ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents
ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents is your go-to guide for understanding the IEP process—without the overwhelm. Hosted by Monica Trost, a Licensed Educational Psychologist (#4660) and parent, this podcast breaks down special education terms, systems, and strategies in clear, bite-sized episodes. Each week, we walk through one IEP concept from A to Z—like accommodations, behavior plans, and extended school year—along with real-life stories and practical tips you can actually use. Whether you’re new to special education or deep in the IEP world, these episodes are designed to help you build confidence, feel more informed, and advocate with clarity. 📎 Free companion handouts available for every episode at www.preparedparentadvocate.com
Episodes
You know your child best—so can you bring your own IEP goals to the table? In this episode, we walk through how parents can meaningfully shape goal development, what to avoid when suggesting pre-written goals, and how to frame your input so the team is more likely to listen. ✨ Download the free handout with sample phrases and ideas for contributing to your child’s goals in a collaborative, effective way. www.preparedparentadvocate....
Thanks for listening to the podcast. I hope the resources have been helpful to everyone, whether this is the start of your IEP journey or if you’ve been in it for a while. I just wanted to let everyone know that I do offer courses, in-person and online, to help families learn advocacy skills and get support in real time. You can learn more here:
https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/workshops-and-talks
Don’t forget to follow on...
IEP goals are more than just paperwork—they’re the roadmap for your child’s progress. In this episode, we break down what makes a goal strong, how to tell if it’s truly measurable, and why so many goals still feel vague or generic. You’ll hear a personal story that highlights how confusing this can be for families—and learn what questions to ask so you feel confident, not lost, when it comes to your child’s plan. ✨ Don’t forget to ...
Not meeting IEP goals doesn’t automatically mean the school is violating FAPE—but it is a red flag. In this episode, we unpack what schools are legally required to do, when lack of progress becomes a concern, and how to respond with clarity and calm. Learn what questions to ask, how to push for changes, and when it’s time to request more data or support. ✨ Grab the free handout with questions to bring to your next IEP meeting and n...
IEP Inbox: “What If the School Says No to Evaluating My Child?” How to Respond—and What the Law Says
If you’ve been told “no” when asking for your child to be evaluated, you’re not out of options. In this mini episode, we walk through your legal rights, why schools sometimes say no, and exactly how to respond in writing. You’ll learn how to document your concerns, request Prior Written Notice, and keep the process moving forward. ✨ Download the free handout with language you can use and next steps to take if your request is denied...
If you’ve handed over a private autism report only to hear, “We’ll do our own testing,” you’re not alone—and you’re not being dismissed. In this mini episode, we break down why schools are legally required to do their own evaluations, how medical and school criteria differ, and how to use your outside diagnosis as a strategic part of the process. ✨ Grab the free handout with key takeaways and parent-friendly language you can use in...
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is one of the most important—and misunderstood—concepts in special education. In this episode, we break down what FAPE really means, what schools must provide, and what they’re notrequired to do. I also share a personal story from my child’s IEP and how a well-worded letter turned things around. ✨ Download the free handout for quick reminders and reflection prompts.
What counts as an accommodation? In this first episode, I break down the role of accommodations, how they support students without lowering expectations, and how to tell if they’re actually helping.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
If you're wondering how to get your child evaluated for special education—or what happens after you do—this episode walks you through the entire process. From timelines and assessment types to your legal rights and how to make your voice count, you'll get a clear roadmap so you can feel more confident and prepared. ✨ Don’t forget to download the free handout with key takeaways and next steps.
You finally get a diagnosis—and then the school says your child doesn’t qualify? Let’s talk about it. In this episode, we unpack the difference between medical diagnoses and school-based eligibility, walk through the 13 IDEA categories, and explain why educational impact is the key to qualifying for special education. If you’ve ever felt confused or frustrated by the IEP eligibility process, this one’s for you.
If you’ve ever felt like school communication is inconsistent or unclear, you’re not alone. In this mini episode, we look at why communication breakdowns happen—and what you can do to gently open the lines. From asking for a point person to suggesting simple check-ins, you’ll walk away with practical, collaborative ways to stay connected. ✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedpa...
What do schools mean when they say “behavior”? In this episode, we unpack what qualifies as a concern, when a formal plan might help, and what a strong Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) actually includes. Plus, a parent story and key questions to ask at your next IEP meeting.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
If you’ve ever been told your child doesn’t need accommodations—but your gut says otherwise—this one’s for you. In this quick Q&A episode, I’m breaking down why schools sometimes say no, what to ask in response, and how to share what you’re seeing at home.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://ww...
If you’re worried your child is being seen only for their challenges—not their strengths—you’re not alone. In this short episode, I’m sharing what to ask, how to shift the conversation, and ways to advocate without conflict. This one blends personal reflection with practical, calm guidance.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
When communication breaks down, the IEP process can too. In this episode, we look at what strong communication really means between parents and school teams, where things tend to fall apart, and how to stay connected without constant conflict.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p...
What counts as an accommodation? In this first episode, I break down the role of accommodations, how they support students without lowering expectations, and how to tell if they’re actually helping.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
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