Need a quick caffeine boost for your advocacy? In this Latte & Learn session, Karen Mayer Cunningham and Cindy dig into the “dirty four-letter word” in special education—DATA—and why decisions at the IEP table must be driven by it. You’ll hear real questions from parents and teachers on preschool IEP prep, paraprofessional roles, behavior supports, homeschool vs. public school, reconvenes, documentation, audits, and what to do when you simply don’t agree.

Karen’s reminder: if it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen. Teach → test → track → pivot. That’s how we get outcomes.

✳️ What You’ll Learn

• Why teacher observation ≠ verifiable data (and what to use instead)
• How to prep for a first preschool IEP (bring a written question list)
• In-home parent training: when home/school skills don’t generalize
• Homeschool vs. public school: making the educational benefit decision
• What to do when you can’t attend or don’t agree at the IEP meeting
• Reconvenes, offers of FAPE, and using the next 10 days to gather data
• Compensatory services after missed speech/social work minutes
• Who takes data, how it’s measured, and accessing your child’s records
• Classroom placement/continuum when a student’s needs don’t fit the setting

📚 Resources Mentioned

• The Epic IEP (Book + $500 in bonuses): https://TheEpicIEP.com
  
  
• Join The Academy (250+ hrs training): https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
  
  
• Special Education Academy App: Find it on the App Store + Google Play

💬 Connect

Daily training + replays on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham

Support the show

✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨

👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.

👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Academy

📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com

📱 Follow Karen on:

• TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy

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