Today's episode is a replay of one of our most requested episodes. Enjoy!

We are here at the beginning of another school year, and after the chaos of the past 2-3 school years, none of us knows what to really expect for 2022-2023! One thing we are noticing is that a lot of parents want IEPs for their students. In today’s episode, we go back to basics with a refresher about what you should expect, what the law requires, and how you can be empowered to help your child. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

• Why the terminology used in “special education” is important from a legal perspective
• What the law provides in regards to a “free and appropriate public education”
• Why everything hinges on assessments
• Why “student success team meetings” don’t exist in the legal sense and are often a delay tactic used by the school system
• How learning problems are manifesting themselves because of the trauma of COVID impeding the child’s access to learning
• Why the parent’s initial suspicion of a problem is enough to request assessments from the school system
• How there is a wide range of assessments that can be done over several days or weeks
• Why it’s beneficial to the parent to get a copy of the assessment a couple of days before the IEP meeting
• What the law requires in scheduling IEP meetings at a “mutually convenient time and place” (Virtual meetings are fine!)
• Why parents should not be afraid to ask for clarification and explanation in IEP meetings
• Why parents DO NOT have to sign the IEP paperwork at the meeting; it’s fine to take it home to look over with your partner and consider the recommendations (You can agree to the entire IEP or only parts of it.)
• Why parents have the right to ask for an IEP meeting at any time and not wait for the annual one
• Why it helps to provide details to the school about why something isn’t working for your child 

 Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Today's episode is a replay of one of our most requested episodes. Enjoy!

Did you know there are at least 7 different people who need to be in attendance of an IEP meeting? Today we will discuss your IEP team, who the team members are and what are their roles. In 2004, the IDEA was revised regarding the IEP team members. There are now 7 different types of people that are a part of an IEP team. Tune in and learn how the IEP team is structured, who should be a part of the team and what each of their roles are in the process.

Today's episode is a replay of one of our most requested episodes. Enjoy!

We were recently featured on Dr. Karen Wilson’s Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast. Today’s episode is a replay of that conversation where we discuss what parents can do over the summer to help prepare their child for a successful upcoming school year. Whether your child has been in a summer school program or on a mental health break over the summer, there are specific things you can do to ensure that your child’s IEP, 504 Plan, or evaluations are in place for success in learning. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

• How pandemic trauma has affected our children in diverse ways
• Why children can be eligible for support even if they don’t have an official diagnosis
• Why navigating the system can be so tricky for parents
• Why an assessment is the fundamental first step when there is any suspicion of a disability or any learning challenge
• How at-home learning during the pandemic can give clues to parents about their child’s learning style and possible difficulties
• What services are available through an IEP and 504 Plan
• How parents need to handle any pushback for assessment through the school system
• Advice for parents about preparing for the next school year
• Why it’s totally acceptable to give your child a mental break over the summer
• How to foster a partnership with the school district about solving your child’s problems in accessing education

Thank you for listening! 

Links/Resources:

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]  

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

We are in that crazy time when the first half of the school year is almost over. Our focus in today’s show is on what parents should be doing right now to prepare for the next semester. Progress reports are essential to update parents about how their student is doing with the accommodations in place, and you should be receiving these from the school. Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

• Why parents should be getting progress reports on IEP goals since their last meeting
• How a progress report lets you know if your child’s accommodations are on track or need adjustments
• Why the parents, teachers, and IEP team have to be on the same page about accommodations, terminology, progress reports, etc. 
• How the IEP can specify different accommodations for different subjects that middle/high school students take
• Why parents shouldn’t hesitate to check in and ask for progress reports if the school isn’t providing them

Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

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Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Hello! We are always thrilled when Dr. Karen Wilson takes the time to visit with us on the podcast. This is a collaboration episode that will also air on her podcast, Diverse Thinking - Different Learning. Together with Dr. Karen, we are addressing some of the most common IEP-related questions in an effort to inform and educate parents. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Karen Wilson is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in pediatric assessments. She evaluates kids from age 4 through early adulthood where a struggle to learn indicates a suspected neurodevelopmental disorder. She figures out whether the problem is executive functioning, attention deficit, or inappropriate instruction. By evaluating various areas, she can pinpoint the reason for the struggle and formulate a plan for success for the child at home and school. 

