Special Education Strategist

Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

Overwhelmed, lost, dismissed in IEP/504 systems — seeking help, clarity, and support? You're not alone! Hosted by Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, a certified educational therapist, IEP coach, and parent advocate with over 20 years of experience helping families navigate special education. Wendy is the founder of Learning Essentials and a trusted voice in decoding IEPs, literacy challenges, and executive function needs. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or professional, Wendy brings compassionate expertise, real-life strategies, and empowering guidance to help you support the child you care about.

Author

Special Education Strategist

Category

Education

Podcast website

learningessentialsedu.com

Latest episode

Oct 14, 2025

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

73: Finding Your Voice With Meg Flanagan (Military & IEP) 25.07.2023

Episode Brief:   This conversation will give you some amazing insight into what transitioning between school systems looks like for all types of kids, but especially for military students with IEP’s or 504 plans. Meg Flanagan offers us her expert knowledge into translating everything you have to do while you move into manageable pieces with a well thought out plan and the right support. You won’t...

72: IEP Strategy: Reviewing & Revising The IEP 18.07.2023

Follow along today as we go over the top 20 questions I get from parents! Other solo episodes to listen to: Understanding AT At The IEP Alternative Assessments Least Restrictive Environments

71: Smart Self-Care With Robin Brannan 11.07.2023

Episode Brief:   We are talking about everything self-care for parents AND professionals with neurodivergent children! Join us today as we break down some essential tips with Robin Brannan, LCMFT with Better Family Therapy, and learn more about how you can work simple self-care into your routine! Consider listening to this podcast as your form of self-care for the day. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Self-care...

70: The Childhood Collective 27.06.2023

Episode Brief:   You may have never met a group of amazing professionals quite like The Childhood Collective! Join us as we talk through some of the best practices for students with ADHD. Tune in and get ready to be more prepared for that upcoming IEP or 504 meeting! This amazing conversation will get you feeling more confident for the journey ahead. 🔑 Key Takeaways: ADHD Can Be A Challenge, But...

69: IEP Strategy: Least Restrictive Environments 20.06.2023
68: Let's Get Social, The Right Way With CASEN 13.06.2023

Episode Brief:   Listen in and listen up to this amazing conversation with Dr. Myava Clark and her son Chris Clark Jr. as we discuss their strategies for staying safe and healthy online and on social media. Their new application, CASEN, will give children and students a chance to practice online skills, recognize bullying, and so much more. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Social Media is a new world: Have Open...

67: IEP Strategy: Graduation From High School - Transfer Of Rights 06.06.2023
66: Helping Boys Succeed In School With Rich Weinfeld 30.05.2023

Episode Brief:   Rich Weinfeld lends us some of his expert knowledge and key insight to some of the current struggles that specifically male students are facing. We also get into strategies and best approaches for parents and professionals when supporting boys to be successful. Follow along as we discover some new things to think about when supporting boys in school. 🔑 Key Takeaways: It is up to...

65: Transition Considerations For Older Students & Preschool 23.05.2023
64: Social Media And Mental Health 16.05.2023

Episode Brief:   Tune in and listen up for this one! We go into a deep dive about everything Social Media, how it relates to your kiddo, and some things to keep an eye out for as you and your family traverse the digital world. Jaclyn Halpern guides through this amazing conversation and you won’t want to miss it! 🔑 Key Takeaways: Social media has pro’s and con’s: Build A Foundation: Be open with y...

63: IEP Strategy: Blind, Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing 09.05.2023
62: Understanding AT At The IEP 02.05.2023

Episode Brief:   Courtney Burnett joins us today to walk us through everything assistive technology, ways to advocate for your student, and how to identify what communication devices may be available to your child. You’ll get some amazing nuggets of information from this one so be sure to have that notepad ready as we discuss all things AT at the IEP! 🔑 Key Takeaways: Communication doesn’t always...

61: IEP Strategy: Predetermination 25.04.2023
60: Outside Of The Box Support For Autism 18.04.2023

Episode Brief:   Tag along as we have an AMAZING conversation with Donna Henderson & Sarah Wayland about supporting your child in positive and effective ways. This episode is loaded with tips and guidance for both parents and professionals who support children living with Autism. You’ll gain some practical insight on how altering your approach to support means positive outcomes for your child....

59: IEP Strategy: Manifestation Determination 11.04.2023
58: Medical vs. Educational With Karin Walsh 04.04.2023

Today we are joined by the ever-amazing Karin Walsh who shares with us her unique insight and approach to bridging the gap between the medical and educational models of supporting our students. You’ll take away a ton of good ideas, guidance, and most of all resources to further help you approach the IEP table. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The difference between Educational & Medical: Trust Your Instincts...

57: IEP Strategy: Behavior Plans & Accommodations 28.03.2023
56: Guiding Parents & IEP's With Jennifer Fisher 21.03.2023

Episode Brief:   Stepping into the world of Special Education can be challenging–with today’s episodes we are joined by Jennifer Fisher who expertly guides through the differences of EMT, 504’s, and IEP’s. Join us as we discover new tips and guidance to take before, during, and after important assessments and meetings with the school. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Be Prepared And Ask Questions: Bring Tangible...

55: IEP Strategy: Alternative Assessments 14.03.2023
54: Smile To Succeed With Kirt Manecke 07.03.2023

Episode Brief:   Have you ever called a business and felt like you weren't heard? Maybe you could tell that the employee was not happy to be on the phone. Well, today we talk about the power of a smile with Kirt Manecke, author and business owner! We cover strategies to support your teen to adapt and develop their social and professional skills and the critical role they play in both social and wo...

53: IEP Strategy: The Difference Between Accommodations & Modifications 28.02.2023
52: ADHD And Girls With Amanda Sovik-Johnston 21.02.2023

Episode Brief:   Did you know that girls are underdiagnosed when it comes to ADHD? Today we dive into what ADHD is, what it looks like in girls, and how you as parents and professionals can provide better support at home and in the classroom. Make sure to listen to the amazing suggestions and strategies we highlight for advocating for testing and the path parents can follow to seek a diagnosis. 🔑...

51: IEP Strategy: Teacher Of Record, Tracking IEP Progress & Data Collection 14.02.2023
50: Navigating Special Education: The Power Of Building Positive Parent-Educator Relationships 07.02.2023

Unlock the power of positive communication with the IEP team with Tamara Jacobson and Peggy Bud as we talk through creating a third voice in the landscape of Special Education. In this conversation you’ll discover the 5 C’s to positive relationships and how your approach and partnership with the IEP team benefits your child. This is truly one to not skip! 🔑 Key Takeaways: Positive Communication I...

49: IEP Strategy: Notifying Parents Of Progress 31.01.2023

Listen to the Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.