Transitioning from elementary to middle school is a big IEP deal, friends. There are so many decisions to navigate that it can leave parents feeling totally overwhelmed. But in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing insights from a mom I'm coaching through this process. You'll hear how she's ensuring she can observe the proposed middle school placement, how she's getting crucial supports and services documented, and how she's customizing that Special Education Extended School Year program. Whether you're a parent or an educator, this episode is packed with real-talk tips to create a smooth middle school transition - because let's be real, lockers, switching classes, and changing into gym uniforms add a whole new layer of complexity! Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinewhitcher/ Learn More About Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/ Get 12 IEP Questions You Need to Ask Before Your Next IEP Meeting: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/blog/12-iep-questions-with-master-iep-coach-founder-catherine-whitcher-m-ed

It is to have certain non-negotiables in place for every child's IEP. Because let's face it - not every school day is sunshine and rainbows. There will be those chaotic, hectic, downright bad days where nothing seems to go right. Listen in and then start the conversation with your IEP team to find the non-negotiables ASAP! Because when the wheels come off, at least you'll know every child will be able to access their day. Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/ Join the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Are you feeling straight-up depleted from your IEP and special education struggles? Waking up in a full-body cringe over the challenges you're facing? It doesn't have to be this way! The school year isn't over and you can still turn things around in a major way. On this episode, I'll walk you through getting super honest with the three biggest obstacles that are blocking your joy and progress. This is the insight and fire you need to create the changes you need before the last day of school! Get My Favorite 12 IEP Questions You Need to Ask, before your next IEP meeting. Reach out for help inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship

Sometimes I get scared to call myself a "special needs sibling" or talk about what "inclusion" looked like for my brother who thrived in a private therapeutic day school. If you've ever filtered yourself and the words you say because you're worried about what the "loud" people might say to you... this episode is for you. Get more IEP resources at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

🟢 I just finished recording an IEP workshop for a National Autism Organisation. Here's your sneak peek of 3 Green Flags I'm helping parents find inside their child's classroom. Teachers, if you've got these 3 things... celebrate! Parents, if you see these 3 things... breathe a sigh of relief! If you don't have these 3 things, it's time for us to work together. Learn More: www.masteriepcoach.com

Please stop saying "Let's put that in the parking lot" during IEP meetings! Instead bring these 3 essential strategies to your next IEP meeting and help everyone know their expertise and perspectives are a priority. Learn More and Get Your 12 IEP Questions at: www.masteriepcoach.com

When is the last time you paused, reflected, and SHARED your wins? Not just the big wins, but the little wins that are so important to you and all the things you are doing. Take a few minutes to listen to this episode and then send me a message on IG to tell me your latest win. 🎉I want to celebrate with you! Check out the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship here.

What's better than a checklist when it comes to remembering all the things you need to do inside the Special Education system? Your own system! Special Education Teachers and Parents, You can swipe my system for your biggest Special Education struggles when you join us inside the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Find the next Mentorship date and more resources at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

🛑 Ever seen the phrase: "Visual Supports" inside of your child's or student's IEP? 🖇Learn why you need to change that phrase and how to use visual supports that grow with a child to build independence. ✨Connect with Molly Johnson https://www.theautismconsultant.us https://www.instagram.com/theautismconsultant/ 🔥Learn about the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

Could you be a Master IEP Coach® and do you have to fight at the IEP table? I'll share with you 7 VERY different reasons why parents, teachers, admins, and therapists chose to become Master IEP Coaches® and change the outcomes in Special Education. Get my favorite 12 IEP questions and learn more about becoming a Master IEP Coach® at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/info

I've been using this list of 12 IEP questions for over a decade and I want you to have it! Use these questions before, during, and after your IEP meeting to work together and change Special Education. Download the 12 IEP Questions Guidebook here. Learn how to become a Master IEP Coach® here.

Hey there 👋 I just wrapped up a training for Master IEP Coaches and wanted to share some major aha moments from the session - straight from the perspective of NEW Master IEP Coaches®! 💡 The first big takeaway was getting general education teachers more involved in the IEP process. 👩‍🏫 Often there's a divide between gen ed and special ed in schools. It doesn't have to be that way! Inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship we cover specific strategies to break down those walls and get all teachers invested in all kids' success. The second aha was about preventing IEP burnout and boundaries. 😴 Sometimes IEPs get overloaded with a gazillion goals and strategies leaving no room for organic learning or relationships. Learning how to prioritize goals, let some go, and structure the day so teachers and students aren't just box-checking but actually making progress on the most important goals is critical. 🎯 This creates a domino effect to hit milestones without burnout. The third big takeaway was you can include a home-school communication plan right in the IEP. 🏡👩‍🏫 No more back and forth about how much contact parents and teachers should have! We cover how to decide the minimum communication needed and get it documented so there's no confusion year to year. We can meet kids' needs and respect teachers' boundaries - it's possible! ✅ I hope these highlights get you excited to join our next Master IEP Coach cohort! Just click the link to learn more. Let's get ALL members of the IEP team working together to give all kids the education they need to be prepared for the future! 🙌 Join the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship Here

