Tag: special education
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ESY Isn’t Summer School (And Here’s Why That Matters)
Extended School Year (ESY) services are often misunderstood. This post breaks down what ESY is (and isn’t), who is eligible, and what parents can do if something doesn’t feel right.
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Placements, Sneakers, and Why Fit Matters
IEP placement can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This post breaks down the continuum of placements, explains how decisions are made, and uses a simple analogy to show why the right fit matters more than staying the same.
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Why I Became an SESP—and Why I Still Do It
A personal look at becoming a Special Education Surrogate Parent (SESP), what the role actually involves, and why it matters for students who don’t have anyone to advocate for them. A mix of real experience, clear explanation, and hope for what comes next.
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How to Read an IEP Without Becoming Overwhelmed
The IEP can feel like legal mumbo-jumbo and emotional overload all at once. Here are a few tips on how to read it slowly, thoughtfully, and without panic.
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What Happens at an IEP Meeting (And What Parents Should Expect)
An accessible explanation of the IEP process, including timelines, Team roles, evaluations, and eligibility—focused on helping parents understand what happens at the meeting.
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What I Want Parents to Know About IEPs
IEPs aren’t just paperwork—they’re emotional, legal, and overwhelming. Here are 10 things I think every parent should know before the meeting.
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What Schools Don’t See: The Emotional Side of IEPs
A deeply personal reflection on what really happens behind the paperwork, timelines, and meetings of special education — the fear, heartbreak, and strength parents carry while advocating for their child. This is the side of IEPs schools don’t often see, but every special needs parent knows by heart.
Brain Fog & Brilliance 