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
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.
🎧 For more free tools, visit preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepared...
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.
👉 Get the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
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.
👉 Download the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
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.
👉 Grab the companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
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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.
👉 Free companion resources at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
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 down (with dates!) makes a...
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 change, or your gut saying “this isn’t the right fit,” t...
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 support starts...
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 thrive.
Not sure what to say once the IEP meeting starts? You’re not alone. In this IEP Inbox mini episode, Monica shares simple, go-to questions that help you stay grounded and informed—plus how to tailor your questions based on what’s happening with your child’s services, goals, or placement.
Whether you’re brand new to the IEP process or just want a quick reset before your next meeting, this episode is packed with practical ways to make...
Ever leave an IEP meeting thinking, I should’ve asked more questions—but I didn’t know where to start? You’re not alone. In this episode of ABC of the IEP, Monica shares a practical cheat sheet of go-to questions you can use at any IEP meeting—plus how to tailor your questions to your child’s unique needs. Learn why asking the right questions (at the right time) helps you slow things down, clarify decisions, and build stronger coll...
What happens if you can’t attend the IEP meeting… and the school holds it anyway? In this quick episode of IEP Inbox, Monica breaks down what the law says about parent participation, when schools can legally meet without you, and what to do if it happens. You’ll also hear how to prevent this situation—and how to stay involved, even if scheduling gets tricky.
👉 For more IEP support and free handouts, visit preparedparentadvocate.co...
You’ve probably heard that parents are part of the IEP team—but what does that really mean? In this episode, we break down your legal rights under IDEA, what meaningful parent participation looks like, and how to stay grounded and involved even when the process feels rushed or overwhelming. Monica shares insights from both the school and parent side—and offers practical tips to help you speak up with clarity and confidence.
Feeling unsure after a school evaluation? In this mini episode, Monica walks through when a private assessment might help, what to watch out for, and how to choose the right evaluator. You’ll also hear what happens when you share an outside evaluation with your IEP team—and how to keep the conversation collaborative, not confrontational.
👉 Find more IEP tips and download free handouts at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Wondering if you should get a private evaluation for your child? In this episode, Monica breaks down when outside assessments (including IEEs) make sense, what schools are legally required to do with them, and how to share results without creating conflict. You’ll also learn what to look for in a quality evaluator—and what red flags to avoid.
👉 Grab the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Yes—you can ask the IEP team to include your child’s strengths. In fact, the law already requires it. In this mini episode, Monica explains why strengths belong in the IEP, how to bring them into the conversation, and what to say if that section of the plan has been left blank. Whether your child loves structure, stories, or science, their interests matter—and should be part of the plan.
👉 Grab the free companion handout at prepar...
Ever feel like your child’s IEP focuses only on what’s “wrong”? In this episode, we talk about how to bring neurodivergent strengths into the room—on purpose. You’ll learn how schools can center student interests, how parents can advocate for strength-based language in the IEP, and why it matters for both motivation and self-worth. Monica also shares a personal story about pushing back on labels and advocating for placements that b...
Worried about how IEP supports might impact your child’s ability to graduate? In this mini episode, we break down how accommodations and modifications are treated differently—especially when it comes to high school diploma requirements. Learn which supports won’t affect graduation at all, which ones might, and the exact questions to ask your IEP team to make sure you’re in the loop early—not surprised later.
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