We’re back, baby!!!!  Let’s catch up!  In this episode of the Collaborative IEP podcast, I open up about the recent chaos in my life—from back-to-school stresses to personal health issues and preparing to move  Griffin into college. You’ll learn why peeling wallpaper, wet hair, and general household chaos are a reflection of our hectic life. I talk about the insanity of our summer schedule before talking about Jack’s start in high school, emphasizing the importance of All About Me Books, Back to School emails, and regular communication with teachers. This heartfelt, relatable episode gives you a glimpse into my world while offering valuable advice for managing back-to-school transitions.

• 00:00 Welcome and Life Lately Introduction
• 01:45 Swimming Season and Summer Challenges
• 05:20 Health Struggles and Injuries
• 13:26 Emotional Rollercoaster of College Move-In
• 15:44 Back to School Strategies for Special Needs
• 26:34 Gratitude and Teacher Appreciation
• 30:32 Membership Updates and Conclusion

Our focus this summer is to bring you quick, content-rich episodes on special education and advocacy, inspired by our latest product, the IEP Guru Academy. This week, we delve into 'Behavior and Belonging,' part of the inclusion series. We'll explore the legal supports for behavior in the IEP, discuss common barriers to inclusive education, and provide practical advocacy tips. Join me as we navigate the intricacies of supporting behavior to promote inclusivity. Don't forget to share your feedback on this series!  If you like this episode, you might like our behavior series in the IEP guru Academy

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:39 Summer Series and IEP Guru Academy

05:02 Behavior and Belonging: Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion

06:19 Legal Supports for Behavior in IEPs

11:24 Advocacy for Better Behavior Supports

13:05 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode, I wrap up our journey through Part B of IDEA, give you a quick look at Section 1419 (preschool grants), and share a personal advocacy lesson about the power of “using all the words” at the IEP table. I also invite you to help shape future episodes and highlight resources like the Collaborative IEP Membership and IEP Guru Academy to support your advocacy journey.

[00:00] – Welcome & Listener Input

[02:15] – Section 1419 (Preschool Grants) Overview

[04:21] – Collaborative IEP Membership

[05:52] – Advocacy Lesson: Use All the Words

[16:07] – IEP Guru Academy

[17:58] – Final Thoughts & Congratulations

Today's episode is all about the essentials of IDEA Sections 1417 and 1418. We'll dig into the responsibilities of the Secretary of Education, key prohibitions on federal mandates, confidentiality rules, and more. I'll also break down data reporting requirements and how they impact our understanding of disproportionality in special education. Tune in for a concise, sweat-free overview that will keep you in the know. 

00:00 Introduction and Summer Plans

01:35 Overview of Sections 1417 and 1418

02:19 Responsibilities of the Secretary (1417)

03:51 Prohibition Against Federal Mandates (1417)

05:31 Confidentiality and Personnel (1417)

05:53 Model Forms (1417)

06:30 Program Information (1418)

09:45 Data Reporting and Technical Assistance (1418)

13:57 Disproportionality and Final Thoughts (1418)

14:34 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Today we dive into section 1416 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We'll cover the essentials of federal and state monitoring, state performance plans, and how these processes ensure the educational success of students with disabilities. I'll also share some personal reflections on gratitude and how it ties into effective advocacy during IEP meetings. Join me as we unpack this crucial piece of legislation while keeping it relevant and understandable for parents and educators alike.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:19 Setting the Stage for Section 1416

03:38 Personal Reflections and Gratitude

10:32 Diving into Section 1416

12:47 Subsections of 1416: A to I

27:00 Conclusion and Next Steps

Today, I emphasize the importance of acknowledging our 'perfectly imperfect' lives, especially during the busy IEP season. I share exciting news about my summer consulting offerings at a discount, explaining how this helps me manage the seasonal nature of my work and prepare for the fall intake. If you need help making strong cases for inclusive services or specific curricula, I'm here to assist starting this summer. Let's tackle our to-dos together and hit the ground running before the new school year begins.  Then, I’ll dive into the end of Section 1415, finishing up procedural safeguards.   These provisions have a lot of critically important help for parents and are something you won’t want to miss.  As always, I try to add my insights and experiences to help make it all make sense!

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joy, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative care for neurodiverse children. We delve into the topic of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance, exploring how an awareness of these conditions can profoundly impact lives. Dr. Joy shares her unique perspective on integrative medicine from both personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of looking at the whole child. We also discuss practical steps for implementing lifestyle changes to manage symptoms, from diet adjustments to environmental modifications. Join us as we uncover simple yet life-changing strategies for better health.

