Former special-education teacher and Certified Lactation Counselor Meredith J. joins Nicole to simplify IEPs and 504s, compare public, charter, and private school options, and share down-to-earth breastfeeding guidance—without the pressure. This episode helps parents know what to ask, when to advocate, and how to trust their intuition.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & who Meredith is (teacher → UAE → FL, mom, CLC, realtor)

02:51 – Why this episode: support for ages 0–5 and early school years

03:56 – The main challenge in public schools: time & resources

04:49 – IEP vs. 504 explained in plain language

05:32 – Writing vs. implementing plans—why teachers feel stretched

06:24 – Inclusion vs. self-contained classrooms

07:18 – How peer models impact behavior

10:18 – Presuming competence: CP/AAC example

11:20 – IEP promises vs. daily reality

11:37 – Charter schools: basics, lotteries, smaller ratios

13:44 – Who funds charters & why “private” ≠ automatically better

14:29 – Transportation tradeoffs for families

15:07 – Florida’s Unique Abilities Scholarship & private-school cautions

15:59 – Checking teacher credentials (“out-of-field” list)

16:53 – Ask the right questions about curriculum & supports

17:52 – Key question: “How will you implement my child’s IEP?”

18:31 – Service Plans: speech/OT in private settings

18:42 – Early Steps (0–3) and FDLRS/Child Find (3–K)

20:23 – Natural environment services & transitioning after age 3

21:08 – New parent overwhelm & trusting your gut

21:51 – Meredith’s journey to becoming a lactation counselor

24:29 – Tongue/lip ties & different feeding experiences

25:06 – CLC vs. IBCLC credentials

26:55 – Advocacy mindset: taking charge of your child’s care

27:43 – Polite persistence with doctors or therapists

28:54 – Breastfeeding without guilt—bottles are okay

30:13 – Why pediatricians and IBCLCs should work together

31:06 – Build your team early; insurance often covers visits

32:26 – Hospital lactation care: ask for fit and comfort

32:58 – Support networks that actually help

33:41 – Take what helps from well-meaning family advice

34:16 – Three key tips: delete milestone apps, follow your baby, start early

36:18 – Evaluations ≠ automatic therapy—get tailored advice

37:11 – The truth about waitlists & being politely persistent

38:54 – IEP advocates and county resources that make a difference

41:20 – You’re not “mean”—you’re advocating for your child

41:34 – How to reach Meredith & wrap-up

Key Takeaways

Ask this: “How will you implement my child’s IEP, and what data will you show me?”

Compare class size, credentials, and supports before choosing a school.

Start early: Early Steps (0–3); FDLRS/Child Find (3–K).

Bottles are fine—line up lactation support before birth.

Call waitlists weekly and use an IEP advocate if needed.

Resources Mentioned

Early Steps • FDLRS / Child Find • Service Plans for private schools • IBCLC vs. CLC overview • School Tour Checklist

Connect

Guest – Meredith J. | [email protected]

Host – Nicole Yates / The Authentic SLP | @theauthenticslp | Skool Community

Disclaimer:

This episode shares personal experiences and general information, not medical, legal, or educational advice. Always confirm with your providers and local district policies.