Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham

Ask the Advocate: IEP Drama, Pre-K Confusion, and the Truth About 504 Plans


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This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham is back behind the mic—and not holding back. From surprise IEP changes to last-minute general ed placements, Karen shares exactly what to do when your child’s services suddenly shift, your 504 isn’t enough, or you're navigating retention, testing, accommodations, and more.

💥 Plus, Karen answers:

  • What rights do you actually get with a 504?
  • Can a substitute really deliver IEP services?
  • Why does your child suddenly not need special ed next year?
  • When should you file a state or federal complaint?
  • Can a teacher just copy/paste the old IEP goals?

💡 Spoiler: the answer is always in the data.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, you’ll walk away better equipped to stand your ground—and serve students with confidence.

🧠 Want more weekly training?
Join The Academy and get live Monday night sessions + 250+ hours of recorded training.
👉 www.specialeducationacademy.com

🎧 Subscribe. Share. Show up. Because when we get it right for the child—we get it right for everybody.

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 [email protected]

📱 Follow Karen on:

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

🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.

📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)

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Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer CunninghamBy Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education boss®

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