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

Episode Brief:   You won’t want to miss Jennette Roberes as we demystify the world of dyslexia and the breadcrumbs we can follow to get our students the support they need. Jennette shares so MANY resources in our discussion and after listening you’ll have the tools you need to work with your school for support related to dyslexia. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Start Early & Follow The Breadcrumbs: Check O...

Episode Brief:   On this episode we are focusing on all things ABA as we talk with Rose Griffin about deciphering verbal behaviors and understanding how support and services can help students in the classroom and in their social lives. Get ready to learn about ABA therapies and what you can do to get these services for your child and onto the IEP! 🔑 Key Takeaways: Parents…Make Sure You Advocate:...

🔑 Key Takeaways: OCD Comes In A Lot Of Forms: Higher Occurrence In The Neurodivergent Population: Hannah told us about a couple of age ranges where OCD is more commonly noticed, these include 9-12 years old and 19-21 years old and may be attributed to transitional stressors. You’ll Need A Team: Communication, education, and collaboration are key to successfully supporting students with OCD or anx...

Today we jump into the world of 2E students and adults with Julie Skolnick of With Understanding Comes Calm. You won’t want to miss all the tips, resources, and guidance Julie shares with us about supporting 2E kids and adults. Tune in, relax, and get ready to take an amazing journey with Julie. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 2E Students & Adults: Layered Cake Of Giftedness: You have your frosting, smart a...

Join us on our first episode of season two as we do a deep dive into “d-cubed” (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia) with Dr. Lauren from Think Dyslexia! Together we demystify the two lesser known D’s of d-cubed and discuss signs, barriers, and strategies to support your student with these types of learning differences.

Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, is the host of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast and has been a school-based occupational therapist since 2012. With experience as both a contracted therapist and an "in-house" employee for two distinctly different districts, Jayson has had the opportunity to appreciate the differences between both small-rural and large-suburban districts. In 2014, Jayson earned his Certificatio...

When children celebrate what makes them unique, they feel good about themselves and learn to appreciate the diversity in the world around them. Listen in as Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, and Stacey Montgomery, social-emotional learning innovator/author, discuss how to help kids understand and embrace differences. They discuss social-emotional learning, the benefits, and ideas for creating a more incl...

When children celebrate what makes them unique, they feel good about themselves and learn to appreciate the diversity in the world around them. Listen in as Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, and Stacey Montgomery, social-emotional learning innovator/author, discuss how to help kids understand and embrace differences. They discuss social-emotional learning, the benefits, and ideas for creating a more incl...

The Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance Statement (PLAAFP, or “present levels”) is a key part of your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) . 

Have you been the parent with the kid crying at home, saying they will not go to school? Maybe you’ve been the teacher at school wondering where your student has been after missing school for four days in a row? Anxiety can be one of the biggest stressors in school refusal. Jump in as our guest, Ariel Kornblum talks about how validating what our children feel can help us a long way in our collecti...

Have you ever wondered who everyone is and if the right people are even at the IEP meeting? Today, we are going to dive into IEP teams. Who should be there, how someone may be excused from a meeting and what to do if you want to bring a lawyer to a meeting? Get ten free tips to prep for an IEP meeting today! with BONUS: 5 questions to ask at the IEP meeting. https://learningessentialsedu.ck.page/...

Beth Liesenfeld, MOT, OTR/L, founded The IEP Lab and hosts her own podcast, “The Parent IEP Lab.” An occupational therapist, Beth transitioned from working in clinics and homes to working in schools, where she saw a need for parents to be better informed and engaged with the IEP process. Through The IEP Lab, Beth helps parents learn how to advocate for an effective IEP. Listen in to hear about the...

Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P and Karen Mayer-Cunningham as they talk “Special Education Teacher Shortage, FAPE, IEPs, and Educational Services.”  Karen has been advocating on behalf of children for over 25 years. Her advocacy began as an effort to get needed services for her son and later founded Special Education Academy to share her broad experience and resources. Our discussion dives into par...

What is the relationship between your brain and gut health? Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P and Dr. Ali Navidi, licensed clinical psychologist, as they discuss the role of GI health and psychology on the brain-gut connection. Learn about disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), breaking the cycle of chronic pain using your brain, and ways parents can support children with somatic symptoms. Find o...

Hannah Ross, Educational Therapist Learn “how to student” with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, and certified educational therapist Hannah Ross. Hannah explains executive function skills and why they’re important for learners. Wendy and Hannah explore what signs can point to executive function deficits, how routines at home and school can promote executive function through modeling, and how we can recog...

How can we support our educators? Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, and Jenny Mills, M.Ed., as they discuss indicators of burnout, protection against burnout, and the importance of connection and community in the workplace. Jenny and Wendy explore how administrators and parents can support educators, how teachers can implement boundaries, and the ways we can all ensure an appropriate work/home life...

Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, and dyslexia specialist Natalie Powell as they discuss ways to identify and support struggling readers. Natalie provides insightful recommendations on how to keep reading light and fun for kids and parents, what signs to look for in early childhood and school-aged children, and the importance of empowering children by naming their diagnosis.  You can find Natalie Po...