Alex Williams of The Anxiety Institute walks us through ALL of the essentials when it comes to navigating the complex world of mental health services. You won’t want to miss this conversation and all the wonderful and informative ways that Alex shares her expertise and knowledge with us! Discover more about mental health services in this episode. Main Discussion Points: Treatment Levels: It is important to know what treatment levels are when it comes to mental health services Some...

Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney based in Kentucky, joins Wendy Taylor on the podcast. Ashley brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from her experience as a teacher, attorney, parent of a child with Down syndrome, and someone with a physical disability. Main Discussion Points: Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA: Explanation of parents' rights and protections under IDEA, including the right to request an IEE at public expense. Importance of the IEE in...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, we delve into the invaluable role of organizational systems and collaborative partnerships in navigating the complexities of the special education system. Author and advocate Kelley Coleman joins us to share her insights and strategies for parents seeking to streamline their journey and advocate effectively for their child's needs. Key Takeaways: Setting Up Organizational Systems: Kelley emphasizes the importance of creating systems and...

Follow along with Wendy today as she covers the four P's to IEP's! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041

In this episode, Dr. Matt Zakreski joins Wendy Taylor to discuss effective ways parents can support their gifted or twice-exceptional children. Dr. Matt emphasizes the importance of proactive skill-building and future planning, encouraging parents to take action from where they are now. He also explores the concept of asynchrony in gifted children's development and how understanding this can help parents provide targeted support. Key Points: Proactive Skill-Building: Start taking action...

In this episode of "The Special Ed Strategist," host Wendy Taylor explores the vital collaboration between special education and general education teachers in supporting students with unique learning needs. Joined by guest Rebekah Poe, an expert with experience in both realms, they delve into the significance of teamwork, parental empowerment in the IEP process, and the transformative role of technology in education. Main Discussion Points: Teacher Collaboration: Rebekah emphasizes the...

Introduction: Emotional regulation and executive function skills are crucial for overall well-being and success in life. These skills impact various aspects of life, including academic, social, and personal domains. Emotional Regulation: Involves managing stress, controlling impulses, and adapting to changing emotional situations. Challenges in emotional regulation can lead to intense emotional reactions and difficulty in adapting to emotional changes. Executive Function...

In this episode, we're diving into the vital role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in schools. Join us as we chat with Hallie Sherman, a seasoned SLP with 16 years of experience in public schools, about the impact SLPs have on students' academic success. Discussion Highlights: Hallie's background and journey to becoming an SLP. The varied settings where SLPs can work and why Hallie chose to work in schools. How SLP services are determined based on their impact on a student's...

Have you ever received a school report or evaluation related to your kiddo's IEP and thought "that's not quite right"? Well, today Wendy walks you through all the right ways to: Collaborate with the school team Maximize outcomes when you disagree Appropriately approach the IEP team with questions Stay a team player with the entire IEP team, finding the third voice Reach out to us. We would love to hear from you! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn -...

Guest: Annie Tulkin, MS, Founder and Director of Accessible College Transitioning from high school to college can be a challenging process for any student, but it becomes even more complex for students with disabilities. Our guest, Annie Tulkin, discusses the importance of finding the right college and the steps involved in ensuring that students with physical disabilities and health conditions receive the necessary support and accommodations. Key Points Covered: Early Preparation and...

In this episode, we uncover the essence of specialized instruction, what it truly means, and how it can transform your child's educational journey. Specialized Instruction Defined: Individualized: Personalized to address each student's unique needs and learning style. Differentiated: Modifying teaching methods, materials, and assessments to accommodate diverse needs. Evidence-Based: Grounded in research-based practices proven effective for students with similar needs. Collaborative:...

🔍 Understanding Dyscalculia: Dyscalculia as a lifelong neurodiversity: a condition impacting various aspects of life. Limited research compared to dyslexia highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding. 💪 Empowerment Through Support: Importance of early intervention: reducing anxiety and providing tools for self-advocacy. Navigating educational, work, and social interaction difficulties with effective strategies. Lifelong empowerment: Creating a supportive...

In this dynamic episode, we delve into the intricate process of crafting and achieving Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals with precision, adaptability, and collaboration. The host emphasizes the dynamic nature of the journey and the importance of ongoing evaluation, adjustment, and collaboration. Key Takeaways: Precision in Goal-Setting: Goals should go beyond vague aspirations. A comprehensive assessment sets the baseline for specific and measurable goals. The importance of...

In this illuminating episode, host Wendy Taylor delves into the world of behavior modification with special guest Teri Bullis, Ph.D., BCBA. The focus is on the pivotal role of rewarding desired behaviors and effectively disciplining undesired behaviors using behavior modification techniques. The episode unfolds as a guide to understanding behavior theory and implementing interventions that foster positive behavior change. Key Takeaways: Behavior Modification Essentials: Explore the...

Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Tailoring Services to Individual Needs: Definition and role of the IEP service page. Detailed and individualized account of services throughout the school day. Addressing specific challenges and requirements identified in the evaluation process. Clear understanding for parents regarding support mechanisms and alignment with goals. 2️⃣ Ensuring Legal Compliance and Accountability: Crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education...

Join us on an exhilarating journey into the often-overlooked realm of transition planning! Your host Wendy Taylor and special guest, Tom Liniak, a trailblazing attorney and dedicated parent, aim to unlock the secrets of successful transitions for disabled individuals. Takeaway 1: Transition Tango!  Unpacking the critical role of transition planning for students with IEPs. Understanding the essence of a smooth transition from the school setting to adult life. Empowering individuals by...

Unpacking the IEP Essentials: Explore the crucial role of Present Level of Performance (PLOP). Learn how accurate assessments impact legal compliance. Discover the importance of active parental involvement beyond paperwork. Clear Goals: Dive into the legal emphasis on clear, measurable goals. Understand the collaborative process in goal-setting. Find out why ongoing communication is vital for goal achievement. Collaboration: Peek into the collaborative efforts shaping the...

In this episode, we welcome Frances Schefter, an attorney specializing in IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and the law. Frances shares her personal experience as a parent sitting at the IEP table and feeling overwhelmed and stressed. She discusses the importance of having a stress-free IEP experience and provides valuable information for parents who may be going through the same challenges. Frances also talks about her journey from being a bad speller to becoming an attorney and how...

What's PWN? PWN, or Prior Written Notice, is your backstage pass to understanding school recommendations and your child's educational journey. It's your GPS, guiding you through changes in your child's education – from identification to FAPE. The Power of PWN PWN isn't just a piece of paper; it's a superhero cape for parents. It's your right to be informed and challenge decisions that might affect your child's education. Even if everyone's on the same page, PWN is your secret weapon to...

The Impact of Parental Stress Ned Johnson discusses the detrimental effects of parental stress, which often leads to over-emotional and overreactive behavior in parents. The connection between parental stress and intensified situations for children is explored, emphasizing the need for recognition. Ned references research findings that highlight the relationship between parental stress and children's behavior in the context of special education. The Role of a Non-Anxious Presence The...

Join Wendy Taylor, your host on "The Special Ed Strategist" podcast, in a solo episode that's a game-changer for parents navigating the world of special education. In this episode: 🔍 Uncover the Crucial Role of the Parent Input Statement 🌈 See How Parental Insights Go Beyond School Observations 🎯 Understand How the IEP Benefits from Your Involvement 🔄 Explore How the Parent Input Statement Evolves Alongside Your Child Plus, meet Learning Essentials, your go-to resource for bridging...

In this informative episode, Wendy converses with expert guest Eric Endlich, discussing college readiness for students with special needs. The discussion touches on critical aspects of the college search process and offers valuable insights into helping students transition successfully from high school to college. Eric provides essential guidance for students, parents, and educators in navigating the challenges and opportunities in higher education for students with learning differences. Key...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Specialized Strategist Podcast with your host, Wendy Taylor. In this episode, we'll delve into the crucial concept of "Due Process in Special Education" and why it's essential for parents and school districts. Stay tuned for a comprehensive discussion on the legal mechanisms, federal laws, and practical tips surrounding this topic. Segment 1: What is Due Process in Special Education? Wendy introduces the concept of due process as a legal...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Terryl Rosenberg, PT, DPT, explores the Cognitive Orientation Approach to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). CO-OP focuses on enhancing internal task representations and executive function skills, with four core principles: goal, plan, do, and check to support DCD.   CO-OP's Versatility Terryl discusses CO-OP's versatility, suggesting its use in tasks like teeth brushing. Parents can employ...