ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents

IEP Inbox: Do I Have to Do Therapy Activities at Home?

You’re juggling speech, OT, counseling—and wondering if you’re supposed to keep it all going at home. This short episode breaks down what’s required (and what’s not), why guilt doesn’t belong in your routine, and how to support your child without burning out. One quick mindset shift + one small carryover strategy = more peace, less pressure.
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.

H is for Help at Home: Supporting Your Child Without Burning Out

School is only part of the picture. In this episode, we explore how to support your child’s IEP goals at home—without trying to become their teacher or therapist. You’ll learn why consistency across settings matters, simple strategies that actually work, and how to ask the school team for tools you can use at home. Plus, a personal story to remind you: progress doesn’t have to be perfect. 
Get 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.

IEP Inbox: “Can I Suggest My Own IEP Goals?” How to Share Your Ideas Without Overstepping

You know your child best—so can you bring your own IEP goals to the table? In this episode, we walk through how parents can meaningfully shape goal development, what to avoid when suggesting pre-written goals, and how to frame your input so the team is more likely to listen.✨ Download the free handout with sample phrases and ideas for contributing to your child’s goals in a collaborative, effective way. 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.

Bonus Episode - Thanks and Upcoming Classes!

Thanks for listening to the podcast. I hope the resources have been helpful to everyone, whether this is the start of your IEP journey or if you’ve been in it for a while. I just wanted to let everyone know that I do offer courses, in-person and online, to help families learn advocacy skills and get support in real time. You can learn more here: 
https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/workshops-and-talks
Don’t forget to follow 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.
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G is for Goals: How to Tell If Your Child’s IEP Goals Are Actually Helping

IEP goals are more than just paperwork—they’re the roadmap for your child’s progress. In this episode, we break down what makes a goal strong, how to tell if it’s truly measurable, and why so many goals still feel vague or generic. You’ll hear a personal story that highlights how confusing this can be for families—and learn what questions to ask so you feel confident, not lost, when it comes to your child’s plan.✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout with reflection questions and phrases you can use at your next IEP meeting. 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.

IEP Inbox: “If My Child Isn’t Meeting Their IEP Goals, Is That a FAPE Violation?” What Lack of Progress Really Means—and What You Can Do

Not meeting IEP goals doesn’t automatically mean the school is violating FAPE—but it is a red flag. In this episode, we unpack what schools are legally required to do, when lack of progress becomes a concern, and how to respond with clarity and calm. Learn what questions to ask, how to push for changes, and when it’s time to request more data or support.✨ Grab the free handout with questions to bring to your next IEP meeting and next steps if progress stalls. 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.

IEP Inbox: “What If the School Says No to Evaluating My Child?” How to Respond—and What the Law Says

If you’ve been told “no” when asking for your child to be evaluated, you’re not out of options. In this mini episode, we walk through your legal rights, why schools sometimes say no, and exactly how to respond in writing. You’ll learn how to document your concerns, request Prior Written Notice, and keep the process moving forward.✨ Download the free handout with language you can use and next steps to take if your request is denied.
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.

IEP Inbox: D is for Disability Eligibility “Can the School Ignore My Child’s Autism Diagnosis?”

If you’ve handed over a private autism report only to hear, “We’ll do our own testing,” you’re not alone—and you’re not being dismissed. In this mini episode, we break down why schools are legally required to do their own evaluations, how medical and school criteria differ, and how to use your outside diagnosis as a strategic part of the process.✨ Grab the free handout with key takeaways and parent-friendly language you can use in your next meeting. 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.

F is for FAPE - What Your Child Is Legally Entitled To And What They’re Not

FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is one of the most important—and misunderstood—concepts in special education. In this episode, we break down what FAPE really means, what schools must provide, and what they’re notrequired to do. I also share a personal story from my child’s IEP and how a well-worded letter turned things around.✨ Download the free handout for quick reminders and reflection prompts.
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.

A is for Accommodations: What They Are — and What They Aren’t

What counts as an accommodation? In this first episode, I break down the role of accommodations, how they support students without lowering expectations, and how to tell if they’re actually helping.
 
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts 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.