Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham

Q&A: One-to-One Aides, Bullying, Transportation, and Real IEP Strategy


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This Q&A gets practical fast—how to think about one-to-one aides, what to do when bullying pushes a student out of a class they love, how accommodations must be delivered (without kids “asking”), and why “emergency placements” and mass homebound aren’t a thing under IDEA. Direct, clear, actionable—just how we like it.

What we cover:

  • One-to-one aides: When they help (short-term, targeted), when they don’t, and what to teach instead: skills and strategies.
  • Placement clarity: Matching setting to student needs; using the continuum—not wishful thinking.
  • Foreign language requirements: What’s actually required and why it’s often a poor fit for many students.
  • Transportation & transitions: Related services, wheelchair loading timing, and capturing supports in supplements.
  • Bullying & class changes: Why schools often move the reporting student and how to advocate smartly.
  • “Emergency placement” myth & homebound: What IDEA allows (and doesn’t). Homebound is a medical decision—not a staffing workaround.
  • Teacher role in ARDs/IEPs: Be the information portal—needs, strengths, and impact across settings.

Resources mentioned:

  • Pre-Order the Book: The Epic IEP on Amazon (official link): https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637635125?tag=simonsayscom
  • Bonuses: After you order, submit your info at TheEpicIEP.com to unlock pre-order bonuses.
  • The Academy (weekly trainings + library): https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
  • Need support? Email: [email protected]

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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