ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of giftedness with Dr. Kandece Skinner from Pivotal Pathways Psychology. Join us as we explore the misconceptions surrounding gifted assessments in California's public schools, the importance of recognizing twice exceptional students, and how parents can advocate for their child's unique educational needs. Dr. Skinner shares her insights on the evaluation process, what to look for...

Are virtual IEP meetings less effective than in-person ones? In this episode, Monica Trost addresses this common concern, exploring the potential pitfalls of virtual meetings, such as technical issues and the lack of personal connection. However, she emphasizes that the effectiveness of any IEP meeting—regardless of format—depends on preparation and participation. Discover how to leverage the virtual format to your adva...

We've reached the final letter in our ABC Journey, and in this episode, we dive into the world of Zoom and virtual IEP meetings. Monica shares the pros and cons of this format, offering practical tips on how to prepare and stay engaged while navigating meetings from home. Discover effective strategies like screen sharing, utilizing the chat for questions, and the importance of keeping your camera on to foster connection. Monica emp...

Parents are not guests at the IEP table—they are equal team members under the law. In this episode of ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents, Monica shares how to confidently take your seat at the table, balance collaboration with assertiveness, and keep the focus on your child’s needs without letting emotions or personalities derail the process. You’ll learn what the law says about parent participation, what eff...

Summer school and ESY aren’t the same thing—and mixing them up can lead to missed services. In this quick IEP Inbox episode, Monica explains the difference between general education summer programs and Extended School Year (ESY)services under IDEA, including:

• Why ESY is tied to your child’s IEP (not just availability)

• What to say if the school offers summer school but not ESY

• When and how to start the ES...

eXtended School Year—aka ESY—isn’t just summer school. It’s a legal service meant to prevent regression and support students who need consistency to maintain progress.

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“Do I really need to write that down?” If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s overkill to follow up with an email—this episode is for you.

In this quick IEP Inbox episode, Monica explains:

• Why writing things down helps protect your child’s rights

• What kinds of requests should always be in writing

• How to phrase things clearly (without sounding confrontational)

• Why email beats verbal conv...

If there’s one IEP tip parents should remember—it’s this: put it in writing. In this episode, Monica breaks down why written communication is a must in the world of special education, what types of requests should always be documented, and how written words protect your child’s rights without creating conflict.

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Should visual schedules, First/Then boards, or behavior icons actually be written into your child’s IEP—or is it enough that the team “just uses them”? In this IEP Inbox episode, Monica explains why putting visual supports in writing matters for consistency, clarity, and long-term success.

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Visual schedules, First/Then boards, and checklists—oh my! In this episode of ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents, Monica dives into the power of visual supports and how they can make a big difference in your child’s day—both at school and at home.

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Not seeing the growth you expected? You're not alone.

In this IEP Inbox mini episode, Monica tackles a tough but common question: What should you do when your child isn’t making progress on their IEP goals? Learn how to spot the red flags, what to ask at your next meeting, and why “no progress” is actually a signal—not a dead end.

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F...

Progress updates shouldn’t feel like a mystery.

In this episode of ABC of the IEP, Monica unpacks how to actually understand your child’s IEP progress reports. Learn what schools are required to report, how to decode vague comments like “some progress made,” and what to ask when things don’t quite add up.

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Delays in the IEP process can feel frustrating—but you’re not powerless.

In this IEP Inbox mini episode, Monica explains what to do if the school misses a special education timeline. From checking the clock to sending a clear follow-up, this episode walks you through a calm, practical approach that keeps things collaborative while holding the process accountable.

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IEP timelines can feel like a mystery—but they’re actually one of your most powerful tools as a parent.

In this episode, Monica breaks down the key deadlines that shape the IEP process, including how long schools have to assess your child, when meetings should happen, and what to do when things get delayed. You’ll also hear a real-life example of how preschool timelines can play out—and why writing things do...

You can’t choose your child’s speech therapist or special ed teacher like you’d pick a doctor—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.

In this mini episode, Monica explains what the law actually says about staff assignments in IEPs, when it’s okay to speak up, and how to start the conversation if something just isn’t working. Whether it’s a provider mismatch, a sudden staffing ch...

Supports and services are where the IEP shifts from paper to practice—where goals turn into real, daily help.

In this episode, Monica breaks down the difference between supports and services, why delivery model and frequency matter, and how parents can make sure these pieces actually meet their child’s needs. You'll also hear how school teams track services, what to ask during IEP meetings, and how to troubleshoot if su...

More speech? More OT? More minutes in the IEP? It’s a common instinct—but more therapy isn’t always better therapy.

In this quick episode, Monica breaks down why more minutes don’t always lead to more progress, and what to ask the IEP team instead. Learn how to focus on quality, alignment, and student engagement, not just quantity.

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IEPs aren’t just about academics. In this episode, we explore Related Services—the essential supports like speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and more that help your child access learning and make meaningful progress.

Monica breaks down what counts as a related service, how these services are decided, and what questions to ask to ensure they’re not just on paper—but actually helping your child...