 504 Plan focuses solely on accommodations to support students in the general education classroom without modifying the curriculum. Eligibility for a 504 Plan Learn about the thorough evaluation process schools use to determine eligibility, which involves gathering input from multiple sources to assess if a student's disability impacts their ability to succeed in the classroom. How to Request a 504 Plan Wendy emphasizes the importance of starting the process with a formal written request and staying actively involved as a parent to ensure the accommodations are implemented properly. Your Rights Under Section 504 Parents have legal rights, including participating in meetings, accessing educational records, and appealing decisions if necessary. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Jane McGuire – Expert on Section 504 and accommodations. Dr. Michael Harris – Specialist in educational law and student rights, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of 504 plans. Stay Connected: Follow Wendy and Learning Essentials on social media to stay up-to-date with tips, strategies, and new episodes! Instagram: @LearningEssentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: Learning Essentials EDU Listen & Subscribe: Catch new episodes of The Special Ed Strategist wherever you listen to podcasts! Podcast Link Apple Podcasts: Review the podcast Stay informed, stay engaged, and keep advocating for your child's educational needs. Until next time!

Alex Williams of The Anxiety Institute walks us through ALL of the essentials when it comes to navigating the complex world of mental health services. You won’t want to miss this conversation and all the wonderful and informative ways that Alex shares her expertise and knowledge with us! Discover more about mental health services in this episode. Main Discussion Points: Treatment Levels: It is important to know what treatment levels are when it comes to mental health services Some treatment levels are more restrictive than others and some require hospitalization Resources: Use the school system to help you test or seek private testing and diagnosis Work with the school system to develop a plan that makes sense for you student Outpatient vs. Inpatient: There are various options for outpatient mental health therapy that range in implications Outpatient is the least restrictive with IOP and PHP altering your student’s day or school placement Support Should Fit The Student Support teams should coordinate efforts to create plans and strategies unique to your student What approach works for one student might not have the same results for your student Start by seeking a list of outpatient providers in your area and in your network Where to find Alex:  Website: https://anxietyinstitute.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-williams-msw-82b70197/  Where to find Wendy:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE  Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney based in Kentucky, joins Wendy Taylor on the podcast. Ashley brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from her experience as a teacher, attorney, parent of a child with Down syndrome, and someone with a physical disability. Main Discussion Points: Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA: Explanation of parents' rights and protections under IDEA, including the right to request an IEE at public expense. Importance of the IEE in ensuring that students with disabilities receive necessary support and services for effective education. District's obligation to pay for the IEE unless the request is proven unreasonable. IEE Process: Overview of the IEE process, allowing parents to obtain an independent evaluation if they disagree with the school district's assessment. Role of the IEE in providing parents with additional information and perspectives for making educational decisions for their child. Effective Reading Interventions for Dyslexia: Characteristics of effective reading interventions for students with dyslexia: systemic, explicit, multisensory, and research-based. Discussion on the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured and cumulative program designed to develop phonemic awareness, phonics skills, decoding strategies, and reading fluency in students with dyslexia. Individualizing Inclusive Education: Federal mandate for children with disabilities to be educated to the greatest extent possible with non-disabled peers. Importance of tailoring inclusive education to meet the specific needs of each student. Misconceptions About Inclusion: Addressing misconceptions, such as the idea that inclusion means always keeping a student in a general education setting without considering individual requirements. Importance of assessing each student's needs and providing appropriate levels of support and intervention. Implementing Inclusive Education:Emphasis on accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction to ensure that students with disabilities can access the curriculum and make progress in their learning. Where to find Ashley:  Website: https://ashleybarlowco.com/#/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarlowco/  Where to find Wendy:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE  Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, we delve into the invaluable role of organizational systems and collaborative partnerships in navigating the complexities of the special education system. Author and advocate Kelley Coleman joins us to share her insights and strategies for parents seeking to streamline their journey and advocate effectively for their child's needs. Key Takeaways: Setting Up Organizational Systems: Kelley emphasizes the importance of creating systems and structures to manage the special education journey. Reminders on calendars for tasks like scheduling appointments and sending emails can help parents stay on top of crucial deadlines. Creating a Child Profile: Developing a one-page document detailing the child's strengths, preferences, and goals can facilitate better communication with teachers and service providers. This snapshot ensures everyone is aligned regarding the child's needs and progress. Crafting a Vision Statement: A vision statement outlines the child's long-term goals and aspirations, guiding the development of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. It aligns the child's educational plan with their future vision and facilitates discussions with educators. Building Communication and Collaboration: Regular communication with the school team, even outside of formal meetings, is essential. Establishing preferred methods of communication and creating a one-page profile for the child can enhance understanding and support. Conclusion: By implementing these strategies, parents can navigate the special education system more effectively, reduce overwhelm, and advocate successfully for their child's needs. Building strong partnerships with the school team can lead to a more supportive and inclusive educational environment, prioritizing the child's growth and success. Join us in our next episode as we continue to explore valuable insights and strategies for navigating the world of special education. Kelley Coleman:  Book: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child Website: https://www.kelleycoleman.com/  Wendy:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE  Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

