The 4-1-1 on 504 Plans
What is a 504 Plan? How can a 504 Plan help my child? Is my child even eligible for a 504 Plan? “Section 504 is a federal law designed to...
IEP/Help
Is ESY (Extended School Year) for My Child?
Understanding Extended School Year (ESY) How many of us have sat in an IEP meeting and discussed ESY? How many have wondered what ESY is and how would my child...
Is the IEP Individualized or Cookie-Cutter?
Is the IEP individualized or cookie-cutter? I am sure I am not alone. You are sitting at the IEP meeting and wondering if your child’s IEP is “individualized” as it...
Is It PLEP Or PLOP? for Present Level of Performance
Is It PLEP Or PLOP? for Present Level of Performance I was lost, frustrated and overwhelmed with my younger daughter’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan)! I started calling agencies for help...
Your First IEP Meeting
Your First IEP Meeting Imagine This… You walk into a room and you see at least 7 other people already sitting at a table. You are nervous. You feel like...
Special Education & Disability Acronyms / Abbreviations {Tip 23 of 31}
Special Education has a language of its own As you participate in your child’s special education process, you may feel that everyone has started speaking in a foreign language...
Beyond the IEP Team: 6 Tips for Parent Participation at School
Parent Participation at School When you have a child with a disability, you’re often very involved with his education. You spend time on the phone with teachers, you’re an active...
Whether it’s Your First IEP or You’re a Pro: 10 things to Cover at the Meeting
For some schools, spring is Individualized Education Program (IEP) season. Whether you’re sitting down with the team for your first IEP meeting or your fifth, it’s always good to have...
Independence + Security Balance: Balancing Independence with Security Guardianship and Its Alternatives
Balancing Independence In most states, there’s a presumption that individuals over the age of 18 are legally competent, regardless of any disabilities they may have. If no action is taken...
Know Your Rights in the IEP Process: What Do those Procedural Safeguards Really Mean?
If you’ve ever been to an IEP meeting, you’ve (hopefully) received a copy of your rights and procedural safeguards. In fact, if you’re an old pro at IEP meetings, you...