Show Highlights:

• Does my child need a diagnosis to get accommodations at school?
• What a parent should do to request an assessment/accommodations
• What should parents do when they approach the teacher with concerns, but the teacher discourages an assessment?
• If I, as a parent, do not agree with the school’s assessment results and believe that something else is going on, what are my options?
• How an Individualized Educational Evaluation (IEE) can qualify a child for services in 13 different categories
• If my child has a private assessment that shows a learning disability, do I request another IEP meeting with this data, or what is the next step?
• How a parent can ask for reimbursement for private evaluations/services and reconsideration for accommodations in school
• Why the federal and state education laws only apply to federally-funded schools, but private school students can still access public school services (i.e., Parents who have chosen private education have not “given up” their rights to public school services.)
• If the school is recommending support that is not evidence-based, can I push back to ensure that my child gets an evidence-based intervention, and what should that look like?

Links/Resources

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns.

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected] 

Connect with Dr. Karen

 www.westlaneuro.com  

Welcome! We are always excited to have expert guests on the show because we like to learn from them just like our listeners. Our conversation today is with Michael Murray and Laura Balogh, co-authors of The Therapeutic Inclusion Program: Establishment and Maintenance in Public Schools. Join us to learn more!

Michael Murray has worked in therapeutic education for 20 years. He started as a paraprofessional and transitioned to being a teacher and therapist working with kids with significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. His experience has been in both non-public and public schools. 

Laura Balogh started in the early childhood field of general education. She transitioned to special education and ran a language-based program until she met and teamed up with Mike to start a therapeutic inclusion program in public schools. Even today, she describes herself as a public school special education teacher who works with kids with social and emotional challenges. 

Show Highlights:

• The purpose behind the unique structure of Michael and Laura’s new book, The Therapeutic Inclusion Program
• Why inclusion often brings chaos and confusion to educators
• The selling points of a therapeutic inclusion program
• How a true therapeutic inclusion program is defined and structured
• How Michael and Laura envision their book being used for the most benefit with the therapeutic supervision model
• How inclusion should take place in real-life situations
• Laura and Michael share a touching success story with a particular student in the therapeutic inclusion program

Links/Resources:

Check out Michael and Laura’s book:  The Therapeutic Inclusion Program

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected] 

Welcome! Today’s show focuses on the controversial topic of cannabis use, specifically for those with autism. The proven health and behavior benefits are mind-boggling! Join us to learn more and have your eyes opened to a new perspective!

Janna Champagne is a special needs parent of a daughter who is 20. Janna’s journey with her daughter included a lot of misinterpretation by the school system about her daughter’s academic abilities, mainly because she didn’t speak until age 10. Janna began homeschooling about a decade ago, and her daughter graduated high school with a diploma last year. Janna’s professional career took her into the nursing field, as she worked to target the underlying physical imbalances found in autism that are often overlooked by mainstream healthcare. This led to her interest in cannabis therapy, and she became a cannabis patient, grower, and consultant working with thousands of patients. Now, Janna is a retired nurse who teaches medical professionals about cannabinoid science and debunks the stigma around cannabis use. She stays busy as an educator, presenter, and speaker on the topic of cannabis. 

Show Highlights:

• The science of the medical use of cannabis in promoting homeostasis, or optimal health balance
• How Janna turned to cannabis as an alternative to opioids when she was diagnosed with autoimmune lupus–and saw remarkable results
• How cannabis helped her daughter during puberty crisis, a common issue for those with autism
• Janna’s experience in seeing unbelievable improvement in hospice cancer patients due to cannabis therapy
• The big improvements in Janna’s daughter due to cannabis use along with other therapies
• What the laws, both at federal and state levels, say about cannabis use
• How Janna started her research about cannabis
• What the research shows about cannabis use in younger children with autism for symptom management, anxiety, depression, etc.
• Why medical professionals don’t know about the benefits of cannabis and don’t understand the science
• Where parents can begin in considering cannabis therapy for their child