Before you jump into "fix it" mode when you see things going wrong with an IEP, ask yourself these 5 questions! Special Education Teachers and Parents, When you slow down and ask these 5 questions you can get out of the cycle of IEP struggles and band-aid fixes. Learn More IEP Strategies at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

Tired of fighting through the IEP process and feeling like you get peanuts for your child or your students? Let me show you 3 steps to help you get MORE without activating your "fight or flight" response every time you step into an IEP meeting. Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

👋 Let’s chat about what’s IN and OUT for IEP Meetings in 2024.✨ * Parent Input Statements: In: 😍 Beautifully crafted statements showing a parent’s vision AND incorporating their priorities throughout the IEP Out: 🚫 Generic "no concerns at this time" * IEP drafts and reports: In: 📝 Sharing documents ahead of time, with open communication for questions and collaboration Out: 🙅‍♀️ Surprises and reading reports word-for-word at the meeting * ESY (Extended School Year): In: 🎯 Customized programming based on individual needs Out: 🍪 Cookie cutter summer school approach focused only on regression 🙌 Special Education Teachers and Parents - Ready to become the idea bringer, solution finder, and team builder at the IEP table? Join me for the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship - starting soon! Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

This year, give yourself permission to stop what's not working at the IEP table and simplify the process to get better results. 1. First, stop signing paperwork you don't fully understand. Never assume. Ask questions until you're 100% clear. Teachers, know what you're responsible for if your name is on it. 2. Next, stop thinking more volume means more value. Quality over quantity! Core, focused goals create a domino effect of progress. 3. Finally, stop comparing your child's IEP or your classroom to others. You know what's best - don't let other opinions make you feel shame. Do what's right for your family or classroom. Want to take your IEP skills up a notch in the new year? Check out the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. In just 30 days, you'll become an expert at getting more IEP results with less conflict. Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

What are we going to do about staff shortages, technology, and ugly threats at the IEP table? Tune in to find out what solutions you can use starting immediately at your own IEP table! Get More Master IEP Coach® Resources Here Learn How to Become a Master IEP Coach® Here

You've got a lot of resources to choose from when it comes to getting results in Special Education - I'm sharing the resources I LOVE! Delight Station: An app providing streaming educational content for adults and students with disabilities. https://delightstation.us/ Coupon Codes: INNERCIRCLE - good for 25% off for 3 months if a user selects a monthly subscription INNERCIRCLEYEAR - good for 25% off a yearly subscription Slant System: Reading curriculum. https://www.slantsystem.com/ Save $100 with code: GIFT2YOU Frenalytics: An app for skill mastery. http://frenalytics.com/ ForBrain: A tool for auditory processing and speech development. https://www.forbrain.com/?utm_id=MasterIEP 10% discount with link Tracked Learning: A web-based app for teachers to help students work on and track IEP goals. http://trackedlearning.com/ Calm Strips: Textured strips for sensory support. https://calmstrips.com/ Seven Super Powers (Dr. Maria Gilmore): A positive behavior support book for parents and teachers. Grab the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tfpOzM Hoglet: A computer mouse designed for sensory input. Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NNosDJ Time Timer: Provides visual timers for time management. Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tjIiPJ Find more resources and join the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

I had the absolute joy of sitting down with the remarkable Diane Strand. Diane's journey is nothing short of WOW – from facing dyslexia head-on to creating magic behind the scenes of iconic shows like "Friends" and "General Hospital". She's even worked behind the scenes for legends like Barbra Streisand! But here's the heart of Diane's story: she's passionately dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities through her work at JDS Creative Academy, using the power of the arts. Diane's story is a vibrant reminder of how embracing our passions can truly change our lives and the lives of others. So, grab your favorite cozy spot and tune in for a conversation filled with heartfelt stories, laughter, and the kind of inspiration that sticks with you long after you've listened. Can't wait for you to join us! 🌟💕 Find Out More About Diane and her mission to support individuals of all abilities through the art of media through JDS Creative Academy. https://jdscreativeacademy.org/ Grab free IEP resources and find out how to become a Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

Often, general education teachers feel unprepared and disconnected from the IEP process, especially at meetings. Let's explore three strategies to involve general education teachers more effectively in the IEP process without overwhelming them. Strategy 1: Ensure that the IEP's "supports for school personnel" section is checked and filled out inside the IEP paperwork. This box is frequently overlooked in IEPs or not used to its maximum potential. Strategy 2: Engage general education teachers in simple data collection. This doesn't require intensive one-on-one time but can be as straightforward as tracking skills using discreet methods. This involvement helps teachers feel a sense of ownership over the outcomes. Strategy 3: Include general education teachers in goal-setting for the IEP. Their perspective can provide valuable insights into the skills necessary for the student's current and future school environments, which leads to fostering more engagement and ownership. Your Next Steps: Earn Your Master IEP Coach® Leadership Certificate Find Out How to Start Your Own IEP Coaching Business Grab Free IEP Resources