What is an Advocate? An advocate is a knowledgeable individual who assists caregivers in navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Advocates help ensure that the educational needs of children with disabilities are met by providing expertise and support to families. They can assist with interpreting special education law, advising…
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Preparing for the School Year: Creating a One-Page Profile for Your Child
As the new school year approaches, it’s important to ensure that your child’s educational team is well-informed about their needs, strengths, and preferences. One highly effective way to do this is by creating and updating a one-page profile for your child, especially if they have an individualized education program (IEP)….
Handling “We can’t do that” and “We don’t offer that here” in IEP Meetings
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can feel like a daunting task, especially when you are met with phrases like “We can’t do that” or “We don’t offer that here” when asking for additional support and services. This is a common experience that leaves many people feeling powerless and frustrated. However,…
Understanding Extended School Year (ESY) Services
Extended School Year (ESY) is a provision under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that ensures students with disabilities who need them receive educational services beyond the regular school year in an effort to prevent significant regression and support the maintenance of critical skills necessary for a student’s academic…
Tennessee’s Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program
In Tennessee, the Department of Education offers a variety of educational choices, including public, non-public, and home schools. A key component of these options is the Individualized Education Account (IEA) program as designated by state law. This program is designed to aid students with disabilities and their families by providing…
Your Guide to TN-TAN: Empowering Tennessee’s Special Needs Families
Families with special needs children often face challenges in securing appropriate educational and developmental support, even when working within the public school system. The Tennessee Technical Assistance Network (TN-TAN), funded by the Department of Education, serves to facilitate additional resources and support to educators, administrators, advocates, and families. TN-TAN provides…
Understanding Psychoeducational Evaluations
As a caregiver, seeing your child struggle in school can be distressing. When typical progress isn’t apparent, considering a psychoeducational evaluation administered by a psychologist and relevant school team members might be a beneficial step. These evaluations assess a range of skills — cognitive abilities, academic performance in areas like…
If it isn’t Documented, it never happened! Documentation and Communication in Special Education
When preparing for an IEP meeting to ensure your child receives the necessary special education and related services, it’s necessary to document thoroughly and consistently. Start with a new notebook or digital document and log daily details about your child’s special education services, team contacts, and activities. Detailed documentation, from…
Recording IEP Meetings: Weighing the Benefits and Considerations
In Special Education, the IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings are pivotal gatherings that shape a student’s educational path. As both an advocate and parent, I’ve witnessed the complexity and importance of these meetings in my family and the lives of families I’ve worked with. Picture a conference room with educators,…
TN Pulse IEP, Section by Section: Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
TN Pulse IEP, Section by Section: Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) The Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), sometimes referred to as “present levels,” is a vital component to your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The first PLAAFP for your child is a…