Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

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Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent episodes

April 08, 2025128: Sensory Processing & The Out-of-Sync Child: A Conversation with Carol Stock Kranowitz (Part 1)
What really makes a child "out of sync"? Wendy Taylor welcomes Carol Stock Kranowitz, renowned author of The Out-of-Sync Child, for an inspiring and practical conversation about sensory processing differences. With her signature warmth and wisdom, Carol explains how to identify sensory challenges, how they show up in everyday behavior, and what you can do to help. This episode is packed with aha-moments and activities that bring joy, connection, and movement back into learning.

Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. is a pioneering voice in understanding Sensory Processing Differences. With over 25 years as a preschool teacher, her personal curiosity led her to write The Out-of-Sync Child, which has sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 16+ languages. Carol is also the author of several companion books focused on play, movement, and sensory-rich activities that support child development.

Top 3 Takeaways from This Episode:
Put on Your “Sensory Spectacles”: Carol urges listeners to become curious observers of their children’s behavior—what sensory input are they avoiding or craving?
Movement is the Key to Learning: Small, consistent "heavy work" activities like pushing, pulling, and stretching can help regulate the nervous system and improve focus.
Play Is Powerful: From painting with shaving cream to using inner tubes as resistance tools, everyday objects become magical learning tools for sensory exploration and growth.
Resources Mentioned:
The Out-of-Sync Child
The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun
Growing an In-Sync Child
Good Times with Out-of-Sync Grandkids
Contact Host Wendy Taylor:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: TutoringLE
Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility
Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify / All Platforms
56 min
April 01, 2025 127: Accommodations vs. Modifications—What Every Parent Needs to Know
Confused about the difference between accommodations and modifications? You’re not alone. In this solo episode, Wendy Taylor, certified Educational Therapist and IEP Coach, breaks down what these terms really mean, how they show up in IEPs and 504s, and why getting them right can make or break your child’s educational journey. Tune in to learn which questions to ask in meetings and how to advocate like a pro—without the jargon.

Listen now and take the guesswork out of special education support!

Connect with Wendy:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: TutoringLE
Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com

Need a roadmap to IEP eligibility?
Check out the course: Cracking the Code
11 min
March 25, 2025 126: Understanding and Managing Resistance: Supporting Students Who Push Back?
Why do some students push back against authority, struggle with compliance, or resist help? In this episode, Britt Rathbone, LCSW-C, BCD, CGP, a nationally recognized adolescent therapist, breaks down why students resist and how parents, educators, and therapists can respond effectively. From Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) to executive function challenges, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities, we explore practical strategies to build trust, reframe behavior, and create meaningful change.

Three Key Takeaways:
✔️ Resistance is communication – Students who push back aren’t being defiant; they’re expressing unmet needs.
✔️ Relationships before redirection – Trust is the foundation for helping kids regulate and engage.
✔️ Reframe the approach – Small shifts in language and flexibility can drastically change student responses.

Britt shares his expertise from over 30 years working with treatment-resistant teens and co-authoring "What Works with Teens" and "Dialectical Behavior Therapy for At-Risk Adolescents." Tune in for a deep dive into why resistance happens and how to turn it into growth.

🎧 Listen now: Podcast Link

Connect with Wendy Taylor
📲 Instagram: @learningessentials
💼 LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
📘 Facebook: Learning Essentials
🌐 Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com
📖 Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility

Connect with Britt Rathbone, LCSW-C, BCD, CGP
🌐 Website: Capital Youth Services
📘 Book: What Works With Teens
📖 Therapy Practice: Psychology Today Profile

Further Resources:
Understanding PDA: PDA Society
Managing Resistance in Kids: Child Mind Institute
Anxiety & School Refusal: ADAA

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!
57 min
March 18, 2025125: IEP Service Hours: How Much Support Does Your Child Really Need?
Parents often wonder: Is my child getting enough support? In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, tackles the big question of IEP service hours—how they’re determined, what truly matters (quality vs. quantity), and how to advocate for services that make a real impact. Learn key questions to ask at your next IEP meeting and bust common myths about service allocation. More hours don’t always mean better support—let’s talk strategy!

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1️⃣ More Hours ≠ Better Support – It’s not about the number of service hours but rather the effectiveness of those services. Individualized instruction that aligns with IEP goals is what truly drives progress.

2️⃣ Parents Have a Say – You are an equal member of the IEP team! You have the right to ask questions, review progress data, and request changes if services aren’t meeting your child’s needs.

