ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you're wondering how to get your child evaluated for special education—or what happens after you do—this episode walks you through the entire process. From timelines and assessment types to your legal rights and how to make your voice count, you'll get a clear roadmap so you can feel more confident and prepared.✨ Don’t forget to download the free handout with key takeaways and next steps.
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.

You finally get a diagnosis—and then the school says your child doesn’t qualify? Let’s talk about it. In this episode, we unpack the difference between medical diagnoses and school-based eligibility, walk through the 13 IDEA categories, and explain why educational impact is the key to qualifying for special education. If you’ve ever felt confused or frustrated by the IEP eligibility process, this one’s for you.
✨ Grab the free handout to reflect on key takeaways and next steps. https://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.

If you’ve ever felt like school communication is inconsistent or unclear, you’re not alone. In this mini episode, we look at why communication breakdowns happen—and what you can do to gently open the lines. From asking for a point person to suggesting simple check-ins, you’ll walk away with practical, collaborative ways to stay connected.✨ 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.

When communication breaks down, the IEP process can too. In this episode, we look at what strong communication really means between parents and school teams, where things tend to fall apart, and how to stay connected without constant conflict.
✨ 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.