In this episode, Dr. Matt Zakreski joins Wendy Taylor to discuss effective ways parents can support their gifted or twice-exceptional children. Dr. Matt emphasizes the importance of proactive skill-building and future planning, encouraging parents to take action from where they are now. He also explores the concept of asynchrony in gifted children's development and how understanding this can help parents provide targeted support. Key Points: Proactive Skill-Building: Start taking action now to support your child's development. Asynchrony in Development: Gifted children may develop unevenly across different areas, requiring tailored support. Setting Realistic Goals: Collaborate with educators and set achievable goals for your child's development. Collaboration with Educators: Approach school meetings with a cooperative mindset, acknowledging the school team's efforts. Acknowledging Asynchrony: Recognize and address the asynchrony in your child's development to provide effective support. Example of Effective Support: Dr. Matt shares a successful example of a middle school student attending high school for specialized arts classes, demonstrating how accommodating asynchrony in development can lead to positive outcomes for gifted students. Collaboration with the School System: Approach collaboration with empathy and a focus on finding practical solutions for the child's needs. Start meetings with a positive and collaborative tone, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility for the child's well-being. Maintain ongoing communication and be prepared to address difficult topics multiple times to find effective solutions. Conclusion: Supporting gifted or twice-exceptional children requires a proactive and collaborative approach. By understanding their unique developmental profile, setting realistic goals, and collaborating with educators, parents can create a nurturing environment that supports their child's strengths and addresses their areas of need effectively. Understanding and addressing the asynchrony in their development is crucial for providing comprehensive support. Find Dr. Matt: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/ Follow Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P and The Special Ed Strategist Podcast for more insights on supporting children with unique learning needs. Instagram - @LearningEssentials LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE  Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Review Podcast 

In this episode of "The Special Ed Strategist," host Wendy Taylor explores the vital collaboration between special education and general education teachers in supporting students with unique learning needs. Joined by guest Rebekah Poe, an expert with experience in both realms, they delve into the significance of teamwork, parental empowerment in the IEP process, and the transformative role of technology in education. Main Discussion Points: Teacher Collaboration: Rebekah emphasizes the essential nature of collaboration between special education and general education teachers. She highlights the lack of training for general education teachers in supporting students with IEPs and stresses the importance of providing them with guidance and understanding of best practices. Success Story: Rebekah shares a success story where effective collaboration between teachers resulted in a positive outcome for a student. By working together and sharing data, they successfully transitioned a student from a self-contained classroom to a fully inclusive setting, benefiting both academically and socially. Technology Integration: The episode discusses the use of technology to support differentiation, accommodations, and modifications for students. Rebekah highlights how technology, such as accessibility features on Chromebooks, can offer students independence and autonomy in their learning. Parental Empowerment: Rebekah stresses the vital role parents play in the IEP process for their child. She emphasizes the importance of parents feeling empowered to ask questions and actively participate in IEP meetings, ensuring decisions align with their child's needs and goals. Conclusion: In conclusion, the episode underscores the critical role of collaboration, parental empowerment, and technology in enhancing education for students with unique learning needs. Through teamwork, informed parental involvement, and the effective use of technology, educators can ensure that every student receives the support and accommodations they need to succeed academically and socially. Connect with Rebekah:  lessonsandlattes2018@gmail.com Links:  www.instagram.com/rebekahpoeteaching www.facebook.com/rebekahpoeteaching www.RebekahPoeTeaching.com Connect with Wendy:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE  Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041 

Introduction: Emotional regulation and executive function skills are crucial for overall well-being and success in life. These skills impact various aspects of life, including academic, social, and personal domains. Emotional Regulation: Involves managing stress, controlling impulses, and adapting to changing emotional situations. Challenges in emotional regulation can lead to intense emotional reactions and difficulty in adapting to emotional changes. Executive Function Skills: Controlled by the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Include attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, vital for tasks like focusing, problem-solving, and decision-making. Impact on Academic Success: Developing emotional regulation and executive function skills is crucial for academic success. These skills help in managing tasks, organizing thoughts, and regulating behavior, enhancing overall academic performance. Supporting Skills Development: Parents and educators play a vital role in helping individuals develop and strengthen these skills. Teaching coping strategies, providing structured environments, and setting clear expectations are essential for skill development. Incorporating Skills into IEPs: Incorporating emotional regulation and executive function skills into individualized education plans (IEPs) can further support students in achieving their academic and personal goals. Conclusion: Emotional regulation and executive function skills are fundamental for overall well-being and success in life. By understanding and developing these skills, individuals can enhance their ability to navigate challenges and achieve their full potential. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041

In this episode, we're diving into the vital role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in schools. Join us as we chat with Hallie Sherman, a seasoned SLP with 16 years of experience in public schools, about the impact SLPs have on students' academic success. Discussion Highlights: Hallie's background and journey to becoming an SLP. The varied settings where SLPs can work and why Hallie chose to work in schools. How SLP services are determined based on their impact on a student's academics. The evaluation process SLPs use to assess students' speech and language skills, including formal and informal assessments. The importance of collaboration between SLPs, parents, and other professionals in supporting students. The role of SLPs in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and in developing students' goals and services. Service delivery models used by SLPs, including pull-out and push-in services, are based on students' needs. The significance of transition planning and how SLPs support students as they transition to post-secondary education or employment. Conclusion: In conclusion, SLPs are crucial in supporting students' speech and language needs in schools. Through collaboration and individualized interventions, SLPs like Hallie Sherman help students succeed academically and thrive in the school setting. Connect with Hallie:  Links: speechtimefun.com shopspeechtimefun.com speechretreat.com slpelevate.com instagram.com/speechtimefun Connect with Wendy:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE  Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041