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 behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child's IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

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 behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child's IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

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 behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child's IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

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 behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child's IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

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 behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child's IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

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 behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child's IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

If you’re worried your child is being seen only for their challenges—not their strengths—you’re not alone. In this short episode, I’m sharing what to ask, how to shift the conversation, and ways to advocate without conflict. This one blends personal reflection with practical, calm guidance.

✨ 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 behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child's IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

If you’ve ever been told your child doesn’t need accommodations—but your gut says otherwise—this one’s for you. In this quick Q&A episode, I’m breaking down why schools sometimes say no, what to ask in response, and how to share what you’re seeing at home.

✨ 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 behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child's IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

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