3️⃣ Ask the Right Questions – At your next IEP meeting, focus on how service hours align with your child's goals, what progress data shows, and whether there are alternative supports that might work even better.

Want more advocacy strategies? Check out Wendy’s course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility

Connect with Wendy:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: Learning Essentials
10 min
March 11, 2025124: Mental Resilience & Performance Anxiety: Helping Young Athletes Thrive
Episode Summary:
What’s the difference between pre-game jitters and full-blown performance anxiety? How can parents, coaches, and schools better support young athletes in high-pressure environments? In this must-listen episode, Dr. Virginia Jones and Dr. Brenna Chirby, two top clinical psychologists specializing in sports psychology, break down mental resilience strategies that help student-athletes perform at their best—on and off the field.

Key Takeaways:
The fine line between healthy nerves and performance anxiety
Mental skills that top athletes use to manage pressure (and how your child can too!)
The parent’s role in reducing stress and preventing burnout
Why social media fuels performance pressure—and how to keep it in check
Growth mindset hacks that turn setbacks into comebacks
This episode is for you if…
You’re a parent, coach, or educator supporting student-athletes
Your child struggles with anxiety before competitions or performances
You believe mental resilience is just as important as physical training
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
The Art of Screen Time – A recommended book for parents on managing social media use
Dr. Becky’s Social Media Insights – Follow Dr. Becky for parenting strategies
Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) – A mental training approach used by both guests
Visualization Exercises from Michael Phelps and Simone Biles – Learn about their techniques
Research on Performance Anxiety in Athletes – Nationwide Children's Guide
Win Some, Lose Most – A recommended mindset for young athletes

Connect with Our Guests:

Dr. Virginia Jones & Dr. Brenna Chirby
Website: Mind Balance Sport
Stay Connected with Host Wendy Taylor:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: Learning Essentials
Level Up Your Advocacy:
Cracking the Code Course – Your guide to navigating special education like a pro!

Listen now: The Special Ed Strategist Podcast
49 min
March 04, 2025123: Brain-Based Strategies for Students with Language-Based Learning Disabilities
Guest: Dr. Jillian Darefsky, Executive Head of The Siena School
Host: Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

In this episode, Wendy Taylor speaks with Dr. Jilly Darefsky, a leader in specialized education and an advocate for students with language-based learning disabilities. With both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent of two dyslexic children, Dr. Darefsky shares invaluable insights into how the brain processes language, the importance of structured literacy, and practical strategies for parents seeking to support their children. This conversation highlights the power of early intervention, the role of multisensory learning, and the importance of fostering confidence and self-advocacy in students.

Key Takeaways
Understanding how language is processed in the brain and how it affects learning
The importance of structured literacy and multisensory instruction
Advocacy strategies for parents navigating the school system
Practical ways to build resilience and confidence in children with learning differences
Connect with Dr. Jilly Darefsky and The Siena School
The Siena School Website
Siena School Blog
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter/X
LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
International Dyslexia Association – Comprehensive research and guidance on dyslexia
The Dyslexic Advantage – Insights on the strengths associated with dyslexia
Made by Dyslexia – Advocacy and educational resources for dyslexia awareness

Connect with Wendy Taylor and Learning Essentials
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Learning Essentials Website
Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Course

Listen and Subscribe
The Special Ed Strategist on Apple Podcasts
The Special Ed Strategist on Spotify and Other Platforms

For questions or topic suggestions, connect with Wendy on Instagram or LinkedIn.
49 min
February 25, 2025122: IEP Progress Reports: What Parents Need To Know
In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, delves into the essentials of measuring and reporting IEP progress. She offers actionable advice for parents to confidently interpret their child's progress reports, request raw data, and advocate for goal adjustments when progress stalls. Wendy emphasizes the importance of understanding legal rights under IDEA and provides strategies to ensure IEP goals are effectively supporting student growth.

Key Takeaways:
IEP Progress Monitoring Matters: Data drives decisions—progress updates should show if supports are working.
Know Your Rights: Under IDEA, schools must report IEP progress as often as report cards. Check your child’s IEP for how and when progress is measured.
Demand Real Data: Generic phrases like “making progress” aren’t enough. Ask for raw data or work samples.
Stalled Progress? Adjust the Goal: If progress is stagnant, request a meeting and ask if the goal is too big. Break it into smaller, scaffolded steps.
Track at Home: Your observations matter—compare home progress with school reports.
Connect with Wendy Taylor:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility

External Resources:
Wrightslaw: All About IEPs
A comprehensive guide to understanding IEPs, including legal requirements and practical tips. https://www.wrightslaw.com/
Understood.org: How to Track Your Child’s Progress at School
Offers tools and strategies for parents to monitor and support their child's educational progress. https://www.understood.org/

For more insights and resources, visit the Learning Essentials Podcast Page.

