In this episode, we sit down to pause and listen to Nicole Santiago, M.Ed., educator and founder of Family Addventures (@familyaddventures), as she shares her insight and lived experience navigating the world of special education. From decoding ARD meetings, IEPs, and 504 plans to advocating for strength-based, collaborative approaches, Nicole offers practical guidance for parents and caregivers at every stage of the journey. Her calm, informed voice reminds us that understanding your child’s rights and knowing how to communicate with schools can truly change the trajectory of a student’s educational path.

Nicole emphasizes the importance of building strong, respectful partnerships between families and schools, and highlights how empowering parents with resources and support can make a world of difference. Whether you're preparing for your first ARD meeting or seeking better communication strategies with educators, this episode covers key moments like transitioning between educational stages and viewing the child as a whole person—not just a diagnosis or set of challenges.

For families looking to dive deeper, we recommend exploring organizations such as The Arc (thearc.org) and COPAA (copaa.org) for up-to-date guidance on special education rights, advocacy training, and legal protections. You can also learn more from Nicole’s work at familyaddventures.com, where she provides support, tools, and workshops for navigating school systems with confidence and care.