Links/Resources

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Connect with Janna

Website

Other Links

Cannabis for Autism Harm Reduction – fully cited with supporting research: https://integratedholisticcare.wordpress.com/2021/06/29/cannabis-for-autism-harm-reduction/

80% reported improvement in Autism following cannabis therapy:  https://satimedusa.com/blogs/research/80-of-children-with-autism-see-improvement-with-cbd

Cannabis Nurse Approved – free nurse guidance:   www.cannabisnurseapproved.com

Autism Safe Haven – 501c3 nonprofit founded by yours truly, mission:  creating cannabis-inclusive autism care resources:   www.autismsafehaven.org

Media Kit Website – contact me, journey summary, current duties/roles, articles, videos/interviews etc:   www.jannachampagne.com

Today's show is a special encore episode of our interview with Kara Ryska. It has been one of our top downloaded episodes and you will understand why when you listen. Enjoy!

We’re so happy to have Kara Ryska with us today! Kara is local to SoCal and has her own podcast that we think you will find very helpful. In this episode, Kara shares how her journey propelled her to become a life coach to specifically help other special needs moms. We’re sure you’ll find encouragement and inspiration as you listen!

Show Highlights:

• Kara relates the story behind her becoming a special-needs mom.
• Kara went from feeling ill-equipped to being a mom of a child with special needs to actually becoming a life coach for other special-needs moms.
• “The Special Needs Mom Podcast” is a combination of Kara sharing life stories, the things that she’s currently learning, and she also interviews other special needs moms.
• Kara shares the differences in challenges between what her son experienced as a toddler compared to what he experiences as an eleven-year-old.
• Building community with other moms or being a part of groups for specific diagnoses can be amazing support systems.

Links/Resources:

Connect with Kara

Visit her website, listen to her podcast, follow her on Instagram, and download her FREE “A Mom’s Guide to Self-Care”.

Thank you for listening!

We are in a new era regarding the perception of private schools, mostly due to the new perspective we have because of the COVID implications on learning. For most students, distance learning is NOT the best answer for optimum learning. We have seen an increasing trend of many students going to private schools, but questions remain about IEPs, reimbursements, and how it all works. Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

• Understanding the terminology: private schools and non-public schools (NPS)
• How private schools differ from one another
• Reasons a child might need a private school environment to make progress
• What the law requires for parents to receive reimbursement for educational services for a student in a private school:
• A statement that what the district offers/proposes is not appropriate for your child
• The non-public school has to be appropriate in the services offered. 
• Why the reimbursement hinges on enforcement through due process–and may not be a 100% reimbursement but might be limited to what is deemed “appropriate”
• Why the law requires the parent to give notice (i.e. ten-day letter) to the school district about placing the child in private school and seeking reimbursement

Links/Resources:

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]

Welcome! Neurodiversity is always an important topic for us. So many people, kids AND adults, have different ways of doing things, and all those ways should be included and accepted. Today’s show features two guests who are enlightening us on ways to create an environment that celebrates neurodiversity and implements the best inclusion practices. Join us!

Tamara Wanink is a mom and the director of Chico Christian Preschool in northern California. Prior to this position, Tamara was a behavioral therapist, and she now enjoys merging her therapy background with the preschool environment. 

Brittany Anselmo is the assistant director at Chico Christian Preschool. Prior to this position, she was an early education teacher with an additional degree in sociology. Her interest lies in the intersection of social services and the ECE field. 

Show Highlights:

• Highlights of the inclusion practices at Chico Christian Preschool
• How teacher training is done by way of knowledge, understanding, and compassion to help each child be more successful
• How all the best tools in the world aren’t useful if teachers aren’t trained to implement them and have the proper perspective
• What makes an inclusive environment
• Practical ways to improve inclusion (Remember that a transition takes time and doesn’t happen overnight!)

Links/Resources:

Find out more:  Chico Christian Preschool

As mentioned in this episode, for inclusion training and resources, visit California Inclusion.

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.

If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

Facebook

Instagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us there and send us your questions!

Twitter

IEP website

Email us: [email protected]