ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.