ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents

What happens if you can’t attend the IEP meeting… and the school holds it anyway? In this quick episode of IEP Inbox, Monica breaks down what the law says about parent participation, when schools can legally meet without you, and what to do if it happens. You’ll also hear how to prevent this situation—and how to stay involved, even if scheduling gets tricky.
👉 For more IEP support and free handouts, 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.

You’ve probably heard that parents are part of the IEP team—but what does that really mean? In this episode, we break down your legal rights under IDEA, what meaningful parent participation looks like, and how to stay grounded and involved even when the process feels rushed or overwhelming. Monica shares insights from both the school and parent side—and offers practical tips to help you speak up with clarity and confidence.
👉 Find free handouts and more support 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.

Feeling unsure after a school evaluation? In this mini episode, Monica walks through when a private assessment might help, what to watch out for, and how to choose the right evaluator. You’ll also hear what happens when you share an outside evaluation with your IEP team—and how to keep the conversation collaborative, not confrontational.
👉 Find more IEP tips and download free handouts 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.

Wondering if you should get a private evaluation for your child? In this episode, Monica breaks down when outside assessments (including IEEs) make sense, what schools are legally required to do with them, and how to share results without creating conflict. You’ll also learn what to look for in a quality evaluator—and what red flags to avoid.
👉 Grab 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.

Yes—you can ask the IEP team to include your child’s strengths. In fact, the law already requires it. In this mini episode, Monica explains why strengths belong in the IEP, how to bring them into the conversation, and what to say if that section of the plan has been left blank. Whether your child loves structure, stories, or science, their interests matter—and should be part of the plan.
👉 Grab the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Monica Trost, LEP #4660.

Ever feel like your child’s IEP focuses only on what’s “wrong”? In this episode, we talk about how to bring neurodivergent strengths into the room—on purpose. You’ll learn how schools can center student interests, how parents can advocate for strength-based language in the IEP, and why it matters for both motivation and self-worth. Monica also shares a personal story about pushing back on labels and advocating for placements that build on connection and joy.
👉 Includes a 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.

Worried about how IEP supports might impact your child’s ability to graduate? In this mini episode, we break down how accommodations and modifications are treated differently—especially when it comes to high school diploma requirements. Learn which supports won’t affect graduation at all, which ones might, and the exact questions to ask your IEP team to make sure you’re in the loop early—not surprised later.
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 all supports are created equal—and knowing the difference between accommodations and modifications can help you better understand your child’s IEP or 504 Plan. In this episode, we’ll break down what each one means, how they affect learning expectations, and why it matters long-term. You’ll also hear a real-life story that shows just how blurry the line can get—and a simple question to help you clarify what’s really happening in the classroom.
👉 Includes a 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.

When your child qualifies for special education, do they have to start in a special day class? In this IEP Inbox mini episode, we break down what the law actually says, why inclusion sometimes gets skipped, and how to advocate for the least restrictive environment—especially if your district doesn’t offer inclusive preschool options.
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.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is one of the most important—and misunderstood—concepts in special education. In this episode, we break down what LRE really means, what it doesn’t, and how placement decisions should be made. You’ll hear how Monica navigated pushback on her own child’s IEP and walked the team toward collaboration—with a reminder that services are portable, and inclusion is a legal right.
Don't forget to grab your free handout at www.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.