ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents

Are virtual IEP meetings less effective than in-person ones? In this episode, Monica Trost addresses this common concern, exploring the potential pitfalls of virtual meetings, such as technical issues and the lack of personal connection. However, she emphasizes that the effectiveness of any IEP meeting—regardless of format—depends on preparation and participation. Discover how to leverage the virtual format to your advantage, ensuring your voice is heard and your child's needs are met. As we wrap up Season One, Monica also shares a sneak peek into Season Two, featuring expert insights to support your advocacy journey.Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.00:00 Monica Trost answers real questions from parents navigating the special education process00:48 Are virtual IEP meetings actually less effective than in person meetings for child04:02 The IEP Field Notes for Parents Season one podcast series is ending

We've reached the final letter in our ABC Journey, and in this episode, we dive into the world of Zoom and virtual IEP meetings. Monica shares the pros and cons of this format, offering practical tips on how to prepare and stay engaged while navigating meetings from home. Discover effective strategies like screen sharing, utilizing the chat for questions, and the importance of keeping your camera on to foster connection. Monica emphasizes that, regardless of the meeting format, your rights and voice remain unchanged. Whether virtual or in-person, being prepared is key to feeling empowered. As we wrap up this series, get ready for a transition into preschool evaluations in our upcoming season. Tune in for insights that will help you support your child every step of the way!Don't forget to grab your free handout at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcastFollow @preparedparentadvocate on instagramNeed 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

In this episode of ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents, Monica shares practical tips on how to get parent's input heard and considered during school meetings. 
🎁 Get the free handout for this episode: preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast📸 Follow Monica on Instagram: @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.

Parents are not guests at the IEP table—they are equal team members under the law. In this episode of ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents, Monica shares how to confidently take your seat at the table, balance collaboration with assertiveness, and keep the focus on your child’s needs without letting emotions or personalities derail the process. You’ll learn what the law says about parent participation, what effective teamwork looks like, and practical phrases to use when you need to slow things down or push for clarity.
🎁 Get the free handout for this episode: preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast📸 Follow Monica on Instagram: @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.

Summer school and ESY aren’t the same thing—and mixing them up can lead to missed services. In this quick IEP Inbox episode, Monica explains the difference between general education summer programs and Extended School Year (ESY)services under IDEA, including:
Why ESY is tied to your child’s IEP (not just availability)
What to say if the school offers summer school but not ESY
When and how to start the ESY conversation
💡 Field Note: Ask early—don’t wait until May.
🎁 Grab the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast📱 Follow Monica on Instagram: @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.

eXtended School Year—aka ESY—isn’t just summer school.It’s a legal service meant to prevent regression and support students who need consistency to maintain progress.
🎧 Visit preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast for free tools, tips, and handouts.
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.

“Do I really need to write that down?”If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s overkill to follow up with an email—this episode is for you.
In this quick IEP Inbox episode, Monica explains:
Why writing things down helps protect your child’s rights
What kinds of requests should always be in writing
How to phrase things clearly (without sounding confrontational)
Why email beats verbal conversations—especially when timelines matter
💡 Field Note: Don’t wait for the school to put it in writing—do it yourself.
🎧 Visit preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast for free tools, tips, and handouts.
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.

If there’s one IEP tip parents should remember—it’s this: put it in writing.In this episode, Monica breaks down why written communication is a must in the world of special education, what types of requests should always be documented, and how written words protect your child’s rights without creating conflict.
🎧 Get free 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.

Should visual schedules, First/Then boards, or behavior icons actually be written into your child’s IEP—or is it enough that the team “just uses them”? In this IEP Inbox episode, Monica explains why putting visual supports in writing matters for consistency, clarity, and long-term success.
🎧 For more free tools, visit 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.

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.