If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, and follow for more tips. For additional guidance on IEPs and educational services, check out "Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility" or visit our website.
15 min
February 18, 2025121: Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in K-12 Education with Rachel Archambault
In this powerful episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor welcomes Rachel Archambault, M.A., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist and trauma-informed care advocate. Rachel shares her journey from experiencing trauma firsthand at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to becoming a leading voice in trauma-informed education. Learn how educators can implement practical, mindset-shifting strategies to create safer, more supportive learning environments for all students.

3 Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Trauma-Informed Care is a Mindset Shift, Not a Checklist:
Educators should shift from asking “What’s wrong with this student?” to “What happened to this student?” and adjust their approach to reduce harm, foster safety, and support learning.
Language Matters – Small Adjustments Can Have a Big Impact:
Removing violent phrases like “shoot me an email” and choosing more precise, neutral language helps create a safer, less triggering environment for students and staff.
Safety, Choice, and Trust Build Strong Learning Environments:
The six pillars of trauma-informed care (Safety, Choice, Collaboration, Trust, Empowerment, and Cultural Sensitivity) guide educators to create spaces where students can shift from survival mode into their “learning brain.”
Connect with Rachel Archambault:
Website: www.ptsdslp.com
Instagram: @ptsd.slp
Facebook: @ptsd.slp
LinkedIn: Rachel Archambault
Email: [email protected]

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Book: What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry
Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
ACEs Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences): CDC ACE Study
SAMHSA's Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care (Source of the Six Pillars): SAMHSA Trauma-Informed Approach
Child Life Specialist Field (Mentioned as a career of interest by Rachel): Association of Child Life Professionals
Connect with Wendy:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Course: Cracking the Code
54 min
February 11, 2025120: IEPs Aren’t Just for Academics – How to Advocate for Non-Academic Needs
IEPs Aren’t Just for Academics – How to Advocate for Non-Academic Needs

IEPs aren’t just about grades! In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor breaks down how IEPs can – and should – support non-academic needs, including social-emotional skills, executive function, behavior, life skills, and related services like OT, speech, and counseling. Learn how to request functional performance evaluations, craft SMART goals, and advocate for accommodations that ensure your child’s success beyond the classroom. Wendy shares key advocacy strategies and the exact language you can use in IEP meetings to push for the support your child deserves.

Need help advocating for your child’s IEP? Check out Wendy’s course, Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility: Click here

🔗 Connect with Wendy Taylor:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes of The Special Ed Strategist! Share this episode with a fellow parent who needs to hear it.
10 min
February 04, 2025119: In the Cortex: Primitive Reflexes, Children's Behavior, And Brain Reorganization
Join The Special Ed Strategist podcast for an eye-opening conversation with Dani and Paloma, founders of In the Cortex. Experts in neurodevelopment and brain reorganization, Dani and Paloma explain how retained primitive reflexes impact children’s behavior, learning, and emotional regulation. Discover actionable strategies, including targeted movements, to help rewire the brain and support kids both at home and in school. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and therapists looking to unlock a child’s full potential.

Key Takeaways:
Primitive Reflexes: Learn what they are, why they’re crucial for development, and how they impact behavior if not integrated.
Brain Reorganization: Targeted movements can help rewire the brain for better focus, emotional regulation, and learning outcomes.
School Accommodations: Tips for advocating for supportive classroom strategies and accommodations through IEPs and 504 Plans.
Practical Tools: Simple, daily exercises that can make a big difference in a child’s behavior and learning journey.
Connect with Dani and Paloma from In the Cortex:
Website: In the Cortex
Instagram: @inthecortex_us
Brain Reorganization Bundle: Explore the Program
Brain Assessment: Take the Assessment
Discount Code: Use WENDY for $27 off your first payment of their program!
Connect with Wendy Taylor:
Instagram: @LearningEssentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Cracking the Code Course: Enroll Now
For more resources and support, follow Wendy and explore her educational tools!
1 hr 3 min