ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents
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About This Podcast
Hosted by Monica Trost, a Licensed Educational Psychologist (#4660) and parent, this podcast breaks down special education terms, systems, and strategies in clear, bite-sized episodes. Each week, we walk through one IEP concept from A to Z—like accommodations, behavior plans, and extended school year—along with real-life stories and practical tips you can actually use.
Whether you’re new to special education or deep in the IEP world, these episodes are designed to help you build confidence, feel more informed, and advocate with clarity.
📎 Free companion handouts available for every episode at www.preparedparentadvocate.com
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Recent Episodes
S1E42 IEP Inbox: “What if my child isn’t making progress on their IEP goals?”
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…
S1E41 U for Understanding Progress Reports: Reading Between the Lines
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…
S1E40 IEP Inbox: What Can I Do If the School Misses a Deadline?
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…
S1E39 T is for Timelines: The Deadlines Parents Should Know
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…
S1E38 IEP Inbox: “Can I Pick Who Works With My Child on Their IEP?”
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…
S1E37 S for Supports & Services: The Building Blocks of Your Child’s IEP
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…
S1E36 IEP Inbox: “Does More Therapy in the IEP Mean Better Support?”
More speech? More OT? More minutes in the IEP? It’s a common instinct—but more therapy isn’t always better therapy. In this quick episode, Monica breaks down why more minutes don’t always lead to…
S1E35 R for Related Services: Beyond Academics — Speech, OT, Counseling & More
IEPs aren’t just about academics. In this episode, we explore Related Services—the essential supports like speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and more that help your child access…
S1E34 IEP Inbox: What Questions Should I Ask at an IEP Meeting?
Not sure what to say once the IEP meeting starts? You’re not alone. In this IEP Inbox mini episode, Monica shares simple, go-to questions that help you stay grounded and informed—plus how to tailor…
S1E33 Q is for Questions to Ask at IEP Meetings: Your Go-To Cheat Sheet
Ever leave an IEP meeting thinking, I should’ve asked more questions—but I didn’t know where to start? You’re not alone. In this episode of ABC of the IEP, Monica shares a practical cheat sheet of…
S1E32 IEP Inbox: Can the School Hold an IEP Meeting Without Me?
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…
S1E31 P for Parent Participation: Your Legal Rights & Practical Role
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…
S1E30 IEP Inbox: Should I Get a Private Evaluation If I Don’t Agree With the School?
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…
S1E29 O is for Outside Evaluations: When & Why to Consider Private Assessments
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…
S1E28 IEP Inbox: “Can I Ask the Team to Include My Child’s Strengths?”
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…
S1E27 N is for Neurodivergent Strengths: Shifting the Focus Beyond Deficits
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…
S1E26 IEP Inbox: "Will Accommodations or Modifications Affect Graduation?"
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…
S1E25 M is for Modifications vs. Accommodations: Know the Difference
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…
S1E24 IEP Inbox: Does an IEP Mean Special Day Class? Understanding Placement Options
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…
S1E23 L is for Least Restrictive Environment: What It Means for Placement
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents has published 44 episodes since August 2025, covering topics in Education, Self-Improvement.
ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 4m.
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