Special Education Inner Circle

Discover the journey of Sandy, a mom who transformed her frustration with the special education system into a mission to help others.

From struggling to secure an IEP for her autistic son to becoming a respected Special Education Advocate and Master IEP Coach®, Sandy's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and personal experience.

Learn her strategies for turning "no" into "yes" at the IEP table, the importance of clear communication with school teams, and why laying a strong foundation early is crucial for a child's future.

With insights gained from both sides of the table - as a parent and an advocate - Sandy offers hope and practical advice for navigating the complex world of special education. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, cozy up to the quick episode that will have you brainstorming ideas on how you can change Special Education, too!

Join me in the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship

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I've been presenting IEP Workshops at PTAs nationwide and these two concerns from parents and teachers keep creeping up...

1. The "What Curriculum?" Conundrum: Because winging it just doesn't cut it anymore.
2. The Inclusion Illusion: Spoiler alert - it's not just about sharing a classroom!

In this episode I serve up:

• Leadership hacks that'll make your head spin (in a good way!)
• Mind-shifting strategies to turn those "ugh" moments into "aha!" breakthroughs
• Practical tips to rally your IEP team

Ready to transform from stressed-out educators and parents to confident leader?

Let's make some special education magic happen!

Join me in the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship https://masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Grab your free 12 Questions Workbook https://masteriepcoach.com/masterclass

Read the Master IEP Coach® Blog https://masteriepcoach.com/blog/

Contact Catherine with Questions https://masteriepcoach.com/contact

Inclusion of children who receive Special Education services is not a luxury we can afford to delay. Let's challenge the common practice of postponing inclusion until "routines are established."

Discover why inclusion should start on day one and how waiting can be a huge set back for children with IEPs.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or administrator, you'll gain valuable insights on creating truly inclusive school communities from the get-go.

Learn practical steps to initiate crucial conversations and drive change in your school. It's time to rethink inclusion – because every child deserves to belong from day one.

Learn More at Master IEP Coach®

Become a Master IEP Coach®

Are you tired of the communication breakdown between school and home in Special Education?

In this episode, I'm sharing two game-changing strategies that will transform how you handle IEP updates.

Discover why sending weekly reports on Fridays might be sabotaging your weekend, and learn a simple shift that could make all the difference.

Plus, I share an innovative approach to daily updates that not only saves teachers time, but also empowers students.

Whether you're a parent or educator, these practical tips will help you navigate the IEP process with less stress and more success. Ready to change up your school-to-home communication?

Let's go!

Get IEP Freebies

Join the free next IEP Coaching Session

Learn to become a Master IEP Coach®

Feeling overwhelmed by back-to-school prep? I've got a box you need to check that could make a huge difference this year.

It's all about that assistive technology box the IEP - you know, the one that's often ignored?

Let's chat about what it really means and how it can help a child with communication, independence, and safety.

Learn More about Master IEP Coach®

Visit AngelSense

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Did you know that the Time Timer® we all know and love started with a paper plate?

In this episode, I chat with Heather from Time Timer®, a visual timer that's been helping students manage time for 30 years. We chat about the big WHY, explore their product line (from classic timers to smartwatches!), and discuss creative ways to use these tools both in and out of the classroom.

You'll learn how Time Timer® can be included in IEPs as assistive technology, and why we should rethink traditional time-telling goals. Whether you're a teacher looking to improve classroom management, a parent establishing routines at home, or an adult trying to beat procrastination, this episode has something for you.

More Master IEP Coach® Resources

Become a Master IEP Coach®

Time Saving IEP Guide

Find Time Timer® on Amazon

Listen in for an eye-opening journey into the world of Special Olympics' Unified Champion Schools!

In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on a revolutionary approach to inclusion that's sweeping through schools nationwide. You'll hear from Haylie, about Special Olympics' global education initiatives, and Hannah, a Special Olympic athlete whose story will challenge you to dream bigger.

What does an "inclusion revolution" actually look like in practice? How is a sports organization changing the game in education? And why is playing together more powerful than you might think?

From unexpected friendships to globe-trotting adventures, this conversation is packed with surprises.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who cares about building a more inclusive world, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to make a difference.

Ready to challenge your assumptions and see inclusion in a whole new light?

Press play and join the inclusion revolution!

📘 Free IEP Resources

🧠 Become a Master IEP Coach®

📧 Contact Catherine for speaking engagements and IEP workshops in your town!

Hey there, parents and teachers!

Join me for a chat with the creative minds behind Calm Strips. We're exploring how these nifty textured stickers are making a real difference in classrooms and beyond, helping kids (and adults!) with focus and anxiety.

Learn about their simple design, many uses, and why students and teachers are loving them.

We'll also tackle those back-to-school butterflies with some down-to-earth advice from parents who've walked this path. Whether you're teaching or parenting, this episode is full of helpful tips and easy ideas.

Tune in for a fun, informative conversation that'll leave you feeling ready and excited for the school year ahead!

Grab free IEP resources at masterIEPcoach.com

Learn to Become a Master IEP Coach

🖱️ In this episode, Catherine interviews Parker, the inventor of the Hoglet - the world's first fidget computer mouse. Discover how a former tech professional turned special education teacher invented a much needed assistive technology! 🚀

Key highlights:

• Parker's journey from tech to teaching 📚
• The classroom experience that sparked the Hoglet idea 💡
• The thoughtful design process behind this innovative tool 🎨
• Benefits for sensory-seeking students and those with ADHD 🤗
• How to incorporate the Hoglet into IEPs as assistive technology 📝

Catherine shares valuable IEP tips and emphasizes the importance of documenting helpful tools. This conversation is a must-listen for parents and educators looking for creative solutions in special education! 🌟

Prepare to be inspired by how one educator's determination is making waves in the world of accessible learning. 🌊

Send Catherine a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/

Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

Get 12 IEP Questions You Need to Ask Before Your Next IEP Meeting: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/blog/12-iep-questions-with-master-iep-coach-founder-catherine-whitcher-m-ed

Hear me out on why sending a recap letter after an IEP meeting is crucial, even when everything goes smoothly.

Learn how this simple strategy can prevent misunderstandings, document important agreements, and keep the collaborative spirit alive.

I'll walk you through the key elements of an effective recap letter and explain why it's more than just an email.

Whether you're a parent or an educator, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your IEP process and ensure the best outcomes for students.

Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/

Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/