Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Understood.org, Julian Saavedra

Episodes 104
Avg. Duration 22m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (31)
Since Nov 2021
Latest Episode May 2026

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Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
84%
Hosting
feeds.simplecast.com

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About This Podcast

Navigating the education system can be overwhelming for families whose children have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning and thinking differences. Opportunity Gap is a podcast that sheds light on the real challenges families face when trying to get the right support for their kids. On this show, we explore how identity, race, disability, and access to resources can make the education journey more challenging — and what parents can do about it. Join host Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal and father of two, as he shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you advocate for your child.

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Recent Episodes

Should you hold your child back a year? What parents need to know

May 27, 2026 23m

If your child doesn’t seem ready for kindergarten or the next grade, what should you do? What if the school is suggesting that your child stay back?  In this episode, we break down the real factors…

The reasons kids shut down before summer break

May 13, 2026 11m

As the school year winds down, many kids start to burn out. They might lose motivation, feel big emotions, or struggle to follow their usual routines. In this episode, you’ll learn why behaviors like…

3 hidden IEP benefits every parent should know

Apr 29, 2026 25m

Most families know that IEPs can provide accommodations and services. But other powerful supports are sometimes hidden. In this episode, we break down three often-overlooked IEP benefits: extended…

The case for more play in school

Apr 15, 2026 12m

Play isn’t just a break from learning. It can also be how learning happens. But many kids have less time for recess and unstructured play than ever before.  In this episode, we explore why play…

ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids

Apr 01, 2026 25m

If your child has ADHD, you may wonder how eating affects their focus at school. The answer isn’t about perfect meals or strict rules. In this episode, host Julian Saavedra talks with registered…

The school programs giving kids a real advantage

Mar 18, 2026 12m

Schools don’t always get everything right. But many are doing amazing work every day!  In this episode, we explore how educators are helping kids thrive and succeed in the classroom. Discover how…

Help kids face failure without stepping in to fix it

Mar 04, 2026 25m

Kids can learn to carry the “boulders” of their feelings, build resilience, and make independent choices without parents taking over. As hard as it is to watch them struggle, sometimes the best…

Do kids really need homework?

Feb 18, 2026 10m

Homework can be a source of stress for kids and families, especially for those with learning and thinking differences. In this episode, assistant principal Julian Saavedra breaks down what homework…

Introducing Everyone Gets a Juice Box

Feb 11, 2026 35m

Discover a new show on the Understood Podcast Network: Everyone Gets a Juice Box, hosted by Jessica Shaw! This series explores the real challenges parents face raising neurodivergent kids — with…

Top 5 IEP meeting tips from a parent advocate

Feb 04, 2026 25m

As a parent advocate and mom, Danielle Ward has been in countless IEP meetings. She’s a wealth of knowledge on how to make the most of your time with the special education team. From bringing…

The mid-year reset: How parents can help kids finish the school year strong

Jan 21, 2026 12m

We’re officially halfway through the school year. That makes this the perfect moment to pause and reset. In this solo episode, Julian shares why mid-year check-ins matter — and how families can use…

Phone-free classrooms: What happens when devices disappear

Jan 07, 2026 17m

It seems like everyone has a phone in their hand these days, and kids are no exception. But increasingly, schools are starting to limit phones — or even ban them. What does that mean for students,…

School refusal vs. sick days: What’s really going on?

Dec 17, 2025 10m

In this episode, Julian breaks down “chronic absenteeism.” What is that, you ask?As parents, you’re probably familiar with kids avoiding school. But when does a feeling turn into a pattern? And what…

How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD

Dec 03, 2025 28m

Many kids with ADHD also deal with anxiety. Together, this can end up looking like defiance, avoidance, or just acting out at school. In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on…

Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained

Nov 19, 2025 33m

We know the headlines around special education these days are hard to take in.Federal layoffs in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) could affect oversight of $15 billion in IDEA funding,…

What to do when parent-teacher relationships go wrong

Nov 05, 2025 13m

Sometimes parent-teacher relationships don’t go as smoothly as we hope. And when conflicts happen, it can make school harder for both students and adults.In this episode, Julian shares practical…

Trouble with reading? Is it dyslexia?

Oct 22, 2025 12m

Is your child having trouble with reading? Could it be dyslexia? Expert Shira Moskowitz shares what parents need to know.Dyslexia is more than just letter mix-ups.It’s a learning difference that…

How to talk to your child about microaggressions in the classroom

Oct 08, 2025 14m

What do you do when your child says, “I think my teacher hates me”? In this episode, Julian breaks down what that really means. Learn how to spot signs of microaggressions in the classroom. Get…

Parent-teacher conference tips: What to say and ask

Sep 24, 2025 21m

Ever leave a parent-teacher conference feeling more confused than informed? Dr. Andy Kahn joins us to help you prepare and make the most of these important conversations.For many parents, these…

Kids struggling with math? It could be dyscalculia

Sep 10, 2025 23m

Some kids work hard in math but still struggle to keep up. Even with extra practice, the numbers just don’t click. This might be a sign of dyscalculia, a learning disability that makes it difficult…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education have?

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education has published 104 episodes since November 2021, covering topics in Kids & Family, Parenting.

Is Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education still active?

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 22m.

How do I contact Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education, including email and social media links.

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