Dr. Joy Eberhardt De Master

Dr. Joy is a board-certified pediatrician (FAAP) who has been dedicated to supporting children and families since 2009. After several years in primary care, she found her calling in integrative pediatrics, with a special focus on children with developmental and behavioral needs. Her approach is rooted in the whole child and led by the parent, always prioritizing collaboration and inclusivity.

As both a neurodiverse individual and a parent of neurodiverse children, Dr. Joy brings a unique perspective and deep empathy to her work. She values innovative, inclusive practices that honor each family's journey.

Fluent in Spanish and proudly bicultural, Dr. Joy was raised between the U.S. and Mexico. In 2021, she opened Orchid Pediatrics—a welcoming, inclusive practice built on the belief that healthcare should be accessible, empowering, and centered on true partnership with families.

One of the quotes that guides her approach comes from Albert Camus: “Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me.” This philosophy reflects her commitment to walking alongside each family with compassion and respect.

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• 01:10 Dr. Joy's Background and Integrative Pediatric Care
• 02:07 Ashley's Personal Journey with Integrative Medicine
• 07:12 Understanding PDA and Its Impact
• 13:34 Parenting Strategies for PDA and Safety Concerns
• 21:55 Navigating Independence and Communication
• 22:17 Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
• 23:15 Symptoms and Triggers of Mast Cell Activation
• 23:51 Addressing Misbehavior and Root Causes
• 25:48 Personal Stories and Experiences
• 31:54 Treatment Approaches and Dietary Changes
• 35:47 Practical Advice for Parents
• 41:34 Final Thoughts and Resources

On this episode of the Collaborative IEP podcast,  we continue on our deep dive into the intricacies of IDEA Section 1415, focusing on procedural safeguards. We'll explore essential details on notification requirements, prior written notices, due process complaints, mediation processes, and impartial due process hearings. Discover how to effectively handle these procedural safeguards to ensure you are well-prepared for your next IEP meeting. Plus, I'll share some personal updates from my recent advocacy work on Capitol Hill and update from “IEP Season.”. Let's make your IEP meetings more efficient and less stressful!

00:00 Introduction and Host's Personal Anecdote

01:28 Overview of Procedural Safeguards

03:54 Notification Requirements

06:22 Due Process Complaints

10:44 Notice of Procedural Safeguards

14:49 Mediation Rights and Procedures

21:56 Conclusion and Membership Promotion

23:27 Impartial Due Process Hearings

In this episode of the Collaborative IEP Podcast, I’m diving into Section 1415 of the IDEA—the part of the law that lays out procedural safeguards. These protections are game-changers for families, offering critical rights that help level the playing field in special education. I’m sharing why I care so deeply about these safeguards, breaking down what they mean, how they work, and why they matter.

We’ll talk about things like your right to prior written notice, your role in meetings about your child, and how you can request an independent educational evaluation. I’m also excited to introduce something new—a retainer fee agreement created to offer consistent support to parents all school year long.

Join me as we unpack these powerful tools that are here to protect and empower you and your child every step of the way.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:22 Diving into Section 1415: Procedural Safeguards

01:00 Personal Journey into Special Education Law

04:59 Exciting New Project Announcement

10:01 Overview of Section 1415

15:13 Detailed Breakdown of Procedural Safeguards

27:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of the Collaborative IEP podcast, we finally finish Section 1414, specifically focusing on subsection D, which covers the development of the IEP. We’ll  discuss the four essential considerations for the IEP team, including the strengths of the child, parental concerns, evaluation results, and the child's academic, developmental, and functional needs. The episode also explores special factors that must be considered, such as behavior, limited English proficiency, and assistive technology needs. Additionally, I provide insights on the role of the general education teacher, ways to amend the IEP, and the importance of parental participation in placement decisions. The episode concludes with discussions on transition objectives and the involvement of other agencies, as well as provisions for electronic meeting participation.  We put in a lot of work in Section 1414!  Excited to keep plugging away next week! 

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:42 Key Considerations for Developing an IEP

03:15 Special Factors in IEP Development

04:30 Behavioral Considerations in IEPs

08:33 Communication and Assistive Technology Needs

11:15 Role of General Education Teachers in IEPs

13:59 Amending and Reviewing IEPs

29:23 Transition Objectives and Responsibilities

32:55 Final Provisions and Conclusion