ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents

V for Visual Supports: How They Help at School & Home

Visual schedules, First/Then boards, and checklists—oh my! In this episode of ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents, Monica dives into the power of visual supports and how they can make a big difference in your child’s day—both at school and at home.
👉 Get the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

IEP Inbox: “What if my child isn’t making progress on their IEP goals?”

Not seeing the growth you expected? You're not alone.
In this IEP Inbox mini episode, Monica tackles a tough but common question: What should you do when your child isn’t making progress on their IEP goals? Learn how to spot the red flags, what to ask at your next meeting, and why “no progress” is actually a signal—not a dead end.
👉 Download the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

U for Understanding Progress Reports: Reading Between the Lines

Progress updates shouldn’t feel like a mystery.
In this episode of ABC of the IEP, Monica unpacks how to actually understand your child’s IEP progress reports. Learn what schools are required to report, how to decode vague comments like “some progress made,” and what to ask when things don’t quite add up.
👉 Grab the companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

IEP Inbox: What Can I Do If the School Misses a Deadline?

Delays in the IEP process can feel frustrating—but you’re not powerless.
In this IEP Inbox mini episode, Monica explains what to do if the school misses a special education timeline. From checking the clock to sending a clear follow-up, this episode walks you through a calm, practical approach that keeps things collaborative while holding the process accountable.
👉 Free companion resources at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

T is for Timelines: The Deadlines Parents Should Know

IEP timelines can feel like a mystery—but they’re actually one of your most powerful tools as a parent.
In this episode, Monica breaks down the key deadlines that shape the IEP process, including how long schools have to assess your child, when meetings should happen, and what to do when things get delayed. You’ll also hear a real-life example of how preschool timelines can play out—and why writing things down (with dates!) makes all the difference.
👉 Grab the free companion handout for this episode at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

IEP Inbox: “Can I Pick Who Works With My Child on Their IEP?”

You can’t choose your child’s speech therapist or special ed teacher like you’d pick a doctor—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.
In this mini episode, Monica explains what the law actually says about staff assignments in IEPs, when it’s okay to speak up, and how to start the conversation if something just isn’t working.Whether it’s a provider mismatch, a sudden staffing change, or your gut saying “this isn’t the right fit,” this episode walks you through your rights, your options, and what respectful advocacy looks like in practice.
👉 Grab the free episode handout and more support tools at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

S for Supports & Services: The Building Blocks of Your Child’s IEP

Supports and services are where the IEP shifts from paper to practice—where goals turn into real, daily help.
In this episode, Monica breaks down the difference between supports and services, why delivery model and frequency matter, and how parents can make sure these pieces actually meet their child’s needs. You'll also hear how school teams track services, what to ask during IEP meetings, and how to troubleshoot if support starts slipping through the cracks.
Because knowing what’s written into the IEP is one thing—understanding how it plays out in real life is another.
👉 Grab your free companion handout and other parent tools at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

IEP Inbox: “Does More Therapy in the IEP Mean Better Support?”

More speech? More OT? More minutes in the IEP? It’s a common instinct—but more therapy isn’t always better therapy.
In this quick episode, Monica breaks down why more minutes don’t always lead to more progress, and what to ask the IEP team instead. Learn how to focus on quality, alignment, and student engagement, not just quantity.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

R for Related Services: Beyond Academics — Speech, OT, Counseling & More

IEPs aren’t just about academics. In this episode, we explore Related Services—the essential supports like speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and more that help your child access learning and make meaningful progress.
Monica breaks down what counts as a related service, how these services are decided, and what questions to ask to ensure they’re not just on paper—but actually helping your child thrive.
👉 Find more IEP tips and free resources at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

IEP Inbox: What Questions Should I Ask at an IEP Meeting?

Not sure what to say once the IEP meeting starts? You’re not alone. In this IEP Inbox mini episode, Monica shares simple, go-to questions that help you stay grounded and informed—plus how to tailor your questions based on what’s happening with your child’s services, goals, or placement.
Whether you’re brand new to the IEP process or just want a quick reset before your next meeting, this episode is packed with practical ways to make your voice heard.
👉 Find more support and